Utilizing digital twin, augmented reality, and virtual reality technology enables collaboration between OEMs and customers as well as more effective packaging designs.
If the pandemic had any positive effects for the manufacturing industry, it was that it required each of us to come up with creative solutions to carry on with our business operations, maintain our productivity, and guarantee the safety of all of our personnel. It has also served as a catalyst for cutting-edge technology like digital twins, virtual reality, and augmented reality (AR).
These innovations have transformed packaging design and manufacturing over the last few years, creating new opportunities for improved customer and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) collaboration as well as higher productivity, creativity, and innovation.
1. Improvements to instruction, education, and training programs:
By utilizing AR and VR technologies, packaging makers can improve training programs, create virtual educational simulations, and standardize work instructions.
Employee training is improved by using virtual training environments. Operators and technicians acquire the skills necessary to handle packaging equipment, adhere to safety regulations, and diagnose potential issues without any unnecessary dangers. This gives the employees the practical skills they need, improving efficiency and lowering operational errors.
The overlay of technical data on equipment transforms factory floors by giving businesses data on process and production flow as well as predictive and preventive maintenance. This reduces errors that can result in equipment downtime or possible injuries.
Businesses are finding it simpler to standardize their processes and guarantee the information is the same at every workstation thanks to digital work instructions, which helps to reduce errors, worker error, and cognitive burden. The ability to instantly obtain work instructions in a variety of languages is another advantage of digital work instructions.
2.Rapid iterations and breakthroughs in package design:
AR and VR technology can be used by packaging designers to produce virtual prototypes and 3D models of their ideas. They may evaluate package ideas in a simulated real-world setting thanks to this immersive experience, which gives them important new perspectives on the product’s design, usability, and user experience. As a result, physical prototype takes less time and money, enabling designers to iterate and improve their designs more quickly.
Before investing time and money in building a physical version of a product, designers might think about how it will feel and look.
3.Testing, validation, and quality control in the real world:
Digital twin technology with AR and VR simulations enable accurate testing of packaging designs under diverse circumstances. Virtual product handling, transportation, and storage simulations are available to both manufacturers and consumers. Before going into production, they can also find potential problems and weaknesses. As a result, there are fewer design errors, less waste, and eventually lower costs.
Stakeholders, partners, and the entire firm can all access this information.
4.Improved communication between OEMs, employees, and customers:
AR, VR, and digital twin technologies have all enhanced collaboration between customers, OEMs, and the workforce. They all eliminate distance obstacles, enabling effective communication and teamwork wherever they are.
Workers can now digitally interface with equipment and machines by wearing wearable gadgets. Off-site engineers can interact with on-site operators to rapidly and effectively fix any mechanical problems.
Stakeholders can jointly explore package designs through interactive virtual meetings and design sessions, discuss ideas, and make on-the-fly revisions. 3D product representations allow customers to virtually engage with the products. Then, businesses may facilitate a dynamic feedback loop that encourages creativity and guarantees that the final designs satisfy all specifications and expectations.
Customers are more likely to buy things when they can virtually test them out and see how they function, which helps them comprehend their worth.
We may anticipate significant advancements in environmentally friendly packaging options and a more interconnected global packaging business as this technology develops. A disruptive driver that will continue to influence packaging design for years to come is the adoption of AR/VR and digital twin technologies.
