Remote-connectivity provider TeamViewer has announced a partnership that will include integration of its augmented-reality (AR) software with enterprise SAP to enable remote industrial maintenance applications.
Alfredo Patron, executive vice-president for business development at TeamViewer, indicated TeamViewer has joined the SAP partner programme with a view to accelerating digitisation in factories and industrial plants.
“It is the beginning of a long-term cooperation for enabling digital transformation of business-critical processes along the entire value chain, [to] bring innovation all the way to frontline workers at a global scale,” Patron said.
In the deal, TeamViewer’s AR solution Frontline will also be integrated with SAP’s asset and service management software, he said.
Stefan Krauss, general manager of discrete industries at SAP, said the enterprise software brand is delivering industrial applications via cloud computing on an open platform.
“AR-based processes can increase productivity, reduce human error, and reduce machine downtime — and therefore decrease costs,” Krauss said in the official press statement.
First joint use cases of the partnership will include remote AR-based troubleshooting on smartglasses and other wearable tech for maintenance and repair of industrial machinery and components via SAP.
According to TeamViewer, this will allow on-site workers to be guided remotely, as they work, through complex processes. And because integrated actions will be logged into SAP applications automatically, results will be auditable.
TeamViewer Frontline is already used by the likes of Deutsche Post DHL, BMW and the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.
TeamViewer, headquartered in Germany, is the maker of applications including TeamViewer Tensor for enterprise-level remote connectivity across different devices and platforms.
A key focus is to support technicians to remotely connect, maintain, manage and control computers, mobile devices, human-machine interfaces and industrial assets.
Last month, TeamViewer acquired 3D and mixed-reality firm Viscopic as well as unveiling mobile app lifeAR to bring AR functionality to group video calls and individual tutorials.
