From the Sales Desk: Virtual Site Surveys

As a product specialist and hygiene expert, I frequently visit food processing facilities to help with audits, updates, color-coding plans, cleaning challenges, or storage practices. When the pandemic hit in 2020, we realized that traditional site visits were no longer always safe or feasible due to health concerns, weather, or time constraints.

To address this, we turned to Microsoft HoloLens, an advanced augmented reality headset. This allowed us to offer Virtual Site Surveys—completely free of charge, just like our in-person services. These virtual sessions can even include participants from other plants that have similar layouts or issues, making collaboration easier and more efficient.

The HoloLens requires a stable WiFi connection, but once set up and after a quick training session, users find it very intuitive. Here’s how a Virtual Site Survey works:

1. We schedule a time and discuss what you want to focus on during the survey.
2. We ship you the HoloLens, and you let us know when it arrives.
3. We guide you or your team member through using the HoloLens and test the WiFi in key areas of your facility.
4. Together, we walk through your facility in real-time via video call. You can invite as many people as you’d like, and they’ll all see and hear exactly what the person wearing the HoloLens experiences.
5. I provide the same level of support as if I were there in person, helping you solve any challenges you face.
6. You return the HoloLens to us or send it to the next facility.
7. Later, you’ll receive the updated color-coding plan we discussed, a list of products you’re interested in, and a link to the recorded meeting.

Based on customer feedback and my own experience, Virtual Site Surveys are more convenient, faster, and eliminate the delays and scheduling issues that come with travel. With the time saved, we hope to support more food processors throughout the year.

If you're interested in a Virtual Site Survey or have any questions, please fill out the form here. One of us will get back to you as soon as possible.