Quality control is a critical phase for all companies operating internationally. When there are dozens of suppliers located in various regions around the world, conducting effective inspections can be a logistical and operational challenge. Oakley, a renowned brand of EssilorLuxottica specializing in sports eyewear and technical clothing, has found an innovative solution to optimize quality control, thanks to the collaboration with our partner ARtGlass: the use of Epson Moverio smart glasses with B View augmented reality software.
This advanced technology allows Oakley to monitor suppliers located in different geographical areas, including Central America, Asia, and Europe, directly from their headquarters in Milan. With the introduction of augmented reality, Oakley is able to enhance the efficiency of inspections, reduce costs, and ensure product quality without the need for physical travel.
Oakley: global leader in sports eyewear
Oakley is one of the world’s most well-known brands in the sports eyewear sector, offering a wide range of sunglasses, prescription glasses, technical clothing, footwear, and accessories. Founded in the 1970s, the brand is famous for its innovation, bold design, and product quality, often chosen by professional athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts. The constant pursuit of perfection drives Oakley to improve every aspect of its production, including quality control, where attention to detail is essential to ensure products meet the company’s high standards.
The challenge of international quality control
With over 50 suppliers located in different parts of the world, Oakley faced a challenge common to many global companies: ensuring efficient and accurate remote quality control. The company sought a solution that would allow it to maintain high-quality standards without the need to physically move goods or personnel. Thanks to the expertise and experience of ARtGlass, Oakley identified Brochesia’s B View platform, integrated with Epson Moverio BT-45 CS smart glasses, as the ideal solution to meet these challenges.
Remote quality control with B View Augmented Reality
The B View platform from Brochesia, developed to leverage the potential of Augmented Reality, offers a series of advanced features that enable real-time remote visual inspections. Through integration with Epson Moverio smart glasses, Oakley can accurately monitor product quality and production phases directly from suppliers, without having to physically send its inspectors on-site.
B View and the smart glasses allow supplier operators to share what they see in real-time with their hands free of performing activities, enabling Oakley’s quality control experts to intervene immediately in case of anomalies. One of the most appreciated features is the ability to remotely take photos through the glasses, ensuring traceability of changes and any detected defects. Additionally, Brochesia’s software includes an automatic translation feature that helps to overcome language barriers, facilitating communication with suppliers in different parts of the world.
Benefits of Augmented Reality quality control for Oakley
The implementation of B View and Epson Moverio smart glasses has brought numerous benefits to Oakley. Key advantages include:
- Real-time remote inspections: The company can conduct real-time inspections without sending personnel on-site, significantly reducing travel costs and wait times, speeding up the quality control process.
- Image sharing and capture: With the ability to take photos and record videos through the smart glasses, Oakley can document every stage of production and immediately share images with suppliers during production fittings. This enables quick and accurate resolution of any issues or discrepancies.
- Reduction of errors and increased efficiency: The ability to conduct more frequent and detailed inspections has reduced the risk of errors. Additionally, visual control via AR allows defects or measurement errors to be identified before products are shipped, reducing losses and waste.
- Effective communication through automatic translation: The integrated translation feature facilitates communication between Oakley and suppliers, who often operate in countries with different languages. This improves fluidity in the quality control process, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing collaboration.
A replicable success for other companies
Oakley’s experience with the B View solution is extremely positive, so much so that the company recommends the adoption of this Augmented Reality product for quality control to other businesses. The ability to conduct remote inspections, share images and videos in real-time, and break down language barriers makes this type of technology a competitive advantage in the global production sector.
Oakley’s success case demonstrates how integrating Augmented Reality solutions can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce quality control costs. With tools like B View and Epson Moverio BT-45 CS smart glasses, companies like Oakley can maintain high-quality standards in an increasingly global and competitive market.
