As we move beyond the new year and draw closer to March 10th, we will soon mark two years since the initiation of the first stay-at-home orders. It’s evident that much has changed since March 2020. We’ve transitioned from physical in-person work to virtual meetings. What was once addressed by sending specialists to field locations to diagnose and repair issues has evolved. Now, it’s become common practice for companies to manage remote inspections, maintenance, and repairs from a centralized location.

The widespread adoption of virtual deliveries and remote operations is firmly established, with no indication of this trend slowing down. As we approach the two-year mark from March 2020, companies have shifted their perspective from viewing virtual deliveries and remote operations as temporary Covid-19 solutions to recognizing them as the new standard for business operations—a more efficient way of working. Notably, industry giants like Meta, Apple, and Microsoft are all committed to this direction, pun not intended.

Here at CraneMorley, we’re at the forefront of this paradigm shift, assisting companies in transitioning to this new operational norm. By leveraging Microsoft HoloLens and Mixed Reality, we’re pushing boundaries to achieve more with less. Our work includes the development of award-winning training programs utilizing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides, aimed at addressing workforce skill gaps and creating self-paced training experiences. Additionally, we provide Mixed Reality Workshops to equip organizations with the necessary training and tools for embarking on Mixed Reality projects.

The future promises much more than what meets the eye. Microsoft, a trailblazer in Mixed Reality, has already introduced Microsoft Mesh, igniting our imagination about the boundless possibilities of virtual collaboration. Notable applications in development encompass Mesh for Teams and HoloLens. Microsoft’s description of Mesh aptly captures its essence: “connect and collaborate with a sense of presence through personalized avatars and immersive spaces.” Likewise, Facebook (now Meta) leads the Virtual Reality realm with its Oculus Headset. Beyond Oculus, Meta is investing substantially in the Metaverse and sees significant potential in shaping the future.

While uncertainty surrounds the exact state of affairs in the coming years, one thing is clear—the adoption of virtual deliveries and remote operations, initially prompted by Covid-19, has seamlessly transformed into the new standard for business operations. Prominent technology companies are channeling substantial resources into this transition, indicating a clear trajectory for the future.