Augmented reality in logistics: qualitative analysis for a managerial perspective

Immersive technologies, namely virtual and augmented reality, are witnessing a growth in popularity, especially in creative fields, like videogames and film businesses. These technologies can also be effectively applied in other industrial sectors and their use can foster value creation and enhance efficiency and effectiveness, in a managerial perspective. The applications of augmented reality are analysed within the industrial field of logistics, according to three directives: training, operations and transport. A qualitative analysis is carried on to identify potential uses in this (and related) fields and a managerial perspective are proposed, identifying specific KPIs and heuristics for the three aforementioned areas. Results from the literature, field analysis and classification through KPIs point to effective utilisations of AR in logistics, both for training new (and often temporary) resources and in specific and core operations, like picking in warehouses and transport of goods.