Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1504794
58 SMT007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2023 employees, and transport systems are at any time. Augmented MES can show that in the digital twin model, it is keeping coordinates for all elements updated. Even more exciting, new location-based services allow the model to include the many moving and dynamic por- tions of this model. ese location-based ser- vices will allow a reading every few seconds, or even continuously. As these new location- based technologies become technically robust and affordable, the twins become more than 3D SCADA systems showing states and param- eters; they come alive. Yet, many MES products do not yet support these capabilities. Some that do parts of this make it very difficult to maintain and keep the digital twin synchronized with plant realities. Look for an MES that allows you to use exist- ing blueprints and CAD models of equipment and location-based services. Ask about ways to quickly load data, position elements in the virtual space, and visualize results in ways that work for your employees. MES Boosts AR Augmenting reality with additional infor- mation is what MES has always done, but not with cool AR technology until recently. Basi- cally, MES has provided guidance for opera- tors and technicians through on-screen work instructions for many years. Now, whether you are using AR glasses, mobile phones, or tab- lets, the MES can deliver the critical overlay infor- mation employees need as they focus on their work. The employee points an AR headset, tablet, or s mar tp hone to the area in question. e AR technology reads iden- tifiers such as bar codes or quick response (QR) codes on the container, products, and/or equip- ment. Based on the per- Figure 5: The digital twin of a plant can be fully 3D and always reflect the status of each area, line, and piece of equipment.