On its release, Apple touted the augmented reality (AR) packaged in its iOS 11 as world changing. Games and apps, it said, would now offer “fantastically immersive and fluid experiences that go far beyond the screen”.

Northern Territory-based field service app ServiceM8 is an Aussie company which has taken a more business-oriented approach with ARKit, the Apple framework which allows software developers to much more easily create highly accessible augmented reality apps. 

ServiceM8 very quickly incorporated a virtual measuring tape into its core job management app, giving their trades and field-based service customers the ability to measure lengths and areas using their iPhone. Measurements could then be converted to 3D diagrams to document a job’s requirements.

iOS is the world’s largest augmented reality platform. ServiceM8 CEO, Mr Kim Ford was enthusiastic about Apple’s upgrade. “Augmented reality is powerful. It is stimulating and intuitive, and we believe its business application has just as much potential as its gaming and recreational applications” he said.

“Now, with ARKit, augmented reality is truly accessible. A single developer can build an AR application in a matter of days, which might have previously taken a team months or even years.”

“Augmented reality has the power to deliver real efficiency and productivity benefits for our field service customers, as well as an unprecedented ability for them to delight and surprise their clients with the “wow factor”, insights and fresh perspectives that AR can bring,” Mr Ford said.

ServiceM8’s AR Measure tool is not the only feature the company has delivered with its cloud-based software. Barcode scanning, voice-activated labels for photos, and hosted online booking forms for field-based trades and home services businesses are now available. 

“We are constantly looking to apply the very latest technology to help our customers – small businesses, electricians, plumbers, cleaners, mum and dad operations. We want to eliminate administration and help them work smarter, with enterprise-grade technology. Augmented reality, machine learning, wearables – it’s all on the table. If there’s a legitimate use case to apply a new technology, you can be sure we’re looking at how it could help revolutionise field service delivery,” Mr Ford said.