Parker Hannifin is always looking for innovative ways to demonstrate the capabilities of their Electromechanical and Drives Division (EMD) product portfolio. In an effort to differentiate their automation systems in the industry, the Parker team set out to research a unique solution.
With plans to exhibit at the largest expo in the packing industry, Pack Expo, Parker wanted to be sure they’d be able to demonstrate EMD’s product portfolio at the event in a tangible, memorable and cost-effective way and turned to OpenArc, a technology consulting firm, to design and develop a custom Virtual Reality environment.
With an extensive range of electromechanical motion control components and systems, Parker is constantly striving for ways to deliver products to customers that are looking to increase productivity and profitability. Between logistical constraints and a product line-up of over 100 products, Parker struggled to find ways for clients and prospects to interact in real-life with all the technologies they offer.
With Pack Expo only a few short months out, Parker needed to ensure they’d be able to deliver an immersive experience to demonstrate their products onsite within the confines of a 12 x 12 booth space. Understanding the technical challenges and time constraints, Parker made the decision to leverage the capabilities of a Virtual Reality environment to engage clients and truly establish differentiation at the event.
In developing the Virtual Reality experience for Parker, OpenArc first started by facilitating a series of discovery and ideation sessions with EMD’s marketing leadership team to define the framework. The team of Virtual Reality engineers, designers and project managers at OpenArc, designed and developed the framework for two distinct, visually-rich and engaging Parker branded VR environments, Virtual Factory Automation and Virtual Exhibit Hall.
The Virtual Factory Automation experience allowed conference attendees to interact with a real-life packaging line fully-outfitted with actuators, motors, controls, gantry robots, and other electromechanical products from Parker. The ability to interact directly with automation equipment in the safe confines of the VR environment provided what was previously considered impossible.
The second experience was designed to enable Parker sales and marketing employees to bring the EMD product portfolio directly to their clients. The Virtual Exhibit Hall experience replaced the antiquated method of demoing physical products to a customer by shipping them demo units that could weigh 100’s to 1,000’s of lbs. via tractor trailer. By deploying the Virtual Exhibit Hall, EMD is now able to provide an immersive product demonstration for clients worldwide, on-demand.
By leveraging a Virtual Reality solution to better connect with clients, tradeshow attendees, and other prospects, Parker found a way to uniquely deliver great product demonstrations.
From the positive feedback at Pack Expo that resulted in a significant increase in lead generation and in customer engagement, the expected cost benefits are tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Ultimately, Parker accomplished their mission to deploy cost-effective and scalable Virtual Reality solutions that can be easily transported, while also providing a contextual environment that highlights the breadth and strength of the Parker portfolio of products.
Not only does Parker find value in the final solution, but the thought leadership demonstrated by OpenArc through the design, development, and deployment process of the global VR solution is where the most significant value lies. OpenArc was able to align Parker’s technical, functional and business goals, which Parker considers to be invaluable.
Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For 100 years the company has engineered the success of its customers in a wide range of diversified industrial and aerospace markets. Learn more at parker.com or follow @parkerhannifin
OpenArc is a technology consulting firm providing industry-leading technical talent placement, custom software development, and technology strategy services to clients nationwide. OpenArc works closely with business clients and talent candidates to understand their strategies and goals to craft a customized approach to their needs.
• ORIGIN PC
• HTC Vive
• Unity
• Blender
Copyright 2018, OpenArc, LLC. All rights reserved. This case study is for informational purposes only. OPENARC, LLC. MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED IN THIS SUMMARY. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
OpenArc invested time upfront to ideate a Virtual Reality solution that met our short-term needs as well as scaled to support our long-term plans to leverage Virtual Reality as an innovative way to connect with our customers.
Jeremy Miller, Product Manager, Electromechanical & Drives Division
It’s not just for gaming anymore. Virtual Reality (VR) can provide real value to businesses. Customized VR solutions provide hands-on experiences that are immersive, engaging and specific to your unique needs.
