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Put on Your Smart Glasses

Remote monitoring of all types of equipment used in printing operations has been around for some time. However, its value became even more evident during the pandemic, when it was not possible—or at least difficult—to send technicians on site when a customer had a problem. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne looks at the current state of “smart glasses” and other remote monitoring options.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Remote monitoring of all types of equipment used in printing operations has been around for some time. However, its value became even more evident during the pandemic, when it was not possible—or at least difficult—to send technicians on site when a customer had a problem.

Remote monitoring is not unique to the printing industry. We’ve been talking about Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things for some time now, and digitization in all kinds of equipment and processes has become de rigueur for modern operations. One could even argue that implementing remote monitoring has become mandatory in order to remain competitive.

One provider of remote monitoring services defines it as “the ability to view machine status, performance and behavior from a distance.” This offers a number of advantages for equipment vendors and their customers alike. And while in the early days, some print operations considered it to be too “big brother-ish,” the value has been proven, and it is now generally accepted as a thing of value.


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About Cary Sherburne

Cary Sherburne is a well-known author, journalist and marketing consultant whose practice is focused on marketing communications strategies for the printing and publishing industries.

Cary Sherburne is available for speaking engagements and consulting projects. To get more information contact us.

Please offer your feedback to Cary. She can be reached at [email protected].

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