Revolutionizing Maintenance with Google Glass: A Future‑Proof Approach

While walking through the plant, I spotted a wet patch on the floor—clear evidence of a water pump leak. “OK Glass, create a work order. Issue description: water pump leak.” That’s the kind of scenario a modern maintenance technician could resolve in seconds, thanks to Google Glass.

Google Glass is essentially a lightweight, head‑mounted computer that delivers a hands‑free experience. Equipped with a camera, microphone, speaker, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, it lets users issue voice commands and interact via a touchpad. The device’s bone‑conduction speaker and heads‑up display above the right eye keep the wearer’s vision unobstructed while providing real‑time information.

Like a smartphone, Glass supports downloadable apps, and the maintenance sector is poised to be one of the first to see dedicated solutions. In 2013, a surgeon performed a knee replacement while wearing Glass, streaming the procedure live to hundreds of medical professionals—a testament to the device’s potential for knowledge sharing and remote collaboration.

Seeing Maintenance in a New Light

When maintenance‑specific applications are built for Glass, technicians can connect instantly to CMMS/EAM databases, view work orders, capture photos or videos, and log field data—all without leaving their hands free. Even without bespoke apps, the hands‑free interface already enhances day‑to‑day tasks: reading emails, receiving SMS work orders, and making video calls for remote troubleshooting.

Current Use Cases

With a protective lens, Glass can replace standard safety glasses, but its value goes far beyond personal protective equipment. Technicians can read instant alerts, open work orders via email or text, and engage in live video support from senior engineers or manufacturer help centers. Apprentices can receive real‑time guidance, improving skill acquisition on the job.

Tomorrow’s Applications

As CMMS vendors develop Glass apps, the possibilities expand dramatically. QR codes on asset plates will link directly to equipment records, while voice commands such as “submit work request,” “add photo,” or “complete order” will allow for speech‑to‑text data entry. Heads‑up displays can overlay schematics, BOMs, and safety procedures, enabling technicians to troubleshoot in low‑light or confined spaces with visual cues.

Procedural videos recorded by experts can be attached to assets in the CMMS, ensuring knowledge continuity across generations of technicians. Additionally, real‑time sensor data—amp draw, vibration, temperature—can stream to Glass, providing instant diagnostic insights during a work order.

Benefits at a Glance

• Fast parts identification: scan QR codes to mark consumption, auto‑order replacements, and flag defects.
• Digital lockout: each technician’s Glass can lock or unlock equipment electronically, creating an auditable safety record.
• Advanced data capture: the ease of logging information accelerates maintenance planning and reduces costs.

How Close Is the Future?

Google Glass is expected to reach public markets in 2014, with maintenance‑specific functionality arriving as CMMS/EAM developers release dedicated apps. Companies like Maintenance Assistant are already integrating Glass into their software roadmap, so we can anticipate full support before 2015.

Adopting an innovative CMMS/EAM that supports Glass early will smooth the transition once the device becomes widely available. Technicians will love the hands‑free workflow, engineers and accountants will benefit from richer data, and management will see tangible cost savings.

Ready to future‑proof your maintenance operations? Explore Maintenance Assistant’s CMMS solutions today.

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Dr. Jeffrey Dutschke is an industry research specialist and blogger at Maintenance Assistant, a provider of web‑based CMMS software. Visit www.maintenanceassistant.com for more details.