Author: Brian Jones, VP of Technology
Drawing from our award-winning experience at the Infor Hackathon, NSA’s Brian Jones explores practical AR applications, the technology behind their innovative solution, and why distributors should consider adopting Augmented Reality (AR) to stay ahead of the curve.
NSA was invited to participate in the Infor Hackathon event last November. The requirements were simple – using Infor CloudSuite, showcase technology that might be beneficial to others. The event was open to Infor partners and customers and full information can be found on https://developer.infor.com. The Hackathon lasted two months and culminated in a week’s worth of code writing and a final five-minute presentation.
NSA won 2nd place for our entry Product Image Generator using AR Glasses!
When we started the Hackathon, we assembled a creative team of NSA employees and brainstormed ideas. We settled on a project using Augmented Reality (AR) glasses. Augmented Reality overlays digital information onto the physical world, providing real-time insights that streamline operations.
In distribution, AR can be used for the following:
- Enhance Warehouse Operations – AR-powered smart glasses help workers locate and pick inventory faster, reducing errors and increasing productivity.
- Improve Training & Onboarding – New employees can receive hands-free, interactive training, accelerating learning curves and minimizing downtime.
- Remote Assistance & Maintenance – Technicians can troubleshoot equipment issues with AR-guided instructions, reducing service time and costs.
- Optimize Order Fulfillment – AR-driven visual guidance ensures accurate order picking and packing, boosting customer satisfaction.
For the Hackathon and to fit within the time constraints of one week of development and a five-minute presentation – we focused on product information.
- Take a picture of an item, clean the background using AI, identify the item, and send it to CloudSuite to be used as a product image.
- Look at an item, identify the item, and have CloudSuite return information about the item.
The Following Technologies Were Used:
- CloudSuite – IONAPI Gateway, Dataflow, CSD FetchWhere API
- Infor Document Management
- AI using Remove BG API
Watch the Infor Developer Hour
Why Distributors Should Embrace AR
As customer expectations rise, distributors need innovative solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service quality. AR delivers real-time data visualization, minimizes operational bottlenecks, and supports better decision-making.
Getting Started with AR
Implementing AR doesn’t have to be complex. Start by identifying areas where real-time information can enhance performance, then integrate AR solutions into existing workflows. Augmented Reality is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a practical tool that’s reshaping how distributors operate.
Whether you’re looking to enhance efficiency, streamline training, or improve customer satisfaction, AR offers measurable benefits. Ready to explore how AR can transform your distribution business? Visit our website or contact Brian Jones directly at Brian.Jones@NSACOM.com to learn more.