Augmented reality (AR) is moving from niche pilot to critical tool in industrial operations. For operations, maintenance, and HSE leaders, AR projects promise measurable gains: faster onboarding, safer procedures, and fewer errors. But these benefits only materialize if your teams—operators, supervisors, and IT—adopt the new way of working. That's why effective change management for AR projects is essential.
Why change management matters in AR projects
Introducing digital work instructions or AI and AR–guided work instructions isn't just a technology upgrade. It's a shift in how work gets done, how knowledge is shared, and how compliance is proven. Too often, AR pilots stall because the change management piece is missing: teams go through the motions, but don't fully engage.
Common challenges include:
- Operators reverting to old habits or paper SOPs
- Supervisors unclear on how to coach or measure new workflows
- IT teams wary about device management and support
- Resistance due to perceived complexity or lack of value
A structured approach to change management helps overcome these barriers by aligning stakeholders, clarifying benefits, and supporting adoption from day one.
Key stakeholders in AR change management
Every AR implementation involves multiple stakeholder groups, each with unique concerns and needs.
Operators
Operators are the frontline users of AR-guided work instructions. Their buy-in is critical, yet they often have the most to lose if the transition is poorly managed. Common concerns include:
- Fear of being monitored or evaluated more closely
- Uncertainty about new technology and devices
- Loss of autonomy or "the way we've always done it"
Supervisors and team leads
Supervisors play a central role in reinforcing new behaviors and coaching their teams. For AR projects, they need to understand:
- How AR changes the workflow and the supervisor's role
- What metrics and data are now available
- How to support operators who struggle with the transition
IT and digital teams
IT is responsible for device management, security, integration, and support. Their concerns often center on:
- Scalability of device management (especially for smart glasses or tablets)
- Data security and compliance
- Integration with existing systems like MES, ERP, or CMMS
Training and HR
Training professionals need to update curricula, while HR may need to address role changes or new competency requirements. Both should be involved early in the process.
Best practices for change management in AR projects
Start with a clear business case
Before launching any change initiative, make sure everyone understands why. Communicate the specific business problems AR will address—whether it's onboarding time, quality issues, or safety incidents. Use data from pilots or benchmarks to quantify the opportunity.
Involve stakeholders early
Don't wait until the rollout to engage operators or IT. Include them in pilots, solicit feedback, and adjust based on real-world input. Early involvement builds ownership and surfaces potential issues before they become blockers.
Define success metrics upfront
Set clear KPIs for the AR project and communicate them to all stakeholders. Metrics might include:
- Time to competence for new operators
- Error rates or quality metrics
- Safety incident rates
- User engagement with AR instructions
Transparent metrics help focus the effort and demonstrate value as the project progresses.
Provide training and support
Don't assume adoption will happen automatically. Offer hands-on training for operators and supervisors, covering both the technology and the new workflows. Make sure IT has the resources to support users and troubleshoot issues quickly.
Celebrate quick wins
Identify early adopters and high-impact use cases where AR can deliver visible results. Publicize these wins to build momentum and demonstrate credibility across the organization.
Communicate continuously
Change management is not a one-time event. Keep stakeholders informed of progress, challenges, and adjustments. Use regular updates, town halls, or digital channels to maintain visibility and engagement.
Overcoming common resistance
Even with best practices in place, resistance is normal. Here are some strategies for common objections:
| Objection | Response |
|---|---|
| "It's too complicated" | Focus on simple, high-value use cases first. Provide hands-on support. |
| "We don't have time" | Show how AR saves time in the long run—faster onboarding, fewer errors. |
| "It's just another fad" | Reference pilots, industry benchmarks, and internal success stories. |
| "We're being watched" | Clarify what data is collected and how it's used. Emphasize support, not surveillance. |
Integrating AR change management with broader initiatives
AR projects don't exist in isolation. Align your change management approach with broader digital transformation, lean, or continuous improvement initiatives. This helps reinforce the message and ensures AR is seen as part of a larger strategy—not a standalone experiment.
Next steps
Effective change management is the difference between a successful AR rollout and a stalled pilot. By engaging stakeholders early, defining clear metrics, and providing ongoing support, you can accelerate adoption and realize the full value of AI and AR–guided work instructions.
Ready to discuss change management for your AR project? Contact the ActARion team or explore our use cases to see how other organizations have driven successful AR adoption.