Is virtual reality the next step for independent inventory reporting?

The chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) is predicting that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology will 'revolutionise' the inventory process in the near future.

Danny Zane, who also runs My Property Inventories, says that VR could allow landlords and tenants to walk around a property remotely while damage and a schedule of conditions is pointed out by an inventory clerk in real time and space.

AR adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone, while VR is a complete immersion experience which shuts out the physical world.

Zane says the adoption of this kind of technology would allow inventory reports to 'go beyond' 2D and 3D pictures.

"Right now, we rely on labelled photos for accurate, impartial documentation of a property's condition," says Zane. 

"Imagine if you could experience walking around a room, zooming in on damage and comparing it to the condition before [the] tenancy began."

He says AR and VR are the 'obvious next step forward' for independent, impartial inventory reports.

"Those working in the industry would be wise to jump on the bandwagon," adds Zane, who confirms he is planning to roll out a VR trial with his own firm in the coming weeks.

"I am hoping that by investing in the technology to start compiling VR and then AR inventory reports we will stay afoot of the expectations of consumers and keep impartial inventories relevant and most important of all, even more usable," he says.