This sojourn into the realm of Augmented Reality Content Management Systems (CMS) is a high level pass for digital managers, producers and generalists new to the world of AR. 

For context this research is a result of investigations into an augmented reality solution for a client that had approx. 50 domestic products already available for purchase online. Their high level requirements included:

• Enable the management of many 3D models
• Provide an online 3D model view with interaction
• Enable AR world placement
• Provide a no-code interface for publishing to online devices
• Enable seamless integration into an existing 3rd party website store

Research on augmented reality CMSs will include results from AR platforms such as Zappar, Blippar, 8th Wall and Niantic Lightship. Although these meet most of the requirements, they all seem to fail in at least one criteria e.g. the need for a ‘no-code’ publishing interface, or management of many 3D models. 

The primary reason for this is all are ‘development platforms’ providing  AR SDKs, or minimal/partial code systems. Some also provide infrastructure options to host and publish. All are leading in this tech, but you will need a solid 3D/JS frontend developer to get the job done (Not to mention a 3D modeller). 

It is also worth noting that all of the platforms referenced above have been derived from stream lining their own  studio production systems when building custom projects for their own clients. This is good business, but these solutions are development platforms to help other development companies build ‘custom’ projects for clients, like most Website CMSs. For good reason the tech is no where near the realm of WYSISYG editors like Square, Webflow or Wix.  

That said Zap Works is the closest, with a nice no-code option. I don’t think any offer a straight online 3D viewer option, but I will continue to look.

Blippar does have a no-code interface, but it is equivalent to the more complex Zappar Studio, and is not for someone with no 3D model knowledge. 

So what other options do we have? Well, the world of Augmented Reality Content Management Systems (CMS) does seem to be evolving. There are established enterprise level solutions such as Vuforia, that seem to have recently hit a reasonable level of maturity, but they are expensive, complex and overkill for our basic needs. The most suitable options I have found so far are:

Vntana:  Released in 2021, and still seems to be a Beta release.  Created by the Khronos Group, the grandad of 3D web, you can expect quality. The video demos look quite extensive in regards to the features and asset management aspect. 

I have since had a look at the VNTANA 3D CMS and was quite impressed with what it offers. The key features I would use it for are:

1.  Automated file conversion & optimisation. Injecting native formats e.g. .obj’s automatically provide impressively optimised web viewable Gltfs. This alone can save you a reasonable amount of money & time getting your 3D assets converted correctly.

2. User permission access, at folder and file level, user flows & basic communication systems make it a powerful 3D asset management system.

But, It is very expensive costing at least $US 20K p.a.

Plattar: Following initial tests I can confirm it is a simple and easy system with a single focus, to store, edit and publish basic 3D viewer and augmented reality real world placement. A bit pricey, but that is par for the course considering the early stage of this product type’s lifecycle.

All this said, I am still willing to go out on a limb and make a predication that, “in the very near future I think that as a standard offering, a majority of the well known website CMSs, online web builders, and SaaS ecommerce/web publishing systems, will integrate the ability to manage, publish and view 3D models and configure basic  augmented reality experiences.