What is Enterprise XR Training?
Extended Reality (XR) is an ecosystem of technologies bringing real and virtual worlds closer together. The technology used by enterprise businesses to provide training at scale in a safe environment is revolutionising how employees in high-risk sectors acquire and refine critical skills. Encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Augmented Reality (AR), enterprise XR training offers a transformative approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by industries operating in high-risk environments.
Why High Risk-Industries need XR Training
Industries operating in high-risk environments where mistakes could result in catastrophic failures such as oil and gas, energy, engineering, manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and construction require a highly skilled workforce to handle complex processes safely and efficiently. Traditional training methods often fall short in preparing workers for real-world challenges they might encounter on the job. XR-based safety training reduces workplace accidents by up to 45% by allowing workers to engage in realistic, hands-on safety interactive simulations in a controlled virtual environment, reducing on-site risks.
How Enterprises can Implement XR Training Seamlessly
Many enterprise companies operating in these sectors face the challenge of how to introduce XR technologies into their current hard-skill training programs. Ben Bennett, CEO of Luminous XR recently gave a presentation at the Industrial IMMERSIVE Week in Texas on how XR can be seamlessly incorporated in industrial enterprise learning and development strategies to an audience comprising decision makers in the industrial, energy, engineering and construction industries. Luminous has created a roadmap to help successfully deploy enterprise XR training and maximise its benefits.
Key Benefits of Enterprise XR Training
For industrial enterprises operating in high-risk environments XR represents a powerful solution to employee training. Traditional training methods often fall short in adequately preparing workers operating in high-risk industries for the realities of the hazardous environments. Additionally, the cost of unplanned downtime of equipment in industrial sectors can be expensive reaching up to $50 billion per year. XR training helps mitigate this by equipping workers with the necessary skills in a safe environment before they enter the field. Research shows XR training has the following benefits:
Accelerated skill acquisition with 80% reduction in training time, allowing for faster onboarding and upskilling of employees.
Improved engagement and increased confidence amongst trainees learning through XR compared to traditional training methods.
1.5 X more focus from participants in XR simulated training environments compared to traditional training.
75% retention rate from VR training compared to just 5% for lectures and 10% for reading.
This effectiveness and efficiency is crucial for enterprises looking to quickly upskill their workforce or onboard new employees.
Challenges in Adopting XR Training in Enterprises
The benefits of XR in training are undeniable. Most big enterprise companies are now experimenting with incorporating XR in their training. However there are some challenges that enterprises face in adopting XR in training successfully.
Using multiple XR projects:
Different company divisions at an enterprise may use multiple XR projects for their requirements. Each team may use a different technology to fit varying budgets. Furthermore, to circumvent IT and cybersecurity requirements, this may be done under the radar of the IT department. There is a high likelihood this will result in a failed deployment, and an inability to move projects forward within the organisation.
Slow adoption cycle:
Adoption of new technology in enterprises is an extremely slow process – from getting new devices and platforms approved to meeting cyber security requirements. However, there are a host of things that can drastically speed up the adoption process if done right from the outset.
To ensure successful deployment of XR for training in enterprises and to reap the rewards, there is a need to strategically develop and follow a robust roadmap.
Enterprise XR Training Roadmap:
Establishing a Global Steering Group
A critical first step is forming a cross-functional team with the authority and budget to drive XR initiatives. This group should include stakeholders from various departments to ensure comprehensive representation and generate buy-in.
The steering committee should review the lessons learnt from already run POCs, and focus on the business case and return on investment.
Setting Clear Goals and KPIs
Defining both short-term and long-term objectives is crucial. These goals should be accompanied by quantifiable metrics to measure success and show the ROI. The initial short term goal could be something as simple as evaluating an XR platform solution. The long term goals should be more strategic like: developing a third party vendor framework for building content through a pilot project, building an internal content library and commercialising XR content to generate new revenue streams for the business.
Choosing the Right XR Platform
When selecting an XR platform, consider features such as:
- SDK (Software Development Kit) for third-party content development capabilities
- LMS (Learning Management System) integration
- Multi-user support
- Single sign-on functionality
- Gamification features
- Flexible deployment options
- Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Robust analytics and data capture capabilities
Luminous XR’s platform offers all these features. With a multi-faceted approach, providing three modes to deliver technical, hard skills training: assisted learning, practice mode, and assessment, the platform ensures comprehensive skill development and tracks beneficial data. You can learn more by requesting a demo of our platform: Book a demo
IT and Infrastructure
IT approval is key and can make or break XR roll out. It is key to engage with the IT department and involve them in the journey as soon as possible. VR setups are a different paradigm – often not fitting into the current IT architecture. Hence, it is critical to get the IT department to understand the technology and requirements.
Things to consider include:
- Device Authentication
- User Authentication, single sign or two-factor authentication.
- User Permissions
- Internal or external users
- Data security classification
- Data hosting (Cloud, On-Premise, Hybrid)
Furthermore, implementing MDM (Mobile Device Management) tools is essential for remotely managing content, keeping devices updated, and ensuring policy compliance across the XR device fleet.
Establishing Design Standards
Building all content required may need more than one vendor. It is essential to introduce clear guidelines all suppliers adhere to for content development to ensure consistency across different vendors and scenarios. This will enhance the user experience and training effectiveness.
To help with this, Luminous XR has developed a design standard template that can be downloaded.
Enterprise XR Training Case Study
Luminous XR successfully helped a Middle East oil and gas company successfully scale their VR deployment to four industrial training centres.
Operating with 400 headsets, 40 advanced training scenarios made up of over 200 modules and over 5000 user steps, the platform was deployed in the entity’s private cloud in accordance with the stringent InfoSec requirements.
With over a hundred students trained per week, the solution has enabled the company to reduce on-the-job training by up to 50%.
The Future of XR in Enterprise Training
The potential for XR in enterprise training is immense. With proper implementation, companies can significantly reduce on-the-job training time and improve overall training efficiency.
By following this roadmap, enterprises can successfully integrate XR technologies into their training programs, driving innovation and efficiency in industrial learning and development.