The Power of Immersive 3D Training to Bridge Knowledge Gaps
In today's fast-paced industrial landscape, companies need to ensure that their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate and maintain complex equipment and facilities. Traditional training methods, such as classroom lectures and written manuals, have proven to be less effective than immersive training experiences that mimic real-world scenarios. This is where virtual tours come in.
Virtual tours, also known as 3D tours or 360-degree tours, provide an immersive training experience that can help bridge knowledge gaps and improve employee performance. By using 3D rendering models such as Matterport technology or Cloudpano, manufacturing facilities can train their teams on maintenance, engineering, operations, and more while reducing the training period.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using virtual tours for immersive training, discuss specific use cases in manufacturing facilities, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to implement virtual tours in training programs.
Benefits of Using Virtual Tours for Immersive Training
Virtual tours offer several advantages over traditional training methods. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Reduced Training Time and Costs
Traditional training methods can be time-consuming and expensive, requiring instructors, classrooms, and printed materials. With virtual tours, facilities can create customizable and repeatable training experiences that reduce the need for instructors and classroom time. This also helps to save on costs associated with travel and on-site training.
- Improved Retention and Engagement
Virtual tours are more engaging and memorable than traditional training methods, as they offer a realistic simulation of facilities and equipment. This immersive experience helps employees retain information better and apply it more effectively in real-world scenarios.
- Customizable and Repeatable Training Experiences
Virtual tours can be customized to fit the specific needs of the facility and the employee. This allows for repeatable training experiences that can be accessed at any time, from any location. This also helps to standardize training across multiple locations and teams.
- Realistic Simulations of Facilities and Equipment
Virtual tours provide a realistic simulation of facilities and equipment, allowing employees to practice operating and maintaining them in a safe and controlled environment. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents and damage to equipment during training.
- Increased Accessibility and Remote Training Opportunities
Virtual tours can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them ideal for remote or distributed teams. This also allows facilities to train employees in different locations simultaneously, saving time and resources.
Real-World Examples of Companies Using Virtual Tours for Facilities Training
One of the most compelling reasons to consider virtual tour training is the real-world success stories from companies who have already implemented it. Below are just a few examples of how virtual tours are being used to enhance facilities training:
- Siemens
Siemens is a global technology company that provides innovative solutions for industries including energy, healthcare, and transportation. In 2018, Siemens partnered with Matterport to create virtual tours of their facilities, which included complex machinery and equipment. With the use of virtual tours, Siemens was able to provide its employees with immersive training experiences that accurately simulated their work environments. The virtual tours also enabled Siemens to train employees remotely, saving time and costs associated with travel.
Siemens' Princeton Grid is a virtual tour experience that allows users to explore a virtual power plant and learn about its equipment and operations. The tour is fully interactive, with clickable elements that provide additional information and context. The virtual tour serves as a powerful training tool for employees, allowing them to learn about the plant's operations and equipment in a safe and controlled environment.
- NASA
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is responsible for developing spacecraft and exploring the universe. JPL used Matterport's virtual tour technology to train its employees on the proper use of a new rover, which would be used in a Mars mission. The virtual tour provided employees with a realistic simulation of the rover and its equipment, allowing them to practice their tasks in a safe and controlled environment. The virtual tour also enabled remote training, saving time and resources associated with in-person training.
NASA has used Matterport's virtual tour technology to train their pilots on the specialized aircraft used for the Operation IceBridge mission. The aircraft is not only difficult to access due to its size and unique equipment, but it also operates in extreme environments such as the Arctic and Antarctic. With virtual tours, pilots can explore the aircraft and familiarize themselves with the layout and equipment before ever setting foot on it, reducing training time and increasing safety.
- Caterpillar
Caterpillar is a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. Caterpillar utilized virtual tours to train their technicians on the proper maintenance and repair of their equipment. With the use of Matterport technology, Caterpillar was able to create virtual tours of their facilities and equipment, enabling their technicians to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. This training method reduced the risk of accidents and equipment damage, while also saving time and costs associated with in-person training.
- Unversities
Matterport's virtual tour technology was used to create a virtual tour of the University of Notre Dame's facilities management building. The tour not only serves as a training tool for new employees, but it also allows existing employees to refresh their knowledge of the building's layout and equipment. Additionally, the virtual tour can be accessed remotely, providing greater accessibility for employees who work off-site or are unable to physically visit the building.
These examples demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of virtual tours for facilities training. By providing a realistic and immersive training experience, virtual tours can help companies reduce training time, increase retention and engagement, and improve safety.
Choosing the right virtual tour software and company
When selecting a virtual tour software or company, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features and capabilities to look for:
- User-friendly interface: The virtual tour software should be easy to use and navigate, allowing for the creation of immersive and engaging training experiences.
- Compatibility with multiple devices: The virtual tour should be accessible on various devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Customization options: The software should offer customizable options such as branding, interactive elements, and multimedia content.
- Analytics and reporting: The software should provide analytics and reporting features that allow for the tracking of user engagement and progress.
- Technical support: The virtual tour company should offer technical support and assistance for any issues that may arise.
There are several virtual tour software and companies available, such as Matterport, Cloudpano, Metareal, and more. It is important to research and compare the different options to find the best fit for your organization's needs.
Conclusion
Virtual tours offer a powerful solution for facilities training in various industries, including facilities maintenance, engineering, management, operations, sustainability, technology, and compliance. With the use of virtual tours, organizations can reduce training time and costs while improving engagement, retention, and safety. Real-world examples from companies like Siemens, NASA, and Caterpillar demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of virtual tours for facilities training.
When choosing a virtual tour software or company, it is important to consider factors such as user-friendliness, customization options, compatibility with multiple devices, analytics and reporting features, and technical support. With the right virtual tour solution, facilities training can be transformed into an immersive and effective experience for employees, resulting in improved performance and success for organizations.
