Virtual reality is emerging as a tool to train powerful employees.

In a world where practice makes perfect, in-depth technologies such as virtual reality (VR) have moved employee training into a new realm of hands-on learning. This is my conclusion after talking to Immerse CEO Tom Symonds, a startup that incorporates VR, AR (enhanced reality) and 3D technologies into employees' interactive experiences that mimic real-world situations. Do

Increased and in-depth technologies such as virtual reality are among the most advanced learning tools for employees emerging in the workplace after epidemics for faster and more efficient digital training experiences.

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"Employees love VR-based training because it's a more engaging and interactive experience than just watching slides or watching videos," said Symonds. "They can practice on their own, or with a trainer and colleagues, which can be very rich, hands-on experience."

Employees of a global pharmaceutical company who used VR-based training learned a new manufacturing process 56% faster than traditional methods. An international transport and logistics provider recreates real-life warehouse conditions on the Emers platform to train employees in the best container stacking procedures. A global mining company aggregates existing training materials on the Emerson platform, integrating the data into the company's learning management system for tracking and record keeping. Immerse also has customers in the energy, healthcare and manufacturing industries.

"Our vision is to be a leading deep ecosystem for enterprises," said Symonds. Being completely immersed in the moment accelerates the retention of knowledge and muscle memory as you learn by action. When people reach qualification faster, it frees everyone up for more productive capacity.

VR provides low-risk, high-reward training.

VR-based training modules cover one's current reality with digital information or objects that reflect real experience. After training and identifying the process targeted for expected outcomes, the Immerse team creates and replicates 3D models and interactivity for simulation with exceptional detail. The technology achieves 40 data points per second, allowing companies to accurately track the movement of trainees.

"Instead of binary pass / fail information, companies can indicate when and where it takes someone more or less time to complete a task - both affect productivity and quality," said Symonds. . " "If I put 100 people through a training assessment and feel that everyone makes a mistake on step 25, then maybe there is a problem in step 25. We may need to rearrange that process, or it may be. The instructions may be incorrect. Allows the data company to take immediate redressal for these critical moments.

Mixed reality business value

Once built, employees can use VR-based training sessions to gain learning practice and reinforcement over time for ongoing preparation. For example, a health and safety module for oil refinery workers can mimic a fire or other hazardous situation that requires trained personnel to properly manage. Training healthcare providers in the use of modern medical devices is another scenario where VR-based learning works well, giving people almost hands-on learning minus machine downtime or endangering the patient. ۔ The same applies to industrial manufacturing workers who may need to be trained quickly to adapt to market fluctuations.

"With VR we can create a training experience as close to the real thing as possible, allowing anyone to learn faster with less time wasted. They can safely fail and so on. Keep rehearsing it until you can say it with conviction and confidence. ”Symonds said. With 3D, you can't fake this process. Trainers can quickly see if you are doing the right thing.

VR injects the fun of interactive gaming.

Symonds began to think about how in-depth technology could improve learning after a career that focused on digital transformation in the corporate and media sectors almost 10 years ago. Once the user reached the VR headset, it was turned off and running as a business person with the help of Immerse.

"Multiplayer online gaming promotes incredible levels of engagement and focus, and I wanted to bring that experience into enterprise learning," he said. "I found the 20-year-old classroom plus e-learning to be a barrier, and new technologies like VR are great for driving a more engaged learner."

The future of employee training with SAP.iO

The Immerse SAP.iO foundry was part of the future of San Francisco's work partner, the company's global B2B accelerator. Symonds said he values ​​the market insights gained from SAP experts, which helped his company improve pricing and positioning. Immerse is listed on the SAP Store, and integrates with the SAP SuccessFactors Human Experience Management (HXM) suite.

Looking ahead, Symonds seeks to extend the company's VR-based training to building people's skills, including D&I, communications, and more, from building health and safety and technical skills.

"Minor skills are usually taught through role play, and VR allows you to practice it more easily," he said. "Our recently launched Marketplace, which has this kind of off-the-shelf content, is the next logical evolution of VR-based training in the workplace."

Learn more about the SAP.iO Foundries program, which supports the launch of B2B technology worldwide.