How to Build Enterprise-Scale XR Training Systems
In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations are constantly looking for ways to enhance employee training while ensuring efficiency, security, and adaptability. VR (Virtual Reality) training has emerged as a powerful solution for industrial organizations aiming to provide immersive learning experiences. Most contemporary VR training applications & experiences are being developed on top of the Unity engine. Industrial organizations hire game development studios or more recently, specialized VR content development agencies with prior experience in developing such experiences. However, there are substantial challenges & inefficiencies in this approach that limit enterprise-scale deployment of these experiences.
Some of the Main challenges include :
Data Security Concerns
VR experiences bundle 3D content with software executables, which users install directly on devices like HTC Vive or Oculus Quest. This setup often lacks secure data protocols, leaving sensitive content, such as plant layouts and equipment specifications, accessible to anyone with device access. Ensuring data security within large-scale VR deployments becomes increasingly challenging for IT departments.
High Development Effort and Costs
Even simple VR training modules, like virtual plant tours, require intensive software and content development effort. The close coupling of content and software demands extensive resources, making each module costly and time-consuming to develop and maintain.
Challenges with Content Updates
In fast-evolving industrial settings, changes to 3D content—such as updated layouts or equipment—are often necessary. However, each update requires a developer to modify the model, rebuild the application, and reissue the installer, which adds time, cost, and operational delays.
Device-Specific Limitations
VR experiences are typically built for specific hardware, restricting their flexibility. For instance, an application designed for HTC Vive won’t work on Oculus Quest without significant adjustments. As new devices, such as the Vision Pro, enter the market, organizations face compatibility issues and high porting costs.
The good news? Innovation within the XR industry has introduced no-code / low-code authoring tools, which give organizations the power to create, manage, and update their own XR training content without relying on external developers. These tools ensure that content development is on time, within budget, and enterprise-ready.
Here are three key ways authoring tools help you scale your XR training experiences:
Ensure Data Security with Certified Authoring Tools
When creating XR training content, data security is a top priority. With the increasing need for data protection and privacy, training content must be separated from application software and app code. Authoring tools allow you to control your training data independently, reducing the risk of data breaches and maintaining compliance with industry standards.One critical certification to look for is SOC2 (System and Organization Controls 2). It ensures that the authoring tool you’re using adheres to strict standards for managing data securely. It also protects the privacy of your trainees as well as the proprietary processes of your organization.
By using SOC2-certified tools, your organization can confidently manage sensitive training data without exposing it to external risks.
Ensure longevity with Cross-platform and Future Device Support
The rapid advancement of XR technologies means that newer, more advanced devices will soon replace the devices you use today. This can be a challenge if your training content is limited to a single platform or device. Fortunately, modern authoring tools are designed with cross-platform compatibility and future-proofing in mind.
These tools allow you to create XR training content that works across multiple devices—whether it’s VR headsets, AR glasses, or even smartphones. As new hardware is introduced, your content can be easily adapted to run on future devices, ensuring your training investment remains relevant and valuable over time. This flexibility eliminates the need for costly “porting effort” with technology changes.
Explore New Use Cases Like Worker Guidance
While XR training has traditionally focused on learning and simulation, new use cases are emerging that expand the potential of XR technologies. One such use case is worker guidance – a real-time, immersive solution that supports employees while they perform complex tasks. Authoring tools allow organizations to create interactive guided scenarios that can be used to help workers follow detailed instructions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure quality control.
This opens the door to training scenarios that go beyond classroom-style learning. Instead, employees can receive hands-on guidance in their actual work environments, leading to better performance and reduced errors. With the ability to customize and deploy these guidance tools directly through an authoring platform, organizations can provide employees with immediate access to the information they need, when and where they need it.
Conclusion
As organizations continue to adopt XR technologies, authoring tools are revolutionizing how companies approach training. By providing secure, cross-platform solutions that support future devices and new use cases like worker guidance, these tools give organizations the ability to create effective and efficient training programs that remain flexible for years to come.
In addition, the ability to import CAD models directly into the training scenarios eliminates many of the time-consuming steps traditionally required when creating 3D content. This, combined with enhanced data security through certifications like SOC2, ensures your XR training programs are not only impactful but also compliant and secure.
Interested in learning more about how an authoring tool can transform your organization’s XR training? Get in touch with us today!
About the Author
Praveen Bhaniramka is the Founder & CEO of VizExperts. VizExperts helps industrial organizations leverage the power of immersive technologies with their digital transformation initiatives If this topic interests you, I would love to chat. You may pick a slot from my calendar here.