The industrial landscape and work practices are swiftly evolving. With this shift affecting how organizations and individuals approach their tasks, it's natural to consider the need for a corresponding evolution in training and evaluation methods. Of particular interest is exploring the potential role and effectiveness of emerging technologies and tools in this process.
A study conducted by FMI Corporation seeks to shed light on this topic by addressing three key questions:
- What are the actual costs associated with training and evaluating aerial lift and crane operators?
- How are current training and evaluation methods perceived?
- What are the perceptions regarding traditional simulators versus immersive virtual reality (VR) in this context?
Introducing VR to the training and evaluation of aerial lift and crane operators can significantly reduce costs, accelerate competency, and attract the next generation.
The findings on the efficacy of VR as complement to traditional construction equipment operator training is focused specifically on U.S.-based aerial lift and crane operators and was sponsored by the following organizations:
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
- Industrial Training International
- Serious Labs
- United Rentals
Between January and May of 2018, FMI Corporation undertook research. The study focused on approximately 1,000 U.S. contractors who employ crane and aerial lift operators. Data from these contractors was gathered through in-depth interviews and electronic survey questionnaires.
Here we summarize the findings. For those interested in a deeper dive, the full report is available here.
Summary of Findings
The ITI Virtual Reality Crane & Equipment Training suite has been developed in partnership with original equipment manufacturers to ensure an experience on par with operating the exact machinery each simulation was designed to replicate. Our varied scenarios and virtual crane simulation courses offer the range of challenges needed to turn beginners into experts.
- 1-to-1 Authenticity - In partnership with leading crane manufacturers like Broderson, Liebherr, Link-Belt, Tadano, and Terex, we strive to create a virtual experience indistinguishable from the real world.
- Robust, Unmatched & Growing Offering - With 9 crane models, 1,000+ scenarios our community of subscribers benefit from a growing and unmatched breadth and depth of simulation content, without having to pay more for new features.
- Continuous Improvement with our Customers - We never settle and don't expect our customers to either. That is why so many of the world's best-run organizations are a part of the ITI VR community including Bechtel, ExxonMobil, Nucor Steel, General Electric, United Rentals and the US Navy utilize the ITI VR Crane Sim. The pioneering subscription model allows our community members unlimited content updates including, new crane types, training scenarios, and environments as they become available.
Take the next step toward incorporating ITI Simulations into your company's training program:
About FMI
FMI is a leading consulting and investment banking firm dedicated to serving companies working within the built environment. Our professionals are industry insiders who understand your operating environment, challenges and opportunities. FMI’s sector expertise and broad range of solutions help our clients discover value drivers, build resilient teams, streamline operations, grow with confidence and sell with optimal results. For more information on FMI, visit fmicorp.com.
About ITI
Industrial Training International (ITI) is a global leader in the design and delivery of learning solutions for organizations conducting crane, rigging, and load handling activities. Founded in 1986, the company originally specialized in instructor-led training, field services, and consulting. ITI has since grown to also produce live online, and on-demand courses delivered via the ITI Learning Hub and has been recognized with numerous industry association awards for its groundbreaking virtual reality crane simulator solution. For more information about ITI, visit iti.com.
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