The urgent need to quickly and efficiently transfer knowledge from today’s aging workforce to the new generation of workers is one of the main reasons industrial organizations are investing in simulator-based training for operators and other workers.
“Operator Training Simulators (OTS) and process simulation is vital to prevent incidents and accidents and help new operators understand how to respond quickly and appropriately to worst-case scenarios. While operator training simulators are already well proven in many industries, new virtual reality-based immersive training simulator technologies are emerging that create an even more realistic and interactive training environment that is particularly appealing to the new ‘digital generation’ of workers. As a result, usage of these immersive training solutions are expanding to all workers, as reflected in our research,” according to Janice Abel, the principal author of ARC’s new report, “Operator and Immersive Training Simulator Evaluation and Selection Guide”.
Immersive simulators provide a 3D virtual environment in which graphical representations of the users (avatars) interact with the virtual plant or upstream production assets, in many cases, even before the actual asset is completed. Users are implementing more and better immersive virtual reality training simulators for control room operators, but also for other types of workers. These simulators are very effective for training workers for hazardous industrial environments, both onshore and offshore.
According to the guide, a number of factors will lead to an expanding market for operator training and immersive simulation solutions for the process industries, particularly in selected industrial sectors. The ability to transfer knowledge quickly is a key factor. The new tech-savvy, digital generation workers that are replacing the current workforce often lack the experience needed to operate a plant safely and efficiently. In some emerging countries, workers change jobs on average every two years, and this drives the need for simulator-based operator training solutions. User selection and best practices are important considerations when selecting new solutions.
About the Guide and Selection Criteria
ARC’s Operator and Immersive Training Simulator technology evaluation and selection guide includes selection criteria for key functions and features. The research guide includes information about software and hardware technologies, tools, and methodologies for high-fidelity solutions that accurately replicate and simulate plant operations. Training simulators considered in the guide include both field and console operator training simulators, 2D, 3D, generic high-fidelity, dynamic high fidelity, and immersive (virtual reality) training simulator applications. Leading suppliers in the process industries and regions are also included. The guide also researches the impact of new technologies and best practices for operator and immersive training simulators.
For more information, please visit our Technology Evaluation and Selection section.