Training Simulations

Henry Ryng, founder of Phoenix Arizona based inXsol, has been involved with training simulator engineering for over 25 years. As field engineer supporting the F-16 program Henry applied his electrical engineering knowledge to simulate aircraft systems and to stimulate actual avionics in order to train fighter pilots in aircraft maneuverability and weapons systems mastery.

The F-16 fighter aircraft military flight simulator technology  was actually a hybrid device. Electrical interfaces "stimulated" real aircraft "black box" devices to achieve a complete simulation.

This foundation of technical training experience reflects in the types of elearning and simulation products that inXsol develops today.

These training products can be designed for operators. Operators must know how to operate a machine or interface under normal conditions. They must also be fully trained and comfortable in addressing anomalies, upsets and out of limit situations. Also operators may rarely need to perform shut down or startup procedures. These skills are ideally trained and refreshed using a training simulation.  The return on investment calculations can consider risk mitigation criteria such as:

·         What are the costs if an injury occurs from improper operation?

·         What are the costs if a hazardous material release occurs?

·         What are the costs if a defect is induced into products?

·         What are the costs if the capital equipment must be taken off line?

For a business training also has positive effects on the bottom line. Consider these benefits:

·         Productivity improvements

·         Quality improvements  - reduced number of rejects or cost of rejects

·         Reduced materials costs – less waste or scrap

·         Reduced labor hours per unit of production

·         Reduced labor costs per unit of production

·         Reduced hours of "down time" due to equipment failure, etc

·         Reduced workers compensation claims - nature and number of injuries or illnesses, days of lost work or "light duty" work

·         Reduce time required to fill vacant positions

A custom elearning module or simulation can make a difference. These same ROI calculations can be considered for technicians, maintainers, and support personnel. When equipment is maintained well it remains in service. Your brand value is increased when your products have no or minimal down time. If your business model offers warranties consider the cost of no defect found module replacements.

inXsol is a boutique professional services firm experienced in developing elearning and simulations which consider the training objectives and recreate a learning environment where self paced training or simulation free play practice can be supported. These products are designed to "snap" into an optional learning management system (LMS) using SCORM or AICC standards.

We work with the OEM manufacturers or the end users. We can develop console or interface simulations by external observations of interfaces and engineering or support documentation.

There is a range of fidelity options from full simulation to simpler familiarization training.

These tips can mean the difference between success and failure in your project:

·         Understand the medium. Simulation-based learning is a different approach, especially when compared to more traditional methods such as instructor led training. Gain buy-in from the stake holders. Communicate with senior executives, line managers and training staff so they can help influence learner acceptance.

·         Use a blended learning model. Simulation based training or elearning is best for addressing certain training objectives; other methods may be better suited for other objectives.  Blended learning optimizes the learner experience. Access to experienced instructors or mentors can be more effective when prerequisites are mastered.

·         The learning system is only as good as the content it delivers. Consider carefully the differences between an accurate ‘engineering simulation" and the characteristics of a "training simulation". Can faults be induced? Can the learner receive context sensitive prompts, guidance or challenges?

·         Validate the solution to be technically accurate. The training interface should not itself require training. The solution should be designed to meet the platform requirements you need to reach your target. If your target users have issues with the accessing the training it can discourage their support for the delivery medium.

·         Clarify the instructor’s role. Get their buy in so they don’t sabotage the process out of fear of losing their jobs. The trainer’s role will likely transition from one that primarily presents information to one that facilitates the learning experience and supports the application of skills and knowledge on the job.

·         Include management. The presence of front line managers, supervisors, team leaders and coaches in the first roll out offers positive role models and supporters of the program. It also helps clarify and explain the new skills team members will be expected to reinforce.

·         Commit learning to a schedule. Have a 90-day roll out with planned check-in dates for leaders and trainees.

·         Communicate success clearly. Clearly define what constitutes success and communicate progress on a regular basis. Also, remember to tie it back to customer satisfaction if that is one of the key measures of success.