Introduction
Imagine you're gearing up for work only to face an unexpected equipment issue. You have the instruction manual in front of you, but it’s hard to make sense of it. The result? Valuable time is lost, repair costs climb, and mistakes become more likely.
Maintenance training is essential for any business, but conventional training methods have plenty of shortcomings. Augmented reality for maintenance training offers a solution by making training interactive and easier to understand. AR is quickly becoming a go-to approach for on-the-job learning, and businesses across industries are starting to reap the benefits. In this blog, we'll explore what augmented reality is and how it can transform your company's maintenance training.
What is Augmented Reality, Anyway?
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information such as graphics, 3D models, and notes onto the real world. In practice, it helps you better understand physical equipment by providing context-specific visual aids right on top of the real machinery. These days, AR is being used in many fields, including maintenance training.
Augmented Reality Effectively Enhances Maintenance Training
Maintenance training is crucial, but traditional approaches have clear drawbacks. Augmented reality can address many of these problems by delivering hands-on digital experiences. Here are some of the ways AR can improve your company's maintenance training:
- Immersive training
- Enhance safety
- Real-time assistance
- Better visualization
- Improved efficiency and reduced downtime
- Attracting and retaining staff.
Interactive and Immersive Training
One key benefit of AR is the ability to overlay digital content like 3D models, instructions, and diagrams directly onto real equipment. JigSpace, for example, lets you turn your Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) into interactive 3D "Jigs" that break down complex processes step by step. Technicians can practice maintenance tasks in a realistic yet simulated environment, making training more engaging and hands-on.
Increased Safety
Maintenance training is necessary, but it isn’t always safe. Traditional sessions often involve lifting heavy parts or working with live equipment, which can lead to injuries like strained backs, electrocution (or worse!). Augmented reality can remove these dangers by allowing trainees to practice procedures virtually. For instance, JigSpace can overlay safety guidelines, hazard warnings, and procedural checklists into a technician’s field of view. Trainees learn the proper steps with all the warnings in place, without any risk of physical injury during practice.
Real-Time Assistance
AR also takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting. When someone faces a complex issue, augmented reality for maintenance training can guide them through the fix in real time with visual cues and contextual tips. JigSpace exemplifies this by providing interactive 3D product guides that show exactly how components work and how to service them. Using these guides helps technicians solve problems on their own and eases the burden on your support team. It may even boost customer satisfaction by resolving issues faster.
Better Visualization with Interactive 3D Guides
No more flipping through pages of schematic line drawings and squinting your eyes to get a clear look at images. If we're honest with ourselves, we know there is a limit to the information technicians can get from documents.
JigSpace’s interactive 3D guides bring your product to life, giving a better visual experience. The use of animation, labels, and a ton of other stuff helps technicians get more clarity and understanding of your product, improving productivity.
Improved Efficiency & Reduced Downtime with Interactive Manuals
Unplanned downtime is costly for any business, and conventional training doesn’t always help prevent it. So how can augmented reality make a difference here? By standardizing maintenance procedures through JigSpace’s 3D visual guides, your team can achieve far more consistency in how tasks are performed. This interactive, self-paced training format reduces errors, speeds up repair processes, and ultimately minimizes downtime.
Attracting and retaining staff
The number one challenge for manufacturers in 2024 was attracting and retaining staff according to a recent survey by the National Association of Manufacturers. The skills gap is so wide that 69% say they have difficulty finding qualified candidates, especially for advanced roles such as machinists, engineers, and maintenance technicians. Companies that deploy engaging training programs using interactive materials like 3D presentations, and simulated learning, can become an employee of choice, as well as ensure effective upskilling of new staff as they are onboarded.
Investing in modern, engaging training programs can help address this challenge. Companies that use interactive tools like 3D presentations and simulated AR learning not only make it easier to upskill new hires, but also become more attractive workplaces. By deploying innovative training with platforms like JigSpace, you position your company as an employer of choice. Demonstrating that you offer cutting-edge learning resources is a great way to stand out at career expos and job fairs, helping you draw in talent and keep your team members engaged.
Create Stunning 3D Presentations with JigSpace
Augmented reality isn't just a buzzword. It is quickly becoming essential for effective maintenance training. And when it comes to creating immersive AR training experiences, JigSpace is a leading choice. Here are a few reasons why so many companies are turning to JigSpace:
- Easy-to-use platform: JigSpace makes it simple to create AR maintenance content with its code-free, drag-and-drop interface. Even team members without technical expertise can build interactive training modules from scratch.
- Works on any device: You don’t need a special app or expensive hardware to share Jigs (though they will look incredible on Apple Vision Pro!). A 3D presentation created in JigSpace can be embedded into your website or shared via a link, and it will work instantly on any mainstream device.
- Proven track record: From medical firms to automotive manufacturers, companies across industries have used JigSpace to turn complex training concepts into engaging AR content. Customers like Hino Trucks USA, Triangle Waterquip, and Swoop Aero have all benefited from JigSpace for their maintenance training needs.
Redefine Maintenance Training with JigSpace
Augmented reality has started to transform maintenance training in industry after industry. While AR technology offers a range of benefits on its own, JigSpace gives businesses an easy way to 'dip their toe in the water' and get immediate practical value without large upfront software or content development investment. The self-serve capabilities enable businesses to create and harness those benefits for their unique products and workflows. Many organizations have already used JigSpace to simplify complex training materials and redefine how they train their teams, making training more accessible, interactive, and effective.
Ready to experience the difference? Try JigSpace today and start creating maintenance training content that’s more accessible, easier to understand, and highly effective for your workforce.
