Virtual Reality (VR) training is changing how organizations prepare their workforce, offering immersive, effective learning experiences. But while many companies have embraced pilot programs, the question remains—is VR training scalable?
While VR training is scalable, the process comes with unique challenges that require careful consideration. In this ArborXR guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about the scalability of VR training, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and key strategies to ensure a successful expansion.
Is VR Training Scalable?
The simple answer is, yes.
Virtual reality training can expand from pilot programs to full-scale organizational deployment efficiently and cost-effectively. The technology itself is naturally scalable thanks to unlimited content distribution, remote management, and consistent delivery (regardless of location).
But successful scaling isn’t a guarantee. It still requires the right foundation:
- Device management for your VR fleet
- Content distribution platform
- Technical support infrastructure
- Clear deployment strategy
The challenge isn’t whether VR training can scale—it’s making sure you have these key pieces in place before you try to expand your initiative. The following sections break down exactly how to build this foundation and scale your program successfully.
How to Effectively Scale VR Training
1. Scaling Hardware
VR training requires careful hardware planning—starting with headset selection and preparing your infrastructure. More headsets mean more complexity, so making sure you have the right foundation is super important.
The first decision is choosing your VR headsets. Most organizations opt for standalone devices like Meta Quest 2 and 3, Pico 4, or HTC Vive. These headsets work independently, offer full mobility, and pair nicely with XR MDMs like ArborXR—making them ideal for training at scale.
For users who can’t or prefer not to use VR headsets, desktop viewing offers an alternative access point—though it sacrifices the full immersive experience.
Work with your IT team to evaluate infrastructure requirements and establish clear device management protocols before large-scale deployment. Also, make sure you loop in anyone who will be involved with managing the program to iron out key details like:
- Dedicated 5GHz WiFi network with sufficient bandwidth
- Charging stations and power management
- Secure storage solutions
- Space requirements for simultaneous users
- Regular cleaning and hygiene protocols
- Repair and replacement strategy
2. Scaling Device Management
As you add more VR headsets to your training program, device management quickly becomes one of your biggest challenges. Without the right systems in place, keeping track of devices, updating content, and managing users can quickly spiral into a full-time job—or several.
If you’ve never tried managing dozens of VR devices without a dedicated XR MDM, here’s a quick overview of the biggest headaches:
- Spending hours plugging in headsets one by one for updates
- Running around looking for missing devices across locations
- Making site visits just to push new content
- Not knowing what your users are actually doing in VR
- Configuring every new device from scratch
- Struggling to track training completion
- Losing control over what apps get installed
This is why a robust XR mobile device management (MDM) platform is essential. An MDM like ArborXR centralizes your device fleet management with features designed for scale:
- Remote Device Management: Track device location and battery status in real-time, and enroll new devices instantly via QR code.
- Bulk App Management: Install and update apps across your entire fleet simultaneously, regardless of size or location.
- Kiosk Mode: Control the in-headset experience by restricting users to specific training apps, either in single-app or multi-app mode.
- Network Control: Manage WiFi settings and certificate provisioning remotely across all devices.
For example, Stanford University scaled to managing over 300 VR headsets during COVID-19 using ArborXR’s MDM solution. They maintained control of their entire fleet remotely, monitored device status in real-time, and managed user access across multiple locations—all from one dashboard.
ArborXR supports major VR devices including Lenovo ThinkReality VRX, HTC Vive, Meta Quest, and Pico, along with AR devices like Magic Leap 2 and RealWear.
3. Scaling Software
The final hurdle in scaling VR training is managing and deploying your content effectively. As your program expands beyond a few devices, manual content management becomes unsustainable – organizations often struggle with time-consuming updates, inconsistent versions across locations, and limited visibility into usage.
A dedicated XR content management system solves these challenges.
ArborXR streamlines content deployment through remote installation of apps, videos, and training files. The platform’s differential updating system only transfers changed content, saving bandwidth usage and time.
Key features for scaling content effectively:
- Remote installation and real-time status monitoring
- Support for multiple file types (apps, videos, documents)
- Customizable kiosk modes to control the training environment
- Built-in analytics for tracking completion rates and usage
- Role-based access controls and PIN-protected settings
- Direct access to vetted enterprise developers
Start by structuring your content in clear learning paths using a modular approach. This makes it easier to update individual sections and customize training for different departments without rebuilding entire programs.
Combined with ArborXR’s remote management capabilities, you can maintain consistent training experiences across all locations while monitoring effectiveness through session analytics and usage patterns.
Best Practices for Scaling VR Training
Here are some tips for scaling virtual reality (VR) training effectively:
- Promote VR Training: Share testimonials, videos, and pictures of employees’ experiences with VR training in internal communications to convince employees to try it out.
- Limit Virtual Environments: Focus on one or two virtual environments to reduce costs and development time.
- Repeat Experiences: Learners can easily repeat VR training experiences with minimal impact on the training budget and downtime.
- Combine With Other Training Methods: Combine VR with other training methods, such as classroom instruction, e-learning, and on-the-job training.
- Monitor and Integrate Feedback: Track usage, performance, and user feedback. Use these insights to tweak training and improve future rollouts.
- Provide Continuous Support and Maintenance: Plan for regular maintenance of VR hardware and software and have a support team ready for technical issues.
Seamlessly Scale Your VR Training Programs with ArborXR
Scaling VR training involves careful planning and execution. By following the steps and strategies in this guide, your organization can achieve consistent, efficient, and effective training at scale.
Ready to scale your VR training program seamlessly? Discover how ArborXR can support your organization with powerful MDM capabilities, content management tools, and more.
Sign up for our 30-day free trial today.
