Getting Started with VR Training
Deploying XR technologies can feel like a daunting task. From navigating hardware options to finding the right content, to managing devices and content— many businesses need help transitioning to immersive solutions.
Why Read This Guide
We want to help you simplify the process and provide a clear starting point for getting started with an XR program. Whether you’re just starting or building to scale, this guide will walk through how to overcome common challenges and launch a seamless integration of XR into your organization.
We’ve helped businesses and institutions launch and grow VR training programs that drive measurable results. Learn insights gained from partnering with over 50 Fortune 500 companies and thousands of organizations worldwide.
You’ll learn important considerations and gain actionable steps to navigate common challenges, make informed decisions on hardware, content, and management tools, and build a scalable XR strategy tailored to your goals. Plus, we’ll give you additional resources to dive into, if you want to learn more.
Use this as a pocket compendium to help you ask the right questions and guide you through the process of unlocking XR’s potential for your organization.
- Simplify XR deployment
- Overcome common obstacles
- Launch and integrate seamlessly
- Learn and grow from industry insights
Start with Your "Why"
Before exploring how to implement VR or the tools and processes needed, the first and most important step is to ask yourself:
What problem am I trying to solve?
Once you answer that question, let it guide defining your goal in implementing VR. Defining your goal frames everything else—from the hardware you choose to the stakeholders involved.
“One of the most common issues we've seen behind failed deployments is starting with excitement around a new technology like VR without defining the problem to be solved. If we had to pick one reason why XR deployments fail, it would be this. VR quickly becomes a waste of time and resources if there isn’t clarity on the business problem it’s solving!”
For example, if you’re a trainer on a manufacturing line, your goal might be to improve safety and reduce workplace injuries. This focus would steer you toward lightweight, mixed-reality headsets that don’t obstruct movement. You would also want to work with developers with a proven track record with safety training VR modules in manufacturing settings.
Include stakeholders, end-users, and IT in defining the goal so everyone aligns on the problem to solve—making it easier to map out your XR journey.
Your “why” will guide decisions on headsets, content, use cases, and stakeholders, ensuring every step aligns with your ultimate objective.
So, start here:
What do you want to achieve, and what challenges are you aiming to overcome?
If you read nothing else, read a few quick takeaways that thousands of XR launches have taught us
Choosing Content
Collaborate very early on with a content provider to ensure industry expertise into a scalable VR program.
Choosing XR Hardware
Start simple with hardware that’s easy to use and scalable, avoiding overcomplicated systems that could hinder adoption.
Choosing MDM
Choose an XR-specific mobile device management (MDM) platform early to avoid the limitations of retrofitting legacy tools.
Supporting Change Management for Smooth XR Rollouts
Identify passionate XR champions to lead adoption efforts, and facilitate training.
Choosing Content
Choosing the right XR content is essential to a successful deployment. One of the best ways to drive buy-in with decision makers is to ensure they have positive experiences with VR– not a game off an app store, but content designed for enterprise and education.
Our recommendation is to work with a trusted developer: use an experienced developer and leverage their expertise, measure ROI, and improve your chances of implementing XR successfully.
Here’s a quick overview of different ways to source VR content:
Authoring Platforms
Authoring Platforms
This option is a good middle ground for companies that want some level of customization but need to keep costs and timelines manageable. Authoring platforms are particularly useful for dynamic training needs or iterative content development.
Custom Modules >
External Developer
Custom Modules >
External Developer
Custom modules are ideal for businesses with complex or niche use cases requiring precise tailoring. This approach works best when long-term content needs justify the upfront investment.
Off-the-Shelf Content
Off-the-Shelf Content
Off-the-shelf content is an excellent entry point if you want to get started quickly and cost-effectively. It’s ideal for companies with straightforward needs or those piloting XR for the first time.
Internal Development Teams > Internal Developer Team
Internal Development Teams > Internal Developer Team
Internal development teams are best for large organizations with ongoing, diverse XR needs and the resources to support dedicated developers. This approach ensures deeper alignment with internal goals and long-term scalability.
Choose content type that best aligns with your goals, budget, and desired level of customization to ensure your XR deployment achieves maximum impact. There are some great content creators who have established use-cases in all kinds of industries and settings, that can accelerate your VR training program.
“We’ve seen hundreds of pilots over the last 7 years. The most successful ones have almost always had two ingredients. A dedicated “XR champion” internally and an experienced developer partner externally. Working with an developer that has successfully run multiple pilots at an organization like yours is going to dramatically improve your chances of proving ROI and ultimately scaling the technology. A good recent example is Futurus working with Mars Wrigley on a wildly successful pilot that saw a ~$20M ROI and led to Mars scaling XR.”
Selecting the right type of content and the right content creators is crucial for the success of your XR program. Starting with the wrong approach can waste time, resources, and momentum.
Work with a content creator with a track record in enterprise and education settings. To ensure you find the right fit, check out these helpful resources:
Choosing XR Hardware
Selecting the right hardware is critical to the success of your XR program, influencing user experience, scalability, and compliance. Choosing the wrong VR headset can lead to compatibility issues, poor user experiences, and costly setbacks as your XR program grows.
“We always try to remain agnostic and open to any VR devices. It really comes down to what best suits a business's needs, related to budget and security. It also comes down to vendors and their applications, depending on what they support.”
Here's how to navigate this decision:
1) Start with Content Needs
STEP 1
Start with Content Needs
Match your goals—like immersive training or collaborative design—with hardware features such as high-resolution displays for detail-oriented work or portable headsets for field training
2) Weigh the Costs
STEP 2
Weigh the Costs
While premium devices often offer advanced features, simpler and more affordable options may meet your needs during initial pilots. Calculate the total cost of ownership, including accessories, warranties, and potential savings from easier scalability with standalone devices.
3) Consider App Compatibility
STEP 3
Consider App Compatibility
Hardware that allows for OS management and app control offers a significant advantage by ensuring stability and reducing risks associated with automatic updates that could disrupt functionality. Work with your IT team to test devices for compatibility with your apps and management platforms. Prioritize hardware that gives you control over OS updates, enabling admins to schedule updates on their terms to avoid disruptions.
4) Procurement Considerations
STEP 4
Procurement Considerations
For those taking a “bootstrap” approach, affordability and familiarity may drive decisions, but enterprise organizations often impose stricter requirements for security and data privacy. Engage IT and procurement teams early in the process to ensure hardware meets organizational requirements for privacy, security, and scalability.
Strategic XR Hardware Selection
Whether your organization follows a structured process approved by IT and procurement or takes a more flexible, “bootstrap” approach, aligning hardware with your specific needs and constraints is key.
Standalone headsets are often more affordable, wireless, and easier to manage at scale compared to tethered devices, which require PCs and additional setups. You can also ask if your preferred content vendor has a preference. To make the right decision from the start, check out this resource
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Choosing Your MDM
The device management software you use is the backbone of your XR deployment, ensuring smooth operation across devices, content, and users. When it comes to VR, not all MDMs are created equal. Traditional unified endpoint managers (UEMs) and mobile device management (MDMs) systems severely lack the needed functionality for VR.
Here’s what to consider when selecting an MDM:
Device Management at Scale
Choose an XR-specific platform with features like remote content deployment, multi-app kiosk mode, automated updates, and centralized control to simplify operations and reduce IT workload.
Integration with Existing Systems
While many organizations attempt to retrofit XR devices into legacy MDM tools, these platforms often lack XR-specific capabilities. Transitioning to an XR-specific platform becomes inevitable for most organizations when they realize legacy systems can’t address scalability or feature needs.
Open Ecosystem
Use a VR/AR platform that allows you to remain device and content agnostic, making it easier to scale across different types of XR devices and applications. Scalability is much simpler with a platform that supports any XR device or content type.
Security and Compliance
Ensure the platform meets enterprise standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2 to protect data and maintain privacy.
Ease of Use
Choose intuitive software with features like Kiosk Mode and user-friendly dashboards to enable both IT and non-technical users to manage devices efficiently. Teams are more likely to adopt and use a platform that’s straightforward and designed for their specific XR use cases.
Cost-Effectiveness
As your deployment scales, a dedicated XR platform becomes more cost-effective than managing devices manually. Evaluate the long-term savings and operational efficiency of investing in a purpose-built XR management platform instead of retrofitting existing systems.
Customer Support
Choose a platform with comprehensive support options, including free technical assistance, a detailed knowledge base (KBA), demo videos, and a responsive team. Having a dependable support system helps your team navigate challenges, and simplify implementation and scaling.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced in XR in the last 3 years is deployment. For enterprises being able to deploy the technology in a cost effective way is incredibly important... Now, we have a defined, mature XR practice around training. And using technology like ArborXR, which I define as a self support MDM solution, goes a long way to help scale.
The right software not only supports technical needs but also drives XR adoption by enabling smoother workflows, better user experiences, and meaningful engagement with content. Traditional MDMs often struggle to support the unique needs of AR and VR devices, leading to inefficiencies and frustrations in XR deployments.
80% of large deployments use more than one AR/VR headset type, so its important to use an MDM designed for VR where you can manage all of the devices in one place. To ensure a smooth rollout
of your VR program and avoid pitfalls from traditional mobile device managers, work with a platform that’s built specifically for immersive learning. Check out these helpful resources to learn more:
Remote View: Monitor, Guide, and Troubleshoot for Users in Virtual Reality
Remote View makes it easy for managers to monitor users’ progress, guide them through VR experiences, and troubleshoot any problems. Available now on ArborXR.
Why Your MDM Won’t Work for AR & VR Devices
If you’re working on a deployment of AR or VR headsets at your company, and wondering if your existing MDM will work… this article is for you.
Supporting Change Management for Smooth XR Rollouts
Rolling out XR technology can be challenging, but effective change management ensures a smoother transition. A strong rollout starts with helping teams understand the value XR brings — whether it’s driving and testing innovative ideas, improving safety, or transforming training — and addressing concerns before they become roadblocks. Alignment comes from helping your team understand the potential impact for VR as well as some of the challenges they need to overcome.
Here’s how to overcome resistance and build buy-in:
Pilots and proofs-of-concept offer a low-risk way to test XR in a controlled environment. Focus on achievable goals during the pilot and use the results to demonstrate value and feasibility to stakeholders.
A common barrier to XR adoption is the time required to launch without a dedicated team fully owning the process. We recommend assigning an internal XR “champion” within your organization to meet with your team and walk them through initial steps, from basic headset familiarity through multi user collaboration
Highlight how XR integrates with existing workflows and supports secure, centralized device management. Highlight compatibility with existing workflows and offer tools for secure, centralized device management.
Demonstrate ROI with pilots and align XR with organizational goals like innovation and safety. Get decision-makers into a headset. Hands-on experience helps them see the potential impact of XR more effectively than data alone.
Simplify logistics with pre-configured devices and access to resources like training guides and technical support. Provide professional development and in-person training for support teams to ensure smooth deployment and adoption across the organization.
Hands-on demos and playful experiences make XR less intimidating. Start with simple, intuitive hardware and content to reduce the learning curve, allowing users to balance day-to-day responsibilities with running a pilot program.
“Build a community around VR. As people experience VR, they become advocates for it. Working together, understanding and sharing lessons learned, and developing resources has been really critical to help the standard for how we do virtual reality.”
Implementing XR technology requires thoughtful change management to overcome resistance and drive adoption. By addressing concerns at every level of your organization, you can almost guarantee a successful, smooth rollout.
Put decision makers and stakeholders in headsets to experience the value of VR firsthand. Experiencing a demo themselves has a greater impact than just hearing about it through data or metrics To help your team navigate this process, check out these insightful resources:
We Explore 22 VR Training Statistics Every Industry Leader Should Know
Is VR training worth the investment? Discover 22 eye-opening statistics that prove its effectiveness in workforce development. Learn why industry leaders are embracing VR.
What is Virtual Reality Training? 5 Benefits of Immersive Technology
Learn how virtual reality training provides an immersive, real-world experience that simulates hands-on learning in safe, controlled environments.
VR Kiosk Mode: Keep Users Focused in a World of Distractions
VR Kiosk Mode allows a business to regulate the user experience in its VR devices. You can moderate apps, restrict access to apps or suites of apps, and customize the home environment.
Explore Demo Apps from Trusted Developers in Enterprise and Education on ArborXR
Explore immersive AR & VR demo apps on ArborXR, created for enterprise and education by trusted developers. Elevate your learning and business experiences.
Getting Started with XR
We believe XR should be a tool for growth and innovation, not an escape. Our mission is to make it easy for companies to scale XR so everyone can experience its transformative power.
We envision a world where XR empowers people to live more meaningful lives. XR can create time for purposeful work, foster deeper relationships, and contribute to a better world.
Here’s how to overcome resistance and build buy-in:
Preferred MDM of Qualcomm
We’re the leading enterprise XR device management platform, and preferred by Qualcomm.
XR Device Management
Remotely manage AR & VR devices, install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset
XR Solution Experts
We connect you with the best providers, resellers, and developers to ensure your XR program is successful.
ArborXR Directory
Find trusted XR developers in your industry. Discover free demos, content, and the best content creators for your initiatives.
Our Team
We’re known for our friendly, responsive team. We provide our partners with clear communication, access to our product team & a transparent roadmap.
Trusted by the Best
The best companies prefer the best solutions. That’s why we’re proud to service 50+ Fortune 500 companies.
For XR to grow, it must be frictionless. Six years ago, we set out to make XR simple to scale, and that belief continues to drive us today.
With customers in over 90 countries, we’re here to help you shape the future of XR for enterprise and education. We’re here to help you build out your VR program. We’ll give you the tools to manage headsets, distribute content, and control what users see in VR.
We want to help you simplify the process and provide a clear starting point for clear getting started with an XR program, whether you’re just starting out or building to scale. If you need more help, jump on a call with an ArborXR specialist to go deeper or check out our Podcast to hear stories from XR pioneers like you.