To ensure the scalability and success of an Extended Reality (XR) program, firms must address factors such as middleware, device management and certifications. The XR adoption journey in enterprise will remain a hot topic for many years to come.

Currently, the adoption curve is still in its early stages. While many businesses and sectors champion AR, VR and MR (augmented, virtual and mixed realities) extended solutions across various use cases, several emerging considerations must be addressed for companies to understand every stage of deployment.

Integrating XR into a company is not as simple as providing workers with headsets. An internal XR lead must address various building blocks to successfully deploy AR, VR, or MR solutions to optimise operations, such as immersive training.

When a suitable use case for XR is identified that provides value in both time and budget, several building blocks become key to integration. These include establishing robust digital middleware layers and frameworks for smooth deployment.

Additionally, relevant certifications and accreditations can help XR-ready businesses identify XR solutions that drive positive change.

 

The Starting Point

Once funding and support is secured, the next stage is to build a framework of tools to support the program. A human-centric approach is key from the beginning. XR leads must ensure that each worker has a valuable experience from their first interaction through to repeated usage.

The approach must be personalised for each worker, their environment and their situation.

A user-tailored approach can include setting up a robust mobile device management system that helps IT teams supply an XR device and accompanying training services at scale. The service can also facilitate worker onboarding by making device login simple and accessible.

Companies like multinational tech company Lenovo, are working to provide vital XR management and service ecosystems to support device rollouts in fields ranging from education to healthcare.

In terms of scalability for enterprise-grade XR solutions, establishing a microservices architecture helps to optimise the range of components within a software/hardware deployment, such as haptics or AI.

 

Smooth Onboarding

A key issue with XR headset adoption today is the form factor. VR and MR headsets are often heavy and people have different tolerances for wearing such devices.

Companies can leverage cloud and RT3D (real-time 3D) streaming services to offload workflows and service processing requirements, potentially allowing for lighter headsets in businesses that require system-intensive training applications or digital learning assets.

Adequate systems for logging into devices and launching software are also essential. This improves worker experience and enhances optics when communicating the value of immersive services to all levels of the business.

For fully immersive experiences, it’s crucial that the process is seamless for workers to avoid device fatigue. This ensures people can quickly launch a service without navigating unnecessary boot-up screens.

Device management considerations can include APIs, such as drivers that establish communication and control of hardware. Administration tools also allow for configuring, monitoring and updating devices.

Moreover, a personalised user interface/user experience ensures a device or application is ready for tailored training.

 

Certifications for Trust

In the immersive training sphere, various influential groups help direct end-users to trusted learning solutions.

One such group is the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), which accredits enterprise-grade digital learning solutions with certifications that showcase providers excelling in capability and performance.

ARuVR gained the LPI’s Accredited Learning Technologies Provider status in 2023. This highlights that the organisation’s services meet high standards for business integrity, client value, performance management, people development and business stability — vital building blocks for establishing a robust immersive learning infrastructure.

Edmund Monk, CEO at LPI: “We have extremely high standards for accreditation, and we are proud to commend ARuVR on their achievement. We work with accredited organisations to ensure they not only meet our standards but also continue to improve. This way, businesses can be confident they are working with the best.”

Finding testimonials that highlight the effectiveness of XR solutions at various deployment stages, like those from the LPI, is crucial in identifying suitable providers.

 

Addressing Security Concerns

Businesses must also be mindful of existing security systems within their IT framework — another major building block for deploying XR in the enterprise.

Many XR solutions leverage real-world spatial data, such as user biometric and environmental information, which means companies must handle sensitive data when deploying immersive training — just as with any other workplace digital service.

XR security measures require companies to establish guardrails for the flow of sensitive information. Additionally, creating and managing databases helps teams understand what data is available, and for what purposes.

Tools like authentication and authorisation pathways allow for secure access to data and functionalities. Data encryption further protects worker information during transmission and storage.

How can firms ensure that an XR software solution meets security expectations?

One way is by earning ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) 27001 certification, which provides third-party confirmation that an enterprise solution meets specific security requirements. ARuVR became the first XR company to achieve ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification.

Frank Furnari, CEO & Founder at ARuVR: “Achieving this certification is a significant milestone. As the first XR company to receive it, we are leading the way within our industry. This achievement reflects our commitment to protecting our clients’ data and our dedication to continuous improvement.”

The firm achieved this by implementing new tools in its Information Security Management System, enabling IT teams to address information security challenges with its AI-ready immersive learning suite.

Firms must stay updated on the emerging XR landscape to leverage this growing market and avoid falling behind the adoption curve.