AR Training System in Service Industry
A relatively new noun that has the potential of turning into an enabling technology in several industries including the service industry is augmented reality or AR. AR enhances what makes the user interested in the environment through the incorporation of virtual details on the physical context. This paper aims to discuss the meaning of AR, the impact that this technique has on training in the service industry, and the advantages and disadvantages of using it.
Laying digital content on top of real environment images, sounds or any kind of data, augmented reality has a way of presenting a better view of reality. Huh also states that unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which creates a synthetic scene, AR supplements the existing scene with layers of data. One typically does this with devices such as a tablet, a cellphone, or AR glasses integrated into the construction process. A very good technology for experiential marketing as this technology enhances or can even include sense inputs such as music and touch sensations.
Training programs are rather significant for the service industries especially when focused on retail, customer relations, and catering to ensure the provision of quality services. This tradition approaches training as long manuals, in-class sessions, and on-the-job training sufficiently time-consuming and less engaging; however, AR offers a new approach to training staff members. With the integration of AR into training courses, service sectors will benefit by improving the learning process and thus the efficiency as well as enjoyment factor.
AR can bring innovations to the training of the hotel industry and form some virtual reality situations. These simulations allow the staff members for example, to practice dealing with difficult guests or dealing with emergencies in a hotel. This allows actual practicing of what has been learnt by the trainees in a safe and controlled manner. Also, it uses virtual tours to introduce newly recruited employees to a hotel’s working environment. This is helpful as it reduces time and costs that are incurred when introducing new employees to the various sections of the firm through physical arrival.
Additionally very beneficial for retail training is AR technology. AR allows retail staff to scan items and get comprehensive product data, so enabling better understanding of the features and benefits. This can improve their capacity to help consumers with questions, so improving the customer service. AR may also design interactive retail and store layout training exhibits. The learning process is more dynamic and practical when staff members try various layouts and observe the effects right away.
Simulating customer encounters in customer service helps one to acquire soft skills. Particularly helpful for call center agents or front-desk staff, trainees can hone communication and problem-solving techniques in realistic situations. AR can also help customer care agents navigate troubleshooting processes by overlaying detailed step-by-step instructions onto actual equipment. This practical method can help one become adept in resolving technological problems in much less time.
Although AR offers a lot of advantages, its application in the service sector has certain difficulties. The first outlay needed is one of the main drawbacks. Using AR technology can be expensive, needing large hardware, software, and content creation investments. Another difficult task is making sure AR applications run smoothly on several devices. Initially slowing down the training process, employees may also need time and more instruction to grow at ease with AR technology.
Another possible negative is that, if not well planned and executed, the novelty of AR might occasionally divert from the main learning goals. Success of AR training programs depends on AR content being interesting yet targeted on the learning outcomes. Notwithstanding these difficulties, AR is a promising tool for the future of employee training in the service sector because of its benefits in realistic simulations, cost-effectiveness, and more involvement.
To sum up, including AR into service industry training programs has great possibility to improve the learning process and raise the caliber of services. Although there is still work to be done, AR technology’s advantages—more interaction, realistic simulations, and economy—make it an important tool for the future. The service sector should be excited about increasingly creative and efficient training options with augmented reality as technology develops.