Technology has greatly improved logistics operations over the last decade. As speed is the new parameter for success now, companies realize the importance of the right training and enabling people to make decisions on the go. Hence, effective and innovative training solutions have become more critical as the industry evolves.
However, training people in the same old fashion will not unlock the value and speed needed for today's operations. What's required now is contemporary, scalable, native, cost-effective, and customizable to the company's requirements. Here, digital solutions like Augmented Reality (AR) become natural choices for transformation in training. As per a report, AR in education will be a worldwide market of USD 68.71 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 60.4% from 2022.
AR has already found applications across different industries, such as healthcare, retail, automotive, education, and manufacturing. In healthcare, it enhances surgical visualization and patient education. In retail, AR lets customers virtually try products. In the automotive industry, it aids in vehicle design and maintenance. In education, AR offers interactive learning experiences, and in manufacturing, it assists in complex assembly processes and maintenance training.
The potential is similar in yard management training. AR can offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences. It streamlines complex tasks and improves safety by providing real-time guidance and simulations, ensuring employees are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.
Here, we will explore AR and its use in yard management training. What are this technology's benefits, applications, and future potential for yard training?
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology that adds electronic information, like pictures, data, and sounds, to the real world.
Some might confuse AR with virtual reality (VR), but VR creates an entirely virtual (and artificially realistic) world. VR requires a dedicated headset and separation from the real world, while AR is accessible via smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses while connected to the environment.
AR provides its users with an experience of a real-world environment with an information layer overlaid on top of it.
AR can offer trainees simulated yard operations, classroom training, and real-time information to enhance their performance and learning.
The Need for Advanced Yard Management Training
Yard management entails numerous complicated tasks and processes, including inventory control of trailers, dock appointments, and freight movement through the yard. Training for these activities has typically incorporated manuals, practical training, or classroom training. However, these approaches are time-consuming, inconsistent, and less motivating and can place the new-to-the-yard trainees at risk of injury.
Yard operations, by their nature, need more hands-on training to ensure workers are ready for real-world situations while remaining safe. Augmented Reality (AR) could help translate theory into practice in this area.
5 Applications of AR in Yard Management Training
AR can be used in different types of yard training. Depending on the need and company processes, these can all be customized and created for various competencies. Let us understand them in detail.
1- Trailer Tracking and Management
AR can simulate trailer tracking and management tasks, providing trainees hands-on experience locating, identifying, and moving trailers within the yard. This training can also include different scenarios, like managing peak traffic periods and handling unforeseen changes in trailer schedules.
2- Dock Scheduling and Coordination
Trainees can use AR to practice scheduling and coordinating dock appointments. This process is critical for ensuring efficient loading and unloading processes. AR can simulate various complex scenarios, such as delays, equipment failures, peak operation times, and a combination of them, helping trainees develop problem-solving skills.
3- Equipment Operation
AR can provide interactive training on operating yard equipment, such as forklifts, cranes, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Trainees can practice operating these machines virtually without risk of accidents and equipment damage.
4- Safety Protocols and Emergency Procedures
AR can simulate safety protocols and emergency procedures, allowing trainees to practice responses to incidents like fires, chemical spills, or medical emergencies. This preparation ensures that employees are ready to handle real-world emergencies effectively.
5- Inventory Management
AR can enhance inventory management training by providing real-time data on inventory levels, locations, picking, packing, and loading movement. Trainees can practice tasks like inventory counting, stock rotation, and discrepancy resolution in a virtual environment.
There can be more such applications that are specific to the company's needs or a combination of these. All these provide multiple benefits to the yard. Let's have a look at it next.
Benefits of AR in Yard Management Training
AR has several benefits for yard training. These benefits can change how training is done in yards and increase effectiveness. Let us look at them in detail.
Better Learning Experience
AR offers an interactive and immersive learning experience. This makes it easier for trainees to understand complex yard management tasks and try them hands-on without risking live operations. Visualizing real-time data and learning through different scenarios helps improve the trainees' comprehension and retention of information.
Real-Time Feedback
AR provides real-time guidance and feedback, allowing trainees to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills quickly. This immediate feedback loop helps to master yard management tasks much faster than conventional training.
Safety and Risk Reduction
Training in a controlled AR environment reduces the risk of potential accidents and injuries. Trainees can practice hazardous tasks in a safe virtual setting before applying their skills in the real world. It also eliminates any disruption to the live yard operations.
Higher Cost-Effectiveness
AR reduces the need for physical training materials and equipment, expensive trainers, and their travel, accommodations, and other expenses, significantly lowering training costs. It also minimizes the downtime associated with traditional training methods, allowing employees to be productive faster.
Consistent Trainings
AR ensures consistent training delivery, regardless of the trainer or location. This standardization leads to uniform skill development across the workforce. Also, when the revamp is needed, it can be sent to all locations simultaneously without any location impact or delay.
Future Potential of AR in Yard Management Training
AR in yard management training is still in its early stages, but its growth and innovation quotient are immense. As technology evolves, we will see more advanced applications that will improve training effectiveness.
Personalized Trainings
AR, with the help of AI, will be able to provide more personalized training experiences in the future. AI can analyze trainee performance and adapt the training modules to address individual strengths and weaknesses.
Advanced Simulation Scenarios
Future AR training programs can include more complex and realistic simulation scenarios, such as multi-vehicle coordination, extreme weather conditions, and advanced safety drills. These scenarios will better prepare trainees for real-world challenges.
Remote Training and Collaboration
AR enables remote training and collaboration, allowing trainers and trainees to connect from different locations. This capability is especially valuable in global logistics operations, where consistency in training across multiple sites is essential. Learning from a particular geography can be immediately applied to all other sites.
Continuous Learning and Development
AR can support continuous learning and development by providing ongoing access to training modules and resources. Employees can regularly refresh their knowledge and skills, ensuring they stay updated with the latest best practices and technologies.
Build the Future of your Yard Training with C3 Solutions
Augmented Reality (AR) transforms yard management education into interactive, immersive, cost-effective learning. AR conquers the disadvantages of conventional training and also preps employees for all the demands of modern yard operations with real-time feedback, increased safety, and consistency.
AR technology's potential to alter yard management training and overall supply chain operations will only expand as it advances. Companies that utilize AR for training will be better able to navigate the logistics landscape and attain operational excellence.
Contact us today to see how our AR training can enhance your yard management.
