

The following news release may appear to be a little distant from this blog’s primary theme — but consider its implications.
Study Seeks to Determine the Value of Simulators in Crane Training
July 6, 2016? Crane Industry Services LLC (CIS) announces a skills assessment study being conducted by CIS in conjunction with CM Labs Simulations Inc., Montreal, Quebec, and West Georgia Technical College. The study?s purpose is to determine what operational skill level can be achieved with the use of crane simulators. The study commenced in July and will continue for 14 months and/or after 500 operators have participated in the research.
?This study is a first for the crane industry,? said Debbie Dickinson, CEO of Crane Industry Services. ?While crane simulation tools are not new to the construction industry, there is little quantitative research that determines the value crane simulation offers as part of comprehensive training. We anticipate that the validated study will be used to set specific goals for skill development.? Crane Industry Services is familiar with blended-learning. It currently combines online introductory training, instructor-led classroom training, hands-on instruction, and on-the-job training. CIS leaders were among the first in the industry to create interactive and broadcast quality video learning for the industry.
?The addition of crane simulators into our curriculum is a natural fit and the industry welcomes this use of technology,? said Cliff Dickinson, president of CIS.
“We are extremely pleased to participate in this study,” says Drew Carruthers, CM Labs’ Construction Product Manager. “It benefits the industry as a whole to understand how we can use simulator-based training to accelerate construction training programs.” CM Labs is the developer of Vortex training simulators.
While this story relates to a technical training rather than marketing issue, I think you can see how simulators, along with other augmented/virtual reality concepts could reshape the way we present, communicate and market our capacities. I think anyone concerned with marketing should keep these ideas front-of-mind.

Have you seen or experienced how new technologies are implemented in AEC marketing? Please communicate your observations by comment or email to buckshon@constructionmarketingideas.com.
