​How Verizon is using AR to up the ante on FiOS technician training

Video: How Verizon uses AR to train FiOS technicians in NYC

Verizon is deploying augmented reality technology to train its FiOS technicians in the field and create what equates to a newfangled knowledge transfer system.

See also: VR and AR: The Business Reality

The approach by the telecom giant provides some insight into how enterprises are using AR for real-world use cases such as training.

While AR and virtual reality are technologies in flux, the big lesson from Verizon's deployment is that content matters more than the technology. Yes, Verizon is using Oculus for training, but the primary effort revolves around 360-degree video and using AR to deliver content to technicians in the field.

Joseph Beasley, vice president of field operations in New York City, is overseeing the AR training rollout for 4,600 technicians, and the plan is to scale it across the company. Beasley said the goals for the project are to do the following:

• Accelerate training
• Cut costs
• Create a technician workforce that can learn multiple skills and be nimble enough to go beyond core specialties
• Quickly create training content where technicians are the stars
• Develop a culture that uses the platform for community building, too

New York City provides an interesting training test bed for Verizon's FiOS unit. In the boroughs, technicians may have to climb poles. In Manhattan, technicians may be working underground in manholes, installing in new construction and toggling between fiber optic and copper. "The goal is to store data and content and have it available," he said.

Read also: VR and AR smart glasses? Businesses still can't see the point

Verizon's AR training efforts have only been up and running for a few weeks, but the company is already gaining a few insights worth passing along. Here's a look at a few key lessons:

1. Cast a wide net to gauge success. Beasley said the AR training efforts can improve customer experience scores, create a more productive workforce and save time. "If a two hour installation can become 1:40 it can equate to millions of dollars over the year," said Beasley.
2. The library of content has long-term value. Beasley said one aim will be to have video of how an installation was made in a new building. This type of content may not have value until a few decades pass. If Verizon had insight into installations from 50 years ago it would be handy today.
3. Don't over think content. If a technician has an idea for a training video, it can be filmed and live in a day or two.
4. No system works if the field workers don't participate. Beasley said he has been surprised by how technicians have adopted the AR and video efforts. The company uses AR to provide information and the technicians have embraced the effort to pass along information. "The best ideas are from the front lines," he said. Indeed, enterprises have seen multiple knowledge transfer and training efforts flop due to lack of participation.
5. Video is better than best practice documents -- especially when workers are used to using YouTube to learn how to carry out a DIY project in their personal lives.
6. Transferring knowledge is also about the nuance. Customer service and the first impression of Verizon often starts with the technician. Training content from a real technician can highlight not only the scripted moves, but also tips to provide a good customer experience.

Augmented reality: Repairing a Las Vegas slot machine

OTHER AR USE-CASES

• Target turns to AR, chat services to boost beauty sales
• Sumerian: Amazon bets enterprise use of AR and VR will be browser-based
• Toshiba's AR glasses skip HoloLens charm in putting Windows to work
• Microsoft expands network to create AR and VR content with a new mixed reality studio
• Google's ARCore spurs bevy of AR app releases
• How Sephora is leveraging AR and AI to transform retail and help customers buy cosmetics
• Making wine bottles talk: How AR and VR marketing can bring brands and products to life

ZDNET'S MONDAY MORNING OPENER

The Monday Morning Opener is our opening salvo for the week in tech. Since we run a global site, this editorial publishes on Monday at 8:00am AEST in Sydney, Australia, which is 6:00pm Eastern Time on Sunday in the US. It is written by a member of ZDNet's global editorial board, which is comprised of our lead editors across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the US.

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