Tag Archives: CM Labs

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Confessions of a Simulator Skeptic

When it comes to training, today’s complex equipment requires an equally sophisticated learning environment. And while younger tech-savvy workers are generally quick to embrace simulation-based training as an effective tool, many established operators remain convinced that nothing can replace on-the-job field training.

As a construction worker with more than two decades of experience under his belt, Gary James’ view of training simulators was tainted with a skepticism not uncommon among veteran equipment operators. He saw simulators as overly simplistic and unrealistic, only useful for novices, and in no way a reflection of actual jobsite conditions.

Read it here.

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Simulation-Based Training and the Great Supply Chain Disruption

The global supply chain disruption is one of the foremost issues impacting today’s port terminal operations. According to S&P Global, container dwell times for many ports reached near record levels. Worse yet, these bottlenecks are expected to continue, with some experts calling it a new reality that will necessitate a fundamental change to the world’s shipping infrastructure.

Regardless of how long it may last, the truth remains that we find ourselves immersed in a global disruption. Ports are working feverishly, with many regularly breaking single-day material handling records. Yet despite this, nearly 13% of the world’s cargo remains in limbo at any given moment.

Read the entire story here.

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3 Challenges Facing Forestry that Simulation can Mitigate

In a world where perception often has more impact than the truth, the forestry industry continues to face some very real challenges to its image on a number of fronts, from environmental responsibility to workforce diversity, and pace of technology adoption.

Fortunately, steps are being taken to overcome such PR challenges, and simulation-based training is emerging as a driving force to combat these obstacles and help reshape the image of the forestry industry.

Today, simulators are widely employed throughout such sectors as construction, material handling, military, and more to train heavy equipment operators. As a training technology, simulators are shown to accelerate learning and improve retention as compared to traditional methods. And while enhanced training outcomes are clearly their overriding asset, simulators can also support company or industry initiatives in less obvious ways.

Read the entire blog post here.

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How simulation can help forestry & logging companies manage the skills gap

Forestry continues to be a major contributor to the global economy, fueled by a growth in housing and need for lightweight and renewable packaging sources. However, the industry is facing a growing labor shortage that makes it difficult to find and develop qualified forest equipment operators.

Worldwide, the trend in the supply of skilled labor is the same from construction to manufacturing and forestry – as workers retire it’s getting harder and harder to replace them with the next generation. Retired Oregon State University professor, John Garland, explained that the median age of forestry workers is well into middle age. In fact, it’s even likely to be over 60 for vehicle drivers and equipment operators. Consequently, shortages are expected to reach even higher levels as retirees exit the workforce throughout the coming decade.

Despite ongoing efforts, the number of workers joining the industry remains low. Operating heavy equipment within the confines of a timber harvest worksite involves a great deal of potential risk, responsibility, and stress.

Read the blog post here.

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Saving a Week of Training with Simulators

As one of Quebec, Canada’s six forestry training centers, the Mont-Laurier Vocational School helps prepare a new generation of heavy equipment operators. The non-profit center collaborates with the region’s timber companies to provide students with practical hands-on experience including three months of field training alongside instructors in working logging camps. With a wide variety of equipment at its disposal, (harvesters, loaders, service trucks, simulators, and more) the school offers comprehensive instruction ranging from tree-felling to the operation and maintenance of harvest, loading, transport, and road construction equipment.

Operating heavy equipment within the confines of a timber harvest worksite involves a great deal of danger, responsibility, and stress. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and similar studies, forestry sits atop the list of the most dangerous industries. It’s therefore no surprise that the industry is facing a severe skilled labor shortage. In addition, too many novice workers lack the experience, training, and confidence to safely operate heavy equipment on an active worksite.

With proficient operators in short supply, and because field training is costly and dangerous, logging companies look to training centers to help fill the void. In response, Mont-Laurier has redoubled its commitment to provide the industry with some of most skilled and best prepared foresters.

Read the case study here.

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Counting the Costs of Safety Violations in the Construction Industry

Construction sites, by their very nature, present an element of risk; and hazards are amplified whenever heavy equipment is on the job site. As a result, construction work consistently ranks high on the list of most dangerous occupations.
To help ensure safe and healthful working conditions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established. Written with the best interest of workers – and employers – in mind, OSHA regulations are thorough, and infractions carry severe consequences. Employers may be reprimanded for violations ranging from failure to submit paperwork to a workplace fatality. And states that operate their own occupational safety plans are required to adopt penalties at least as stringent.
Read more here.
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The Costs of Construction Site Safety Violations

Construction sites, by their very nature, present an element of risk; and hazards are amplified whenever heavy equipment is on the job site. As a result, construction work consistently ranks high on the list of most dangerous occupations.

To help ensure safe and healthful working conditions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established. Written with the best interest of workers – and employers – in mind, OSHA regulations are thorough, and infractions carry severe consequences. Employers may be reprimanded for violations ranging from failure to submit paperwork to a workplace fatality. And states that operate their own occupational safety plans are required to adopt penalties at least as stringent.

Read the entire post on the CM Labs blog site  here.

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Building Operator Confidence Through Simulation-Based Training

Albert Einstein once observed that: “Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience.” And learning to operate heavy equipment is no different. Vocational schools and construction companies have long recognized that the most effective form of training includes a hefty dose of hands-on instruction. Too often, however, students find themselves at the controls without sufficient seat time under their belt making the jump from the classroom to the cab both intimidating and dangerous. Such an approach can cause students to become frustrated, discouraged, and drop out, which is counterproductive, as it reduces the number of potential operators.

To help close this skills gap, a growing number of vocational schools, training centers, equipment OEMs, and construction companies are incorporating simulators into their training curriculum. Simulation-based instruction allows students to make a smooth transition to equipment training in a virtual, interactive, and controlled environment. Supplementing classroom instruction with simulation builds a foundation for students before being exposed to the complexity and stress of the job site. What’s more, simulators are shown to accelerate learning, advance the student’s success rate, and improve safety – all while lowering training costs.

Read the entire article here

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Smart Training Technology: Real-World Operator Experience for Next Gen Equipment Training

Golden, Colorado is home to the Coors Brewery, Lookout Mountain, wild west museums; and, if Terri Olson has anything to say about it, the region’s most effective heavy equipment operator training. As a civil construction business owner, Olson experienced the challenges of hiring, developing, and maintaining a skilled workforce. Driven to advance training through personalized, customer-oriented, instruction she launched Next Gen Equipment Training in the latter stages of 2019.
The company offers a variety of vehicle training options including – hydraulic excavators, wheel and backhoe loaders, heavy construction dozers, motor graders, and articulated trucks. Although classroom and field instruction are provided, there is growing emphasis on simulation-based training.
Retaining qualified operators is a concern for all construction business owners. The key lies not only in competitive wages; but providing opportunity, solid training, and a clear career path. This holds true for seasoned operators as well as young laborers aspiring to take the controls.
Because equipment operators come with a wide variety of experience, skills, and requirements, training centers must have the flexibility to tailor instruction to the needs of each trainee. Attempting this in a field setting is costly, time-consuming, and often weather dependent. For a growing number of equipment trainers, including Next Gen, virtually replicating this environment is the answer.
Next Gen realized that its success could ultimately come down to the simulator they were about to choose. A system would have to represent a true hands-on field experience, adapt to a wide variety of equipment type, usage, and scenarios; and fulfill the unique requirements of students at all levels. With so much on the line, Next Gen began a thorough research of the market.
Read the case study here.