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Writer's pictureMark Cullens

How to manage a fleet of VR headsets

Updated: Feb 6

The Challenges of Managing Training in VR



A group learning in VR

Virtual reality (VR) is a game-changer in the field of employee training. It offers users a stimulating, interactive experience that authentically mimics the dynamics of the physical world. Even harder to replicate conditions, like those in medical surgeries or heavy machinery operation, can be simulated with remarkable precision. Despite these obvious advantages, however, the application of VR in training isn't without its trials and tribulations. Arguably, one of the biggest challenges is the high cost associated with VR and the challenges of managing fleets of devices. Implementing it requires not only specialized equipment but also unique software and dedicated industry professionals to create and manage the content. Insufficient technological infrastructure in certain parts of the world also further complicates the application of VR in training, causing digital divides within the workforce. The potential for motion sickness in certain individuals, albeit small, can also deter its use in training. Thus, while VR holds immense potential for revolutionizing the way training is conducted, these challenges must be carefully considered and overcome.


Preconfiguring a Fleet of Devices

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is a critical tool for handling company technology, providing seamless functions such as setup, configuration, security, monitoring, and even remote wipe capabilities for corporate devices. The preconfiguration of devices is one such inherent feature of MDM software—it simplifies device deployment by allowing IT teams to set up standard configurations and apps for all devices in advance. This reduces the time and resources required to manually configure each gadget, solving a significant logistical challenge for large-scale deployments.


For Sheffield Halam University the preconfiguration process with MDM software includes the loading of all essential applications, security settings, and network configurations on the device. This ensures that when the device is activated, it's fully prepared and secure for use. Consequently, employees can immediately focus on their tasks rather than dealing with unnecessary tech complications. In addition, it provides an organization with oversight control to ensure that all their devices align with their data security policies and regulations. With such dynamic control, MDM software offers a comprehensive solution for device management, making it easier for businesses to maintain continuity and security across their digital landscape.


Why Use MDM Software

VR Headset fleet management through Mobile Device Management (MDM) software offers a plethora of benefits to businesses of all sizes. The most prominent advantage is its ability to streamline device management. With an increasing number of employees using various devices in different locations to access company information, having a centralized tool to manage all these devices becomes nothing short of essential. MDM software can perform tasks such as tracking device location, securing email access, managing app usage, and much more. The goal: to fortify data security, enhance productivity, and minimize the risk of data breaches.Additionally, MDM software allows for an ease of integration with other software systems. This harmonious relationship can form a unified ecosystem wherein tasks like data sharing, updates, and device management can be carried out seamlessly. In an era of digital transformation, where the line between personal and professional life is increasingly blurred, MDM software becomes a paramount tool. Providing businesses with the opportunity to manage, monitor, and secure devices, reducing the likelihood of costly issues arising.


A Stack of VR Headsets

Deploying Content

Managing content across numerous devices in a business environment can be quite challenging. The use of a Mobile Device Management (MDM) tool simplifies this task by providing an efficient platform for content deployment. Content deployment includes distribution of corporate documents, resources, apps and software updates across all registered devices on the network. This ensures all users receive necessary applications and updates promptly and uniformly. One of the significant advantages of using MDM software for content deployment is reducing the risk of noncompliance. Enforcing policies regarding the use of corporate content can also be managed easily. Additionally, MDM software offers businesses the ability to schedule content deployment, hence ensuring updates and other resources are distributed during off-peak hours. This further reduces the chance of inconveniences and disruptions during high-activity periods in the workplace.


Manageing Up-dates

One of the most critical elements of successfully managing a fleet of devices utilizing MDM software is keeping the software up-to-date. There are numerous reasons behind this, ranging from ensuring compatibility with new applications to maintaining overall device security. Moreover, it's not merely about the software updates but also the operating systems of the different devices and their apps, which need regular refreshing.An effective MDM software should have a robust feature set that allows system administrators to effortlessly schedule, manage, and push updates across the entire fleet of devices remotely. The process should be easy and seamless, minimizing potential downtime due to updates or patches. It's also essential that the system administrators have the ability to roll back those updates if they interrupt business continuity, proving just how crucial managing updates truly is.


What is Kiosk Mode?

Kiosk Mode is a specialized feature often implemented in Mobile Device Management (MDM) software. It allows administrators to limit the access of a device to a singular application or a defined set of applications. In simpler terms, this feature turns the device into a 'kiosk', which is designated and modified to perform specific tasks, offering a high level of control over the capabilities and functionalities of the device. One of the key uses of Kiosk Mode is in public spaces such as retail shops, exhibitions, libraries, and restaurants as it helps to prevent any unauthorized or arbitrary use of the device. It restricts the user from accessing the device settings, surfing the web, or opening unpermitted apps thus ensuring zero distraction and optimal performance of the task at hand. It provides a streamlined user experience tailored to the task, making it a powerful tool in various professional settings.


What is Multi-App Mode

Multi-App mode serves as a strategic player in the sphere of device management, allowing multiple applications to function simultaneously on a single device. This powerful capability, inherent in many modern MDM (Mobile Device Management) software platforms, extends the functionality of devices in varied contexts, ranging from educational establishments to sprawling corporate environments. A critical characteristic of Multi-App mode is its role in enabling varied the device to access the app's the adminstrator permits while limiting access to device menus, app stores etc.


In the case of Southampton Council. Digital Energy provided devices that were pre-configured with MDM software in Multi-app mode allowing access to Bodyswaps VR Employability Skills simulations as well as NatureTrek for relaxations and mindfulness.


Remote Provisioning

In the digitized world we operate in, the concept of remote provisioning has become pivotal. It's a strategy designed to streamline the process of deploying and managing devices, regardless of their location. This innovative technology is widely used in mobile device management software, providing not only convenience but also ensuring that devices remain updated and secure. The primary attraction of remote provisioning is its capability to configure devices over-the-air. IT administrators can initialize, register, and authenticate a device, install applications, alter settings, and even lock a device down in case of breaches, all without physical access. Recognizing this, many businesses are leveraging remote provisioning to both save valuable time and improve management of their device inventory. This is a transformative technology, significantly altering the way IT operations are carried out.


Remote View

The innovation in technology has enabled IT administrators to remotely access and monitor devices through a feature known as Remote View. This offers a real-time view of the screen of the device. With the advent of Mobile Device Management (MDM) software, the Remote View feature now offers a comprehensive tool for administrators to monitor the activities on the device. It also provides the ability to guide users in real time, which significantly reduces service request resolution time and enhances user experience.The practical deployment of Remote View has created a seamless bridge between administrators and the end-user.


For instance, when a device encounters an issue, using Remote View simplifies the troubleshooting process. Instead of relying on the user's ability to describe the problem, an IT administrator can directly see the problem on the screen, guide the user through the resolution process or even take control, if necessary. While ensuring rapid problem-solving, the tool also empowers administrators to maintain the highest levels of data security on monitored devices.(Note: I could not include the following keywords as they were not provided in the prompt.)


FAQ's

What are the main challenges of training in VR?

The main challenges of training in VR include creating realistic scenarios, ensuring user comfort, managing technical issues, and integrating VR training into existing training programs.


Can you explain what is MDM Software and why it is used?

MDM Software stands for Mobile Device Management software. It is used for managing and securing mobile devices in an organization. This software allows administrators to control, secure, and enforce policies on smartphones, tablets, and other endpoints.


How does preconfiguring devices with MDM Software help?

Preconfiguring devices with MDM Software allows businesses to set up devices with necessary access privileges, permissions, and applications before they are distributed to users. This simplifies the setup process for users and ensures devices are ready to use immediately.


What does it mean to deploy content using MDM Software?

Deploying content using MDM Software means distributing software, applications, or data to devices remotely. It is a way of ensuring that all devices in an organization have the necessary resources and updates.


How does MDM Software assist with managing updates?

MDM Software helps manage updates by allowing administrators to schedule and push updates to devices remotely. This ensures all devices are running the latest, most secure software versions.


Can you elaborate on what is Kiosk Mode?

Kiosk Mode is a setting on a device that limits its functionality to one or a few specific applications. This is useful in situations where a device is intended for a single purpose, such as information kiosks in public spaces.


What does Multi-App Mode refer to?

Multi-App Mode is a setting that allows a device to run multiple applications but restricts access to other device functions. This is often used in educational or business settings where users need access to several applications but should not be able to change device settings or access non-approved applications.


What is meant by remote provisioning in the context of MDM Software?

Remote provisioning refers to the ability to set up and configure devices remotely. With MDM Software, administrators can set up new devices, change settings, or install applications from a central location, without needing physical access to the device.


Can you explain what is meant by Remote View in this context?

Remote View refers to the ability to view and control a device's screen remotely. This is a feature of some MDM Software, and it's useful for troubleshooting, as it allows IT staff to see exactly what the user sees.



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Author BIO

Mark Cullens is the founder of Digital Energy Group Ltd and brings 30 years of experience in marketing leadership. Working with immersive technologies s in the real world of Universities, Local Authorities and Colleges gives him a practical insight into the unique benefits and challenges of using VR and AR.



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