How Augmented Reality in Planning is Revolutionising Infrastructure & Training

Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer just for gaming—it’s revolutionising infrastructure planning, engineering, and workforce training across industries.

From telecoms and utilities to construction and manufacturing, AR is being used to visualise infrastructure, reduce planning errors, and enhance hands-on training. Instead of relying solely on blueprints, manuals, or classroom-based learning, organisations are embracing interactive AR solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Companies that invest in AR-driven planning and training are seeing major cost savings, faster project completion, and improved workforce readiness.

Despite advancements in digital transformation, many organisations still rely on outdated planning and training methods, leading to:

• • Limited Visualisation of Projects:
    • Traditional blueprints and CAD models don’t always translate well into real-world scenarios.
    • Engineers and technicians struggle to visualise network infrastructure before installation begins.
  • High Error Rates in Planning:
    • Misinterpretation of designs can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and rework.
    • Once infrastructure is installed incorrectly, fixing errors can cost companies thousands in extra labour.
  • Training Bottlenecks & Slow Workforce Development:
    • Hands-on training requires physical equipment, in-person sessions, and significant trainer availability.
    • Learning curves can be steep, especially for complex installations or maintenance procedures.

AR technology is addressing these challenges by making infrastructure planning more precise and workforce training more immersive.

• • Immersive Infrastructure Visualisation:
    • AR enables engineers and planners to overlay 3D digital models onto real-world environments.
    • This allows for precise cable routing, equipment placement, and network infrastructure planning before work even begins.
  • Reducing Planning Errors:
    • AR provides real-time, interactive visualisation, allowing engineers to identify potential issues before installation.
    • Instead of trial-and-error, engineers can simulate the project in AR before physical work starts.
  • On-the-Job Training & Remote Guidance:
    • AR-powered training enables new workers to see step-by-step visual guides while performing complex installations.
    • Remote AR support allows experts to guide field engineers in real-time, reducing travel costs and improving efficiency.

At SkillsBase, we’re integrating AR to help organisations improve workforce training and infrastructure planning, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

1. AR Planner for Infrastructure & Cable Routing

1. • • Uses LiDAR-enabled devices to create real-world 3D digital twins of work sites.
     • Ensures accurate planning by allowing engineers to map out routes before physical installation.
     • Helps teams identify obstacles and streamline deployment processes, reducing costly rework.
2.  2. Interactive AR Training Modules
   1. • • AR headsets allow trainees to engage with digital models of network components, such as cable boxes, cabinets, and underground infrastructure.
        • Technicians can practice installations in a simulated environment before working with real equipment.
   2. 3. Digital Record-Keeping & Compliance
      • • AR-generated plans and assessments are stored digitally, making it easy to track compliance and audit trails.
        • Trainers can monitor learner progress, ensuring that employees meet certification standards before performing live work.

1. Openreach: Streamlining Infrastructure Planning with AR

As one of the UK’s largest broadband infrastructure providers, Openreach needed a way to improve planning accuracy and reduce deployment errors.

• • Used AR technology to overlay network plans onto real-world environments, ensuring that engineers could visualise fibre optic routes before installation.
  • Reduced infrastructure planning errors, minimising the need for rework and additional costs.
  • Improved engineer efficiency, allowing teams to complete projects faster with fewer disruptions.

2. DexGreen: AR Training for Interactive Product Handling

DexGreen, a provider of telecoms infrastructure components, needed a solution for training engineers on how to assemble and install new equipment. Instead of requiring physical hardware for training, SkillsBase helped DexGreen deploy an AR-based training program.

• • Virtual Reality (VR) headsets allow trainees to interact with a 3D digital model of DexGreen’s equipment.
  • Engineers can view the components up close, rotate them, and simulate installations before handling real units.
  • Reduced the need for physical demo units, saving money on training materials and enabling remote learning.

This innovative approach has sped up learning, reduced errors, and improved technician confidence when handling complex installations.

The use of AR technology is rapidly expanding as companies recognise its value in reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing learning experiences.

1. More Accurate Planning:
   • • AR reduces errors in infrastructure deployment, preventing costly mistakes.
     • Engineers can see exactly how networks will fit into real-world environments before installation begins.
2. Higher Training Engagement & Retention:
   • • Studies show that interactive training, like AR training, increases knowledge retention by up to 75% compared to passive learning. (Clark & Mayer, 2016)
     • Trainees can practice installations in a risk-free virtual environment before working with live equipment.
3. Faster Project Completion & Workforce Development:
   • • AR helps teams work smarter and faster, ensuring that projects stay on schedule.
     • New technicians get up to speed more quickly, reducing onboarding time.
4. Remote Training & Support Scalability:
   • • AR enables experts to train and assist workers remotely, reducing travel costs and making training more accessible worldwide.
     • This is especially useful for companies with multiple locations or field-based teams.

Industries that embrace AR-driven planning and training are seeing faster project completion, fewer errors, and more skilled technicians.

From Openreach’s network planning improvements to DexGreen’s immersive AR-based training, SkillsBase is helping organisations leverage augmented reality to work smarter, train faster, and build stronger infrastructures.

For companies looking to stay ahead in planning, training, and compliance, AR is no longer an option—it’s a necessity.

Discover how SkillsBase’s Augmented Reality solutions are helping organisations reduce planning errors, improve training, and enhance compliance.

👉 Contact us to schedule a demo.