Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does Varicom's training solution compare to other CBT?

  • What are the benefits?

  • Why is Varicom set apart from its competition?

  • How does the Varicom team work with its clients?

  • How are Varicom solutions priced?

  • In what parts of the world does Varicom provide its services?

The most common computer-based training (CBT) programs provide learning and/or evaluative functions and usually contain text and simple media (slides, diagrams, audio, 2-D animations, photos, video). The Varicom solutions comprise traditional CBT functions plus a great deal more. The additional capabilities are summarized as follows:

  • 3-D animated models that illustrate the topic being studied in a visual, realistic manner

  • Interactivity: Ability for user to interact with 3-D model - move, turn, zoom, and control equipment in the 3-D model (e.g., operating a fire monitor)

  • Remote or Local Use: Designed for use remotely over internet/intranet connection or from a standalone computer

  • Classroom or Single User: Can be used in a classroom setting as a learning aid for the instructor or individually by students/trainees

  • Team Exercises: Optional multi-player simulation and exercise evaluation modules

  • Expertise Transfer: Knowledge management process incorporates subject expertise and best practices into training program.

Benefits of using Varicom's computer-based training solutions are derived from a higher quality training experience and more efficient delivery of training. A higher quality training experience is made possible by our use of cutting-edge 3-D animation plus realistic interactivity. Based on results with our clients and 3rd-party studies, the chances of learning more and retaining what was learned for a longer period of time is greater with our approach. And by using content that is specific to the trainee's facility, the worker will be better able to immediately apply his training to daily tasks. In effect, the payback or value derived from each unit of time and dollar spent on training is increased.

Another direct benefit is the ability to rapidly transfer knowledge and expertise from the more experienced members of the workforce to newly hired workers. The Varicom solutions, combined with our knowledge management process squarely service this important role of computer-based training.

In regards to efficiency, the most obvious gains are achieved when the cost and time away from work are reduced. For instance, when some or all of off-site training is instead delivered remotely to workers while at their facility such savings are possible. Efficiency is also gained from better retention. To the extent that workers can retain what they've learned for a longer period of time, then the need for refresher training and the costs thereof will be reduced. The key to maximizing these savings opportunities is a high-quality computer-based training program that reaches remote users and supports in-classroom training. Varicom's web-based solutions serve both fronts.

Varicom provides solutions for Fortune 100 and other large, multinational organizations in the private and public sectors. Our people have decades of experience working in large organizations and under the highest professional standards. All of our deployments follow a structured process that ensures client and end-user requirements are fully met.

Backing up our solutions are our people who have expertise in advanced modeling and simulation and large-scale system development and deployment. On top of this, we retain deep subject expterise and industry knowledge in oil & gas, aviation, safety and security, engineering, defense and logistics.

For each engagement we assign a Project Leader who serves as the primary point of contact throughout the engagement. The Project Leader is an experienced professional who brings highest levels of professionalism, communications skills, project management experience, and last, but not least, expertise germane to the training domain.

The Project Leader’s work is guided by a service delivery framework, JR3DD, which brings order and efficiency to an otherwise potentially disorganized process. Under JR3DD, the first and foremost task of the Project Leader is to collaboratively formulate a training solution approach that squarely serves the client’s objectives. This step will also factor in any budgetary or temporal constraints that the client is required to operate under.

Once the solution delivery work commences in earnest, the Project Leader will orchestrate all Varicom work “back at the ranch” so as to ensure that the work product is delivered on time and to the highest levels of quality. Along the way, the Project Leader will provide regular status reports and meet with the client to enable unambiguous and timely review and revision to work in progress as appropriate.

The Varicom training solutions are priced based on number of users, duration of use, nature and amount of training materials, and the means by which solutions are deployed. Since there are numerous variables that drive the price, it is not practical to provide a one-size-fits-all price list. Instead, we provide price quotes and proposals to prospective clients once we understand their requirements. However, it is important to note that based on feedback from past and current clients, our prices are competitive and the payback on the investement in Varicom solutions can be very attractive.

Although we are based in New York, NY, we routinely work in other parts of the US and internationally. Since we rely on a Varicom Project Leader as the primary point of contact and we routinely utilize web-meeting technology for collaborating remotely, we are able to effectively work with clients around the world while keeping travel expenses at minimal levels.