Configuring the Virtual Security System

Our client, a global provider of Security Systems, was preparing to introduce a new Virtual Security System to its customers.

The point of the product was to network together the various security cameras and other devices that were already installed on a customer’s site. Since each customer would have a different set of devices, the product would “look different” in each site. However, the client wanted to create a single, uniform training package that would work for all sites.

Although the product itself was a digital product, the client wanted to train customers in a hands-on, laboratory/classroom environment. (However, the client wanted to leave the possibility open to move the presentation to a virtual-classroom format.)

The goal of the training was to prepare the client to configure the product to work with its existing base of security components, and to change that configuration when additional components were purchased.

Training would take place at the Security Provider’s regional offices – where there was no guarantee about what security apparatus would be available on any given training day.

 

We needed to create a training program that could be taught on any site. It had to be generic enough to teach the basic skills, yet specific enough so that customers could learn how to customize their configurations as needed. Also, we wanted to encourage customers to use their Technical Documentation and Troubleshooting Guide as a resource in resolving technical issues.

Our solution included these elements:

• A generic Configuration Tree, which included all the steps that had to be followed during a Configuration sequence, no matter what devices were included in a customer’s system.
• A scenario system, which described a typical mix of security components. The scenario was quite detailed, including site layout drawings, camera settings, etc.
• A Laboratory Exercise Guide, that followed the sequence in the Configuration Tree, laid out the details of the Scenario System, and prompted the learners to configure a network of laptops for the Scenario System’s specifications. This Guide linked to specific sections of the product’s Technical Documentation and Troubleshooting Guide.
• A set of discussion points regarding customization issues.
• Instructor Guide that detailed how to present the information and conduct the exercises, as well as how to debrief them and pull out customer-specific configuration issues.

All of elements were suitable for classroom presentation, but easily re-purposable to a virtual classroom or even a self-study format.

Special Skills/Software

• Instructional Design
• Technical Writing & Illustration
• Captivate Software

Our client was able to deploy consistent training, despite offering the training from different locations, with different instructors, to meet different customer requirements.

Customers learned a robust configuration process which was appropriate for any security network, and got hands-on practice configuring a Scenario System. They also learned how to change the configuration to reflect changes in security components – something which they were likely to encounter frequently.

For more information about this project, please contact us.