Interplay Learning Highlights Importance of Employee Training During Volatile Times with New White Paper
Interplay Learning's new white paper, "The Downtime Dilemma," highlights how unplanned manufacturing downtime—often caused by human error like improper maintenance and inconsistent procedures—results in significant financial and reputational losses, and emphasizes that immersive, effective employee training is a critical strategy to reduce these interruptions by enabling technicians to proactively troubleshoot and maintain equipment reliably amid volatile economic and technological conditions.
Austin, Texas — May 13, 2025 — Interplay Learning, a leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades, has released “The Downtime Dilemma,” a white paper examining unplanned downtime in the manufacturing sector and the role of effective technical training in reducing unwanted interruptions.
In “The Downtime Dilemma,” Interplay Learning brings together third-party analysis highlighting the various factors that contribute to manufacturing downtime, such as equipment failure and operator errors. The cost of lost productivity can be significant, exceeding $25,000 an hour even for small-scale manufacturers. Beyond financial loss, reputational damage is also a serious concern for manufacturers facing frequent disruptions.
Doug Donovan, CEO at Interplay Learning, stated: “Unplanned downtime has always posed a threat to manufacturing companies, especially when it becomes a pattern or a routine issue. Our white paper summarizes some of the factors that can exacerbate the risk of downtime, while also suggesting some important safeguards, including an intentional and thorough investment in training.”
According to data in “The Downtime Dilemma,” human error is a leading cause of equipment outages, with common examples including improper maintenance, delayed response times, and inconsistent procedures.
The white paper demonstrates that effective training can equip technicians to address these issues and prevent unplanned downtime. Immersive training programs empower technicians to proactively identify problems, troubleshoot efficiently, and handle equipment with care, all of which contribute to a manufacturing environment where equipment lasts longer and functions more reliably.
Donovan added: “We live in an era of uncertainty due to economic, political, and even technological factors. For manufacturers, it’s crucial to mitigate this uncertainty and to control those things that can be controlled, such as employee training and development, an essential bulwark against recurring downtime.”
To download “The Downtime Dilemma” and access insights about the impact of training in saving time and money, visit the Interplay Learning resource center.
For more information about Interplay Learning, visit www.interplaylearning.com.
About Interplay Learning
Interplay Learning, the leader in immersive learning for the skilled trades, now includes Industrial Training International (ITI), a global leader in specialized industrial learning solutions. Leveraging instructor-led training, online simulations, AI, and VR, Interplay helps organizations and educational institutions upskill faster, reduce risk, and increase operational readiness. With nearly 600,000 people trained, Interplay is shaping the future of workforce development, building better careers and better lives.
Recent accolades include Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, AHR’s 2024 Innovation Award, IACET 2024 Innovation of the Year Award, NFMT 2024 Vision Awards, and Forbes’ 2023 America’s Best Startup Employers.
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