Why do you use 3D animation and images to present course content?
Capstone has a depth of experience and an established track record in creating virtual 3D industrial environments. The use of virtual 3D technology offers increased flexibility and a decrease in the overall
cost of building and maintaining training solutions. With our extensive library of custom made 3D objects we can quickly setup and modify virtual training environments. Using 3D models give us the ability to
make significant changes without going back to the source and shooting new video or taking additional digital images. The end result is a flexible base for our courseware materials that can be updated and
modified quickly and efficiently. Additionally, our virtual training environments offer more interactive and engaging content that show the trainee views and angles of objects that would be impossible or
difficult to show using traditional training methods. This technology simultaneously drives down the costs of training while increasing employee retention.
How does your licensing structure work for generic courses?
Typically, generic course purchases are based on a price per user and are configured to run on a company's intranet using Convergence Server. Under this scenario, there are no leasing or recurring fees and
the company retains local control over the data records for their work force. Maintenance which covers future software upgrades and system support can be purchased at a percentage of the contract price.
For most customers this is the most efficient, secure and economical solution. Internet hosted solutions are individually bid on a case by case basis depending on the size and scope of a company's trainee pool.
Can the generic courses be modified?
Yes. Our courses contain generic information regarding regulatory information on specific course topics. However, many clients wish to add additional site or company specific material. Because we use 3D virtual
environments as a base for our training, we can generally add your specific material to the generic training courses seamlessly. This helps maintain a consistent look and feel to the courses and results in a
professional and engaging presentation. In addition to modifying course content, we can easily modify the question pool to include specific questions for your organization. This ensures that the final presentation
focuses on the key points critical to your organization.
What are the client requirements to run the courses?
A typically configured PC is probably ready to run Capstone's web based material. No courseware client needs to installed and maintained. The minimum desktop requirements to run the generic courses are listed in
Table A.
| Desktop Requirements |
| 1Ghz Pentium |
| 256 MB Ram |
| IE 5.5 or > |
| Java RTE 1.3 or > |
| Windows Media Player 9 or > |
| 800x600 resolution or > |
What is the distribution method for the generic courses?
Typically, distribution is handled via our web based, training management software called Convergence Server. Convergence Server is based on Microsoft's SQL Server and Internet Information Server technologies.
Convergence Server allows for the organization, distribution, tracking and reporting of company authorized training materials. Convergence Server can be setup internal to your organization's networking infrastructure
or at an external internet address hosted by Capstone Technology.
For those who do not require a web based distribution method, our generic courses can be distributed via DVD or CDROM.
For those who do not require a web based distribution method, our generic courses can be distributed via DVD or CDROM.
Which generic courses are available?
A list of the generic courses and upcoming release dates available from Capstone's course library can be viewed at www.thinkconvergence.com.
Are the courses SCORM or AICC compliant?
Yes. Capstone uses industry standard tools to build its training courses. This means that we have the ability to publish the courses based on the individual needs of your organization.
If you plan to distribute the courses via a third party, standards compliant, Learning Management System we will publish the courses with those specifications in mind.
Can courses be developed with custom content?
Yes. Capstone training services team can help you build professional training content for your organization. We can help in all stages of development including; storyboard writing, voice production,
video production, building 3D models, building animation sequences, building tests, building interactive simulations and distributing the final presentation.
What are the advantages of using the Convergence Server?
Convergence Server is based on Microsoft SQL Server and IIS technology. The server is capable of managing and tracking any SCORM compliant courseware. Use of the Convergence server does not lock you into a single
vendor for you courseware. The server offers the flexibility to create required course groups and to assign each employee to a required course or course group. There are a host of features for reviewing course
participation and performance.
Does Capstone offer operational courseware?
Capstone has delivered site-specific operational courses to several mills. In addition to our experience in developing courseware, Capstone employs several engineers with extensive industrial experience.
This means site-specific courses can be developed with minimal impact on your operating personnel's time. Our people understand your process; they require only the specifics of your operation.
What is the advantage of site-specific courseware?
The purpose of training is to convey information to an individual. While generic operational course can convey the theory of a given unit operation, there is no comparison between a generic discussion and one
which is accented and emphasized by realistic 3D models views of your actual operation. Custom developed courseware covers every piece of equipment and procedure that you choose and does not confuse the student
by discussing pieces of equipment which don't exist in your mill.
