The Virtual Trial Run (VTA) is an operating model developed by Gelecta that enables customers to participate in production trial runs without being physically present.
During the first year, VTA has been utilized in multiple customer projects. The experience shows that the biggest change is not only related to efficiency — but to how decisions are made before serial production begins.
What Does VTA Mean in Practice?
The production trial run is carried out physically as usual — but the customer can follow it remotely, either live or via recording.
In practice, VTA includes:
– live or recorded video access to production
– step-by-step documentation of the trial run
– clear presentation of measurement and quality data
– the ability to revisit critical points afterward
In many cases, watching a recording is the most practical option. Due to time zone differences, live participation is not always feasible, but recordings allow the trial run to be reviewed carefully — at a time that suits the customer.
Key Benefit: Decisions Are Made Immediately, Not Weeks Later
VTA eliminates the delay between production and decision-making. Customers gain direct visibility into the trial run and can make decisions without traditional waiting periods.
In practice, this results in faster approvals, fewer iteration rounds, and a shorter transition to serial production.
Transparency Transforms Collaboration
When the customer sees what actually happens in production and how the part behaves during manufacturing, discussions shift from assumptions to facts.
VTA creates a shared view between design, sourcing, and manufacturing.
Customer Feedback
During the first year, customer feedback has been entirely positive. VTA has been seen as a genuinely useful tool that increases confidence in the production ramp-up phase. The feedback has also encouraged us to continue developing the service further.
Deeper Visibility into the Trial Run
VTA enables customers to examine trial parts in significantly greater detail than before.
With recordings, it is possible to:
– pause at specific details
– review parts from different angles
– assess critical areas carefully afterward
This has been particularly valuable in evaluating visible surface quality, where even minor imperfections matter.
What Did We Learn During the First Year?
– Real-time access accelerates decision-making
– Customer involvement improves outcomes
– Communication is a critical part of production — and VTA further enhances it
Summary of the First Year
The Virtual Trial Run (VTA) brings speed, transparency, and confidence to the most critical phase of production — before the start of serial manufacturing.