Case Study Investigating Feasibility of VR Implementation for Training in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

This case study explored the feasibility of implementing Virtual Reality (VR) technology as a training solution in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically focusing on Quality Control using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) equipment. Utilizing the TELOS framework, we evaluated technical, economic, legal, operational, and scheduling aspects, revealing that VR training significantly enhances task performance, user confidence, and overall satisfaction compared to traditional methods. The economic feasibility analysis indicated a total one-time cost of 51,425.00 DKK for implementing the VR solution, with projected annual costs of 269,000.00 DKK/year for maintenance, alongside 1,249.00 FTE hours for setup and 221.05 FTE hours needed annually for support. While these findings underscore the investment required for effective VR integration and identify areas for cost optimization, challenges such as organizational changes, user adaptation, and a small sample size in the usability study may affect generalizability. The limited research on VR training in industrial contexts highlights the need for ongoing exploration. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the effectiveness of VR training and supports further investment in innovative training solutions to improve operational efficiency and employee development in the pharmaceutical sector.