Product category:
Electrical and Electronic Subassemblies
News Release from: Danielson (UK) | Subject: Membrane keyboards
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 17 March 2004
Keyboard switch halves lead times
By switching to Danielson for its membrane keyboards, medical equipment manufacturer Thermo Electron has not only slashed its lead times, it has also improved its own product delivery.
By switching to Danielson for its membrane keyboards, medical equipment manufacturer Thermo Electron has not only slashed its lead times, it has also improved its own product delivery In today's competitive market, it's rare to find a supplier promoting itself solely on competitive prices and outstanding quality
Falling margins and quicker turnaround times dictate that manufacturers are increasingly being forced to offer complete packages that encompass quality, cost and delivery.
Thermo Electron, one of the world's leading innovators of high-tech instruments for life science, laboratory and industrial environments, is no exception.
Headquartered in the USA, the company has a number of international operations, including a UK manufacturing site in Runcorn, Cheshire.
Here, the company makes medical diagnostic equipment for the NHS, university labs and private organisations, as well as exporting specialist equipment to the USA and the Far East.
For over two years, Thermo Electron has been using Danielson's membrane keyboards on its Cryotome sample-preparation system, which is used to freeze human tissue.
This keyboard incorporates 19 embossed keys that control temperature, time and date settings, as well as the system's internal dissection knife and a window lock.
For Richard Park, Senior Buyer at Thermo Electron, his company's relationship with Danielson doesn't simply rest on the regular consignment of membrane keyboards, it has also facilitated a drastic reduction in lead times resulting in a general improvement in Thermo Electron's product delivery.
"By using Danielson, we've reduced lead times, which means we don't have to forecast as far into the future.
We're able to deliver our products when our customers want them because we have the confidence that the keyboards will be delivered on time".
He notes, however, that the partnership between the two companies is more dynamic than simply being based on lead times.
"It's not just about quality or delivery, it's about the overall package", he explains.
Since opting for Danielson, Park says Thermo Electron has been able to manufacture products that are more reliable and delivered on time.
He says this is possible because of Danielson's commitment to quality and ability to cut Thermo Electron's lead times by 50%.
"By switching to Danielson, we've reduced our lead times from eight weeks to as little as one month or less, which has created a much better working relationship".
But as Park emphasises, other factors apart from lead times helped Danielson secure the Thermo Electron contract.
"We looked at about six suppliers, taking in to account quality, cost and delivery.
We were looking for a supplier that best suited our needs, and Danielson came up with the most comprehensive package".
As the relationship flourished, Park says other factors - apart from Danielson's extensive range of standard and bespoke membrane keyboards - have become apparent.
"We're not specialist designers of touch panels", Park notes, "they are.
So to maximise their technical know-how, we are developing a stronger partnership with Danielson, so that they'll have an even greater input on our future products".
Park describes the membrane keyboards as "an integral part" of the Cryotome freezing system.
He also says the partnership between Thermo Electron and Danielson is ideal.
"Danielson supplies us with good-quality components that are delivered on time - what more could you ask for?".
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