Thermal imaging: Manufacturing volumes and on-time delivery are now key factors in your decision to work with a technology provider

The market for infrared technology has seen strong growth over the past several years. From equipping armored vehicles to trying to contain a pandemic, infrared technology has shown that it can be useful in many applications.

The Covid-19 pandemic—although it is not yet over—has once again shown how important manufacturing capacity is when it comes to medical devices. Shortages of masks, ventilators, and other life-saving ICU equipment have made headlines during this pandemic. 

Infrared cameras have not been as talked-about in the media, but they are extremely useful in screening for early signs of fever to help fight the spread of the disease. Covid-19 has shown us that infrared technology is not reserved for military or industrial use. And, like other medical devices, the capacity to manufacture thermal imaging sensors in sufficient volumes is vital. Read on to learn what you should look for in a technology supplier in terms of volume manufacturing and on-time delivery capabilities.

Volume manufacturing capabilities

Efforts to set up Covid-19 screening systems have fuelled demand for thermal cameras, putting pressure on manufacturers to ramp up their production capacities. Electronic components of all types, both active and passive, are also in demand. This includes thermal imaging sensors, of course. Without the thermal imaging sensor, a thermal camera simply cannot do its job.

Thermal imaging sensor manufacturers have had to adapt to this increase in demand. Fortunately, sensor manufacturing is as high-tech as the products themselves. Production lines are automated and MEMS processes, which have been around for decades, are robust and repeatable. Beyond manufacturing equipment and processes, however, a sensor supplier has to have skilled, committed employees to ensure the necessary throughputs and volumes to meet demand.

To learn more about how a major infrared sensor manufacturer guarantees on-time delivery, download LYNRED’s Customer Support case study.

Guaranteed on-time delivery

Volume manufacturing is a requirement, but it alone is not enough. Products have to meet quality standards and be delivered on time. For infrared sensors, the production cycle takes several weeks. And, when you increase volumes, you risk creating quality issues, which can in turn affect delivery times. So, on-time delivery, or OTD, should be a key factor in your choice of a supplier. OTD is an indicator of how reliable a manufacturer’s deliveries are. It is a key performance indicator—and one you should be tracking with your supplier to ensure that you are working together to achieve continuous improvement in OTD.

OTD is particularly important in the context of a global pandemic. However, it is also a performance indicator you need to know about for security and surveillance, firefighting, and any other application where thermal imaging is used.

To learn more about how a major infrared sensor manufacturer guarantees on-time delivery, download LYNRED’s Customer Support case study.