Innovating through economic downturns
An exclusive interview with a technical leader
By Larry Maloney, Contributing Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 3/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
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Q: What signs do you see of a pickup in demand for test equipment?
A: I’m not sure we have a better ability to call the market than do all the economists we read daily! That said, we have seen increases in run rates through the second half of 2009 and going into 2010. Our customers rely on us to introduce innovative products to better solve their needs. In the back half of 2009, we introduced several such products that have led our customers back into the market.
Q: How did the recession affect your product-development strategies?
A: We have a fundamental belief that great companies continue to invest in innovation even through downturns. This was our overriding philosophy in late 2008 and 2009. We tightened spending in noncritical areas so we could continue to make significant investments in R&D. For example, the Fluke 233 remote-display multimeter—the first wireless DMM (digital multimeter)—is a true breakthrough that makes an engineer’s life easier by allowing him or her to be in two places at one time. Another DMM, the Fluke 28 II, is targeted for harsh environments, adding a new definition of ruggedness to the market. Among other introductions, the Fluke Ti32 thermal imager is the first 320x240-resolution imager for under $9000, and the Fluke 6105 electrical standard for the calibration of energy-metering devices is filling a need in that market.
Q: What segments of test are your prime targets?
A: Our founder, John Fluke, Sr., laid the groundwork for our low-voltage metrology measurement tools, and we have been introducing new technologies in rapid succession for 60-plus years. In that time, we have expanded the parameters beyond electrical to temperature, pressure, flow, and distance. The readers of Test & Measurement World look to Fluke for a variety of measurement needs, but are especially interested in sourcing DC and AC signals up to 6 GHz. They use many of our precision electronic instruments as systems references. Other applications range from stimulating and measuring strain gages to testing radar systems.
Q: How are Fluke’s investments in thermal imaging panning out?
A: Thermal imaging is an increasingly important product line. We entered that market with a belief that we could make core infrared technology less expensive and easier to use through a more-intuitive user interface, combined with accuracy and reliability. Our brand awareness is growing, and we are having great success in extending our market reach.
The biggest driver for this business is what I call “best maintenance practice.” It encompasses preventive maintenance, energy efficiency, and safety. A thermal imager is a single tool you can put in the hands of a knowledgeable maintenance professional to quickly scan systems and equipment from a safe distance to determine potential problems. The other big growth area is building diagnostics—scanning the envelope of a structure for air or water leaks. This is becoming increasingly important as the world seeks to become more energy efficient.
Q: Looking ahead, what new applications will Fluke be targeting?
A: The move into the vibration market is a focus for us, and we will continue to address new opportunities in energy and building diagnostics. This year, we’ll also provide engineers with a more robust offering of technical information on our global Website.
Read the continuation of the interview.
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