TÜV Product Service New Year Review 2010

I would like to wish you all a prosperous New Year. The economic landscape in which we are all operating has changed drastically compared to 12 months ago. For many, the outlook for their businesses has moved from that of survival to one of expectation that a recovery in the world economy will provide a sound basis for the launch of new products and services.

For this to happen, manufacturers need to have the confidence that the markets will be there to justify the risk involved in developing new products, and we can help you to manage these risks by ensuring that your products are both compliant with legislation and meet the expectations of your customers.

Helping to demonstrate that products meet customers’ expectations has been an increasing feature of our business, particular in the consumer goods area, in which we have been assisting retailers, importers and manufacturers to demonstrate that their products are fit for us. However, this service extends right up to the high technology area, as we continue to work closely with suppliers to Boeing and Airbus in ensuring that products meet these aerospace manufacturers’ exacting standards for their new generation of aircraft.

Another feature of our business in 2009 was the further development of our Rail business, supported by the specialist expertise of TÜV SÜD Rail and other parts of the TÜV SÜD group. The most notable achievement was the winning of a major contract with Transport for London, assisting them in the development of cooling systems for the London Underground network. We were also appointed as an Independent Safety Assessor by Network Rail.

Innovation continues to be a key focus for us, and 2009 saw the introduction of a remote monitoring service, which allows our customers to see their products being tested at the TÜV Product Service test facility in Fareham from the comfort of their offices. Using high definition cameras and high-bandwidth Internet links, the quality of the images invariably delighted our customers and allowed them to save time and money by not having to make a special journey, whilst enjoying the quality and speed of service that you would expect of us.

Other new services introduced over the last 12 months included a test service for RF shielding enclosures, accredited testing of battery charging systems, a consulting service covering the risk management procedures required of companies who use chemicals, the assessment of photovoltaic modules under the UK Government’s micro-generation certification scheme, electrical safety testing for medical devices and an extended scope of testing services covering marine radios and the new LTE cellular technology.

In November and December 2009, we held our first two webinars, covering key changes to the EU Medical Devices Directive and the impact of the new EU EMC Directive. We had a considerable response to this free, “live” web-based training during which participants can type in questions online, and you can now access recordings of these webinars through our website. We shall be holding further webinars throughout the year ahead as part of our external training programme.

In December, we launched our new BABT website , which contains the same downloads that were available from the old website, but now has extra information and a new “look and feel” about it, and should be easier to navigate and use. We plan very shortly to add an extra section to the site which will allow you to apply and pay online for your products’ FCC and Industry Canada assessments and approvals.

Last year, we participated in a number of major exhibitions, such as IFSEC, DSEI and Railtex, and we plan an equally extensive participation at exhibitions in the UK and abroad in 2010. We hope that you will be able to visit our stands at these shows.

In this review, I have included hyperlinks to relevant sites on the Internet, but please get in touch through info@tuvps.co.uk, if you would like more information on any of the topics I have covered.

With my best wishes for the year ahead,

Jean-Louis Evans
Managing Director
TÜV Product Service and BABT