That doesn't necessarily mean opting for the lowest cost solution but it does mean justifying expenditure in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness.
Equipment manufacturers are become more creative in the way they help customers achieve these goals. Products that were once considered adequate may not meet the higher expectations. While end-users will have their check list to evaluate new purchases, manufacturers should be ahead of the game offering alternative solutions that not only meet the criteria but offer additional benefits. An innovative approach should encompass all that the customer expects and more.
This is precisely what Hughes Safety Showers did when it developed a new emergency response shelter. Initial evaluation of existing products revealed that they all had good points but everyone also had at least one drawback. User experience confirmed the problems and helped to formulate a list of features for the ideal shelter. Obviously the aim was to utilise the best features and eliminate the worst. It took two years of intensive development and testing to produce a shelter that not only met user expectations but opened up opportunities for a more efficient use of resources.
It was clear from the outset that different customers had their own range of potential applications for this type of shelter. Fire & Rescue Services, for example, could use it as a decontamination shower for public and service personnel, a command and control centre, casualty holding area and temporary mortuary. The concept of a standard universal shelter which could be customised by simply changing the inner 'liner' to suit different applications proved to be an attractive proposition with end users and one that would help them make the best use of their equipment.
So, the Hughes Articulated Rapid Deployment (HARD) shelter took shape - lightweight, easy to carry, tough and durable. The 'Built for professionals, by professionals' advertising slogan used by Hughes sums up the design philosophy and acknowledges the company's track record in supplying equipment for the emergency services.
Simplicity is the key to the shelters success and essential for rapid deployment. It can be erected by two people and ready for use in less than 3 minutes.
Minimal maintenance was also identified by end users as an important feature. The frame is a collapsible one-piece construction that unfolds with the cover already in place and after use it remains attached as the frame is folded for storage. This prevents it from contacting the floor and becoming dirty or damaged, and therefore reduces cleaning time and extends its life.
The frame's weight and strength are fundamental design considerations for this type of shelter. It has to stand up to some pretty rough treatment and can be used repeatedly in harsh conditions. In addition to the Fire & Rescue Service, interest has also been expressed by the military, police and humanitarian relief agencies, all of whom have specific requirements that can be met by simply changing the inner 'liner'. The anodised aluminium frame combines light weight and strength to give a robust and rigid structure that can be anchored in place using guy lines and pegs or water filled ballast tanks.
The Neoprene-coated Nylon cover which has a wipe-clean rubber coating has zip entry and exit doors. When additional space is required two or more units can be connected together using these zip openings.
An insulated version of the shelter has been developed for use in extreme climates, and for hot countries this can include an optional air conditioning system. The range also includes a basic model which can be conveniently palletised for rapid deployment around the world to provide temporary accommodation for disaster relief.
As the Hughes example demonstrates, manufacturers will have to be more innovative in the future if they are to deliver best value. Meeting the end user's immediate requirements will only be the starting point. Delivering additional benefits for a more efficient way of working should be the goal.