Abstract
New Products Fuel Growth Opportunities
"Dot matrix" or "phase change" thermometers, which are
made up of chromatic dots on a plastic or adhesive strip, are the latest format
in the temperature monitoring equipment markets. They have applications in
pediatric as well as adult care. These dots that act as individual thermometers
are accurate, simple, and non-invasive, although not very fast. The instrument
can be disposed or reused within 48 hours. Another line of disposable
thermometers called TempaDOT has been introduced by 3M. This unbreakable and
pliable device gives oral readings in 60 seconds and axillary in three minutes.
This Frost & Sullivan research examines the U.S. temperature monitoring
equipment markets. It offers revenue forecasts by market segment, covers key
drivers and restraints, as well as provides strategic recommendations to
overcome market challenges. The report has been divided into four segments -
digital, infrared, electronic, and mercury thermometers.
Speed of Monitoring and Ease of Use Drive Uptake of New Thermometers
"The market for temperature monitoring devices is driven by advancements
in digital and infrared technologies," states the analyst. Temperature
monitoring speeds are constantly on the increase within the digital thermometer
category. The time taken has reduced progressively from 60 seconds to 30 and 10
seconds, depending on the part of the body from where temperature is measured.
Introduction of flex tip thermometers has increased monitoring comfort and
convenience. The tympanic thermometer, an infrared temperature-monitoring
device, can report readings in just one second. Technologies that provide as
many as 512 scans per second are being developed.
New product formats are also facilitating convenience of monitoring along
with speed. For instance, infrared thermometers, while providing almost
instantaneous results, are also non-invasive. Another such product is the Accu-curve.
"The Accu-curve is an innovative device that combines a curved tip to reach
the temperature hot spot under the tongue easily with a 30-second digital and
user-friendly voice-based readout," remarks the analyst. It is available in
three models - 'small oral' for babies, 'oral' for children over six years, and
'talking' for elderly and care-dependent patients.
Rapid Growth of Private Labels Creates Opportunities for Manufacturers
Although populated only by a handful of participants, the private-label
segment is briskly growing within the thermometry market. With price erosion and
intense competition in the branded market, many more participants are expected
to seek entry into the private-label sector. "Private labels represent
large guaranteed unit shipments without the burdensome slotting and other
marketing-based costs," notes the analyst. Testing speed is a
differentiator in awarding contracts for private labels, but since most brands
are comparable in that feature, price becomes paramount.
The relative lack of product differentiation forces most participants to
submit increasingly price-competitive bids in this segment. The negative fallout
of this is that private labels could possibly take over the market and force
branded thermometers into commodity status. Manufacturers will have to choose
between developing a brand image to distinguish themselves and following the
market trend of acquiring private label volumes. This decision will rest as much
on the company's resources as on its market penetration strategy.
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