GE Infrastructure Security (Formerly InVision Technologies)

Problem:
After the tragedy of September 11, the demand for the Invision Technologies airport security luggage scanning equipment increased dramatically. Invision Technologies was faced with a difficult choice. They could increase their headcount, in which case payroll expenses would increase immediately, while waiting 9-15 months for recruitment, hiring, and training; or Invision Technologies could turn to a trusted partner, with proven engineering and manufacturing experience, to quickly address new technology and capacity requirements.

Objectives: 
After Trust Automation initially proved their capability with third-party controller programming, handling seven axes of coordinated movement, Invision Technologies turned to them again; this time to develop a robust modular motion control box, housing high current amplifiers and associated hardware. Inputs, outputs and footprint were specified by Invision. Trust Automation engineered and completed the specification; including key components and custom materials, field-serviceable amplifier modules, and printed circuit boards. 

After September 11, Invision Technologies faced significant changes to their machines, and to Trust Automation's motion control box. Concurrently, production schedules were ramped significantly and a new controller box design was being requested to reduce costs and enhance serviceability. 

Solution:
Trust Automation's engineering and manufacturing departments executed on all fronts: adding several new engineering features to the existing amplifier box, redesigning and delivering a newly designed box, and accelerated delivery schedules from a few systems per quarter, to several systems per week, while maintaining a 100% on-time record. Excellent revision control, and Trust Automation in-house testing allowed the customer to purchase a known good component while focusing their effort on shipping a complex product.

The Trust Factor:
Invision Technologies leans on Trust Automation for reliable support. Trust Automation draws from motion control and sustaining engineering experience developed over many years, several hundred projects in diverse industries, enabling them to quickly implement durable solutions, backed by proper revision control.

© 2005 Trust Automation, Inc.