Frost & Sullivan, an international consulting firm, has awarded TÜV Rheinland the 2015 Customer Value Leadership Award in the category of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing for North America. Based on the company’s recent analysis of the EMC testing services market, TÜV Rheinland’s record in customer service experience, price/performance value, and growth potential were the deciding factors in this year’s win. This award is the second in as many years for TÜV Rheinland. In 2014 Frost & Sullivan presented TÜV Rheinland with the 2014 European Customer Value Enhancement Award in EMC Testing Services, citing TÜV Rheinland’s expertise in wireless technology, particularly in ZigBee® and medical devices, as well as the company’s involvement in Standard Writing Organizations to be hallmarks of exemplary customer service.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan identifies companies that consistently deepen customer relationships by offering superior products and services that deliver a clear, demonstrable ROI. This research involves extensive primary and secondary research across the entire value chain of specific products. The Customer Value Leadership award recognizes the company’s inordinate focus on enhancing the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and, ultimately, customer base expansion.
“Building on its vast market experience, unparalleled technical expertise, and the strategic presence of five state-of-the-art EMC testing facilities in North America, TÜV Rheinland provides superior value and service in EMC testing,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Janani Balasundar. She adds, “Its precision in testing, rapid service, and highly reliable test reports further highlight the company’s unwavering focus on presenting the best possible value to clients.”
In an industry that has become crowded with providers, many of whom can only compete by slashing their pricing and compromising the accuracy of their test results, TÜV Rheinland has maintained their quality of testing as per industry standards without increasing prices. This balance between price and performance allows TÜV Rheinland to focus on the customer and their testing needs.
One of the greatest challenges in EMC testing is keeping abreast of ever-changing regulations, codes, and standards. TÜV Rheinland has a process in place to keep track of the EMC-related standards and protocols that evolve over time and differ by geography. Moreover, the company collaborates closely with both regulatory agencies and customers alike. This helps advance existing EMC testing services while also building customer awareness regarding emerging technologies.
“Generally, after an update is published, there is a transition period of nine to eighteen months, depending on the standard,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Janani Balasundar. “TÜV Rheinland, on the other hand, notifies all its customers about the impending update a full nine months to a year before the update is published.”
Because every product and service is unique, TÜV Rheinland collaborates with customers to identify pain points, design solutions, and then test above and beyond those needs. For instance, TÜV Rheinland tests certain equipment in 5 MHz increments where other EMC testers would opt for the quicker 30 MHz increments. “Though it takes longer, the testing is much more extensive, giving solid peace of mind to OEMs looking to meet the most rigorous standards. This delivers greater value to TÜV Rheinland’s customers,” says David Haataja, TÜV Rheinland’s SVP – Products.
“TÜV Rheinland conducts webinars, creates white papers, and arranges for one-on-one information exchange sessions with customers to help it stay appraised of emerging customer needs,” observed Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sunanda Ganguli. “Frost & Sullivan feels that TÜV Rheinland’s ability to act as a one-stop shop for customers emphasizes its sound brand identity and sets it up for significant growth in the years to come.”
“We are thrilled to be recognized for the work we do in EMC Testing. As an organization we have made a commitment to enhance the customer service experience, while still providing top-notch testing and added value for our customers,” said Haataja. He added, “We continue to look for ways we can improve our services and help our customers achieve their global regulatory and compliance needs.”
