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The emergence of (DR) digital radiography and (CR) computed radiography has altered the face of conventional radiography. With the economy recovering and capital becoming available to potential buyers, the unit shipment volume is expected to gain momentum in 2011, mostly in the DR segment of the market. The decline in the prices of electronic archive systems, such as picture archiving and communication system (PACS), is an impetus for the growth of DR.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (medicalimaging.frost.com), European Markets for Digital and Computed Radiography, finds that the European DR market earned revenues of $68.0 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $111.2 million in 2016 and the European CR market earned revenues of $228.0 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $237.4 million in 2016. The markets covered are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The United Kingdom, Benelux and Scandinavia.
"DR offers optimised work flow and enhanced diagnostic image quality thereby increasing productivity," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Simone Carron. "With the implementation of digital imaging being made mandatory in European hospitals in the near future, the transition to digital has significant market potential."
The enhancement in the clinical value of PACS, such as the ability to make digital images accessible anywhere through digital network, is fuelling the growth of DR. Several vendors are adopting a strategy of offering comprehensive packages comprising of PACS and DR systems, making it additionally appealing to buyers who are looking to acquire an archiving system along with transitioning to digital.
However, widespread capital freezes and financial shortcomings are responsible for the significant delay and decline in the number of DR and CR purchases. The key challenge faced by the industry is the availability of capital for competing technologies, such as digital solutions, that require high initial investments. Furthermore, lack of awareness among buyers about the available options to make the transition from analogue to digital technology poses a major barrier to the industry.
"DR systems continue to be out of reach for many small and private imaging centres that lack the budgets to make the transition," explains Carron. "Besides the stand alone full systems, several buyers are unaware that system upgrades are available."
Digital solution providers should become attuned to the needs of end users by building a diverse product portfolio and offering competitive pricing. It is essential for vendors to justify the high initial investments of CR and DR with an emphasis on operational cost savings.
"Market participants should offer a broad range of technology options and customised financial plans catering to end-user specifications in order to maintain and enhance their current positions," concludes Carron.
If you are interested in more information on Frost & Sullivan's latest research on European Markets for Digital and Computed Radiography, please send an email to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at katja.feick[.]frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.
European Markets for Digital and Computed Radiography is part of the Medical Imaging Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Digitisation Initiatives in the European Medical Imaging Markets, U.S Digital and Computed Radiography (DR/CR) markets, and World Digital Radiography (DR) Markets. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
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European Markets for Digital and Computed Radiography / M563
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