The launch of the new selector tool builds on the work Bosch has already been doing to rationalise part codes and improve product quality since manufacturing of the MIC Series transferred to a dedicated facility in Ovar, Portugal, as Ian Crosby, European Product Marketing Manager (CCTV) explains

“At the end of last year we were faced with more than 750 different part codes and type numbers for the MIC series, and understandably this led to some difficulty and confusion in correctly specifying what was needed,” he says.

“Our immediate action was to consolidate the range and rationalise the number of models available, and this we have successfully achieved. Our next step was to look at lead times, reducing deliveries from six weeks at our previous facility to a remarkable four days today for our most popular models, and still only 14 to 18 days for the more specialist MICs.”

Ian says that the new product selector tool is the final part of the jigsaw: “The launch of this new tool will help our customers specify the right model quickly and accurately first time,” he says.

The selection tool starts with an application choice and follows by building the required code based upon the user’s needs. In addition the tool allows the user to select the accessories relevant for their generated MIC Series product, for example choosing only white brackets with a white MIC product.

At the end of the selection process, the selector tool will link to the relevant product datasheet and allow the user to print a ‘shopping list’ to check and confirm his order.

The product selection tool has been uploaded to the MIC Series Micro-site and the relevant sections of the online product catalogue.

The MIC manufacturing facility in Portugal is currently capable of producing more than 1,000 cameras per month, all of which are built to the highest Bosch quality standards including highly accelerated lifetime testing, failure modes and effects analysis, highly accelerated stress screening as well as 100% acceptance testing.