FLIR - Hi-tech solutions in a changing world

Whilst “a picture is worth a thousand words”, a FLIR picture is even more valuable. In this world of increasing complexity, technology and danger, FLIR thermal imaging systems are revealing information that was, not so long ago, invisible.

FLIR Systems Inc. is the global leader in the design and manufacture of thermal imaging or Infrared Camera systems. FLIR IR Camera Systems perform a pivotal role in a wide range of industrial, commercial and government activities in more than 60 countries. With corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon, FLIR has been supplying thermography equipment to science, industry, law enforcement and the military for over 30 years. In Australia, FLIR has sales and support offices in several states, the largest being in Melbourne where the company’s head office is located.

Infrared imaging

All objects emit infrared energy which is light that cannot be detected by the human eye. It is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Everything above absolute zero emits Infrared Energy, even substances much colder than ice. It is this heat image that FLIR’s thermal imaging equipment captures. Some thermal imagers convert energy from the infrared wavelength into black and white images whilst others convert temperature differentials into colour images.

Extensive technologies

FLIR’s business consists of three areas:

Thermography designs and manufactures hand-held thermal imaging systems that can detect and measure minute temperature differences. This technology is used extensively in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. FLIR’s Australian entity looks after the Thermography products in Australia.

Commercial Vision produces comparatively low-cost visual equipment for night or adverse conditions. This is a rapidly developing area including such uses as automotive night vision, recreational marine, fire fighting, airborne law enforcement and commercial security.

Government Systems addresses markets where high performance is required. Customers use the equipment for counter terrorism, search and rescue, navigation safety, law enforcement, narcotics detection, maritime patrol and border security.

Everyday applications

FLIR’s technology is used extensively. Some common uses of FLIR’s equipment include:

Aviation pilots can see a much clearer picture when landing in darkness or adverse weather conditions.
Fire fighters and search and rescue can see through smoke, find people, and determine the base of a fire.
Power line maintenance technicians use it to locate overheating equipment, prevent failures and possible disasters.
Manufacturers and researchers can diagnose a huge diversity of applications to improve design and product quality.
Security professionals can save power by using infrared sensing cameras rather than keeping huge areas lit at night as required by more conventional CCTV cameras.
Building inspection and energy auditing applications
Medical and veterinarian applications

FLIR and Saward Dawson

FLIR is a wholly owned subsidiary of FLIR Systems Inc, a company listed on the NASDAQ exchange. Although being a relatively small organisation in terms of number of employees and number of transactions, the same weekly and monthly reports are required to be provided to the international parent.

Saward Dawson provides Matt Crouch, one of our young accountants, one day per week to assist with FLIR’s routine accounting and management reporting requirements. This is like having a CFO only when you need them! Working with FLIR staff who process all of the core transactions, Matt is able to focus on the items requiring greater expertise such as foreign currency transactions, cash flow management, payroll, BAS processing and international reporting.

Roger Christiansz, FLIR’s Australian General Manager says “Saward Dawson’s involvement in their accounting function on a weekly basis has streamlined our business and has released me to focus on the areas of the business where I can create greatest value. I no longer need to be distracted by preparing weekly reports or managing the day-to-day cash needs of the business. This has been a great solution for our business.”

Visit www.flir.com to learn more about their products. Some of the video demonstrations alone make it well worth the visit!

Published : 20 November 2009