Roundtable: Test Equipment
Published: November 1, 2025 • 17 min read
As HTM continues to evolve, the demands placed on test equipment are rapidly expanding – from improved automation and digital integration to enhanced portability, accuracy and reliability. In this Roundtable article, TechNation asked leaders across the test equipment landscape to share their insights regarding the latest trends, challenges and innovations shaping how biomedical professionals service and support medical devices.
Participants
- Justin Barbour, Director of Business Development, BC Group International
- Owen Liu, Director of Business Development, Datrend Systems Inc.
- Greg Alkire, Vice President of Business Development, Pronk Technologies
- Lewis Lennard, Business Development Manager, Rigel Medical
- Steve Holmes, Vice President of Sales North America, RTI Group
- Boyd Campbell, Co-Owner, Southeastern Biomedical (CBET, CRES, CHTM)
Q: What trends are you seeing in test equipment development for the service and repair of medical devices?
Barbour: There’s a huge demand for automating technician tasks. Fewer clicks and less user intervention leads to higher efficiency. Most of the largest medical technology service companies in the industry are developing or using automatic data input for CMMS work orders.
Liu: Medical device test equipment is shifting toward greater digitalization and connectivity, enabling more automation, predictive maintenance and integration with hospital IT/CMMS systems. Regulatory compliance, cybersecurity and interoperability are also driving demand for advanced, automated and traceable testing tools. Usability, modularity and sustainability are becoming key differentiators.
Alkire: Test equipment must stay current with medical device requirements. Designs must meet or exceed manufacturer accuracy specifications while minimizing workload. Apps that synchronize technologies allow biomeds to move efficiently through testing, documentation and CMMS uploads using dynamic, guided workflows.
Lennard: Portability and ease of use are front and center. Smaller, lighter equipment helps mobile HTM teams work faster. Automation, guided workflows and improved color displays reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Holmes: Engineers and manufacturers are using Ocean software to build automated workflows that reduce service time and minimize downtime. There is also increased demand for quick calibration turnaround. RTI introduced the Mako X-ray test meter to support faster, automated testing.
Campbell: Reliability is increasingly important. Higher-quality devices reduce downtime and total cost of ownership. Fewer failures mean greater efficiency for departments without backup equipment.
Q: What challenges do HTM professionals face when using or selecting test equipment, and how are you helping to solve them?
Barbour: Proprietary ecosystems and software limitations are major challenges. BC Group has invested heavily in universal, customizable software such as the myBC Mobile app and myBC Connect cloud service.
Liu: HTM teams face evolving technologies, compliance requirements, and limited budgets. Datrend addresses this with intuitive, modular, standards-compliant tools that automate testing, reporting and CMMS integration.
Alkire: Accuracy, reliability and durability are essential. Test equipment must withstand real-world use. Pronk subjects products to extensive drop testing followed by performance validation.
Lennard: The challenge is balancing compliance with simplicity. Rigel focuses on intuitive designs that deliver fast, accurate results without unnecessary complexity.
Holmes: Secure data storage and standardized procedures are challenges. Cloud backups and automatically updated templates help ensure consistency and reduce knowledge loss.
Campbell: Automation saves technician time, and onsite calibration improves productivity. Southeastern Biomedical minimizes downtime with broad onsite capabilities and rapid depot turnaround.
Q: What role does training and support play?
Barbour: Many technicians use only half of their equipment’s features. We provide videos, training sessions, AI assistance and support to maximize value.
Liu: Advanced tools require ongoing education. Training ensures users stay current with features, standards and best practices.
Alkire: Intuitive design, how-to videos and wireless solutions like Pronk Mobilize help streamline testing and reporting.
Lennard: Hands-on demos, quick-start sessions and webinars help users feel confident from day one.
Holmes: Training unlocks advanced features that improve accuracy and efficiency. Ongoing education supports long-term success.
Campbell: Training should be concise, accessible and offered in multiple formats, including onsite education.
Q: How will test equipment evolve in the next 5–10 years?
Barbour: Predictive maintenance, AI diagnostics and standardized automation will become widespread.
Liu: Equipment will be more connected, automated and intelligent, with stronger CMMS integration and cybersecurity validation.
Alkire: Portability, durability, user configurability and integrated software workflows will define success.
Lennard: Devices will get smaller, faster and more automated, with clearer guidance and CMMS integration.
Holmes: Template-driven automated QA will standardize workflows, reduce errors and improve uptime.
Campbell: Automation will streamline documentation and free technicians to focus on higher-level work.
Q: What advice would you give HTM professionals evaluating test equipment?
Barbour: Limit the number of models in inventory and take advantage of manufacturer training.
Liu: Evaluate total value, future-readiness and support, not just price.
Alkire: Look for durability, accuracy, upgrade paths and strong warranties.
Lennard: Consider portability, ease of use and long-term ownership costs.
Holmes: Understand system capabilities, total cost of ownership and future scalability.
Campbell: Choose equipment as a long-term investment in productivity and reliability.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Barbour: Establish feedback systems and audit test equipment inventory annually.
Liu: HTM professionals play a critical role in patient safety and efficiency.
Alkire: Ask hard questions and demand demonstrations and reliability data.
Lennard: Real-world biomed feedback drives better product design.
Holmes: RTI continues to innovate and invites engagement with upcoming product announcements.
Campbell: Take advantage of onsite demos and long-term planning support.