Tri-Imaging Solutions is a fresh, innovative and ambitious company. Tri-Imaging began operations in 2013. The fast start resulted in a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate the company’s exponential growth.
TechNation recently reached out to the leadership of Tri-Imaging Solutions, including President Eric Wright, Senior Vice President of Business Development Wanda Legate, Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence Rich Springer, Vice President of Operations John Drew and Vice President of Technical Operations Josh Raines, for a question-and-answer session.
Q: How did the company come to be?
WRIGHT: It was a simple desire to do your own thing. I grew up in this industry and fell in love with the equipment and parts piece, mainly because it was constant change and learning. Josh Raines was the technical and support side of Tri-Imaging, which accelerated the growth of TIS.
DREW: In the first decade we have seen various stages of growth. First, we started as a GE CT equipment and parts company. Second, TIS added additional OEMs and modalities, specifically Siemens and Toshiba CT, then X-ray. Third, we launched our training program in which we are very proud to have created an apprenticeship program which introduces new imaging engineers to the industry. Our latest additions being our Hologic mammography program and new Flex Service options.
Q: How has Tri-Imaging grown and adapted to remain a leading provider in such a competitive industry?
WRIGHT: Tri-Imaging has the ability to adapt quickly and be flexible to meet customers’ needs. We are outside-of-the-box thinkers, and this really allows us to come up with strategic solutions both for TIS and our customers.
Q: Tri-Imaging is a training institution and a parts company. It’s not a parts company that offers training. Can you explain that to our readers?
WRIGHT: Tri-Imaging Solutions is a diagnostic imaging support company providing replacement parts, equipment, service support and technical training. It is no surprise that statistically a large percentage of the current service engineers are close to retirement and will be leaving a large gap in the seasoned skills available to help guide those entering the profession. Our strategic approach grew from this, and John Drew has been diligently working on rolling out a completely new way to train.
DREW: Tri-Imaging’s commitment to the industry does not stop with parts, training, equipment and service. A few years ago we realized the industry was starving for new engineers, and we needed replacement engineers for those retiring. We created the apprentice program to bring new engineers to the industry. We have continued to change the narrative by putting 15-20 imaging engineers in the field every year. We expect to see significant growth in this opportunity this year. Our apprentice program is not only designed to help Tri-Imaging, but the industry as a whole. We have placed many of these engineers across the country in both small service companies and large independent service companies alike.
Q: What separates Tri-Imaging’s training from other offerings?
RAINES: It’s all in the details. It’s a great career path that takes knowledge and drive. It’s important to grow your knowledge to be an asset. Quality training, with a rewarded certification, is where our focus lies. We want to ensure that our students leave with the proper knowledge and skills to use in the field. We work with the apprentices to determine which specific models they want to learn. This sets us apart. We also allow for more interaction between the students and the instructor by ensuring small class sizes to empower them to be engaged.
DREW: We stress the importance of continuing education and top-notch training. It goes back to our focus of “Empowering the Engineer!” Providing quality imaging parts is just a portion of the value we want to offer, especially with all the health care changes and uncertainty. We understand the best way to cut costs is to run efficiently. How better to do that than with your own team? Whether it is an in-house hospital group or service company – we are able to provide support in areas to strengthen, grow and, most importantly, save them time and money. We have a very low student-to-instructor ratio, with a majority of time spent in bays – hands on. In the basic and advanced classes engineers have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with mutli-modality equipment, which means they work with X-ray, cath labs, mammo, portables, and CT. This is something that significantly increases their value to employers by giving them a wide range of skill sets. For the engineer, this gives them a powerful step forward in their imaging career.
The time it takes to complete our basic X-ray and advanced X-ray courses at our facility is four weeks. After looking at what is most important, it came down to time. With the classes varying in time, we found the balance that is cost effective and achieves the desired outcome. We are getting the engineer in the field faster and reducing travel time, travel expenses and engineers’ time away from facilities.
Q: As the industry shifts, how is Tri-Imaging offering engineers a new type of skill set?
DREW: Today’s engineers require different skill sets than engineers in the past. With technology in the industry changing, engineers are now required to understand new software, new platforms and not so much component level electronics. Interpersonal skills are more important than ever in these demanding workplaces. The new generation’s forward-thinking, creative minds, and innovative ideas are creating the future of our industry.
Q: The company’s mission statement reads “Impacting lives by creating individual, customer-centric experiences based on a shared core belief in bettering patient care through personal accountability, integrity and admiration.” What does that mean to you?
SPRINGER: It starts with the culture! This company was built on the premise of empowering the customer. By listening and looking intently at what the customer is asking, we work to create a strategic partnership and offer a unique solution. You get a sense for that in every interaction when you walk through the facility. Everyone is aligned and committed to the same goal.
Q: What, if any, challenges has Tri-Imaging faced?
LEGATE: In the beginning of the pandemic, the industry as a whole experienced challenges we had not seen, or at least in my 25-plus years, from our customers and suppliers. We were all adjusting to the ever-changing dynamic; employees working remote, supply chain delays and challenges getting engineers in and out of the facilities. We have seen improvements in a lot of these areas, but we still experience issues with supply chain and equipment delays.
DREW: Imaging service will continue to struggle as the lack of service engineers will be an issue for the foreseeable future. Our apprenticeship program was developed to help the industry meet this growing demand. Supply chain issues will continue through the end of 2023. We expect to see continued industry consolidation and the customer to seek innovative solutions to meet budget constraints and uptime requirements.
Q: What’s next for Tri-Imaging?
WRIGHT: We have been developing an extensive software solution to incorporate all aspects of our business. We believe this IT solution will change the way the industry evaluates and addresses their current challenges.
LEGATE: Tri-Imaging Solutions will continue to strive to live up to its name and be a solution for its customers. Additionally, TIS will provide cutting edge technical training, replacement parts, equipment and service support as a way to continue “Empowering the Engineer!”
For more information, visit triimaging.com.
