PACS to Change the Future of the European Medical Imaging Market

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international growth consultancy company, estimates that the market was worth US$590.3 million in 2007 and is set to reach $1,035 million in 2014.

"Robust PACS will drive the market by offering integration with electronic patient records [EPRs] and electronic medical records [EMRs],” noted Frost & Sullivan research analyst Ranjit Ravindranathan. "Europe is a growing market, especially because of the ongoing efforts to digitize the European healthcare system.”

The market for PACS, although mature in some parts of the region, such as northern Europe, offers promising opportunities. Sizeable capital investment is being ploughed in and the advantages of having a good data management system are being recognized by healthcare specialists. This will drive the change from purchasing mini-PACS to enterprise-wide deployments.

Tailoring PACS projects, though lucrative, is stretching vendors' capabilities. The provision of open architecture due to the growing sophistication and the increasing complexity of solutions also present a challenge to market participants.

"Enterprise-wide deployments are creating technical issues and political challenges within departments,” added Mr. Ravindranathan. "Decision-making and project sign-off time are, moreover, intensifying the pressure on vendors even as cost-effective, value-added features offered by smaller vendors pose a challenge to tier-one participants.”

Customizing PACS modules and providing a smooth integrated workflow environment are keys to the success of vendors. PACS providers capable of delivering solutions that offer these features will be able to utilize their expertise and win prized contracts. Consequently, keeping focused on product development is vital to securing the competitive edge.

"Specialist participants already possess the required expertise to carve niches for themselves,” concluded Mr. Ravindranathan. "However, these firms will have to concentrate on building strategic alliances to boost their visibility in the industry and gain better access to decision makers.”


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