Look to software for improved outputs
X-ray scanning technology is somewhat mature, according to Rapiscan’ s Peter Kant. “ We have multiple players in the market to deliver it, and the technology today isn’ t all that different from last year or the year before. “ There was a huge jump three or four years ago, but it is now fairly stable.” Of course, if someone drives a truck into the portal, then the structure and/or equipment may well have to be replaced.
But in general, Mr Kant puts the useful life of an X-ray screening system at a port at about seven years, bearing in mind that the port environment is “a very rugged place”
When it comes to updates, the basic physics don’t really change – X-rays are X-rays. “What is getting better is the software, which enables you to analyse or provide better imaging based on the same inputs. So a system can be upgraded through software, which is easy.”
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