40 years of Cirris: From a home project to a global testing expert

“Right from the start, we focused on our customers, their requirements, and their problems. Although the quality requirements for testing wiring and cable harnesses are constantly increasing and have become very complex in some cases, the Cirris business model is still working after all these years,” says Klaus Wurmhöringer, Head of Business Development & Automation, when asked about Cirris' recipe for success. It is based on competence, speed, service, quality and price and aims to simplify complex matters for customers. Starting with the selection of products and the dispatch of demo devices, through to sales and service.

“Because the distances from our location in Salt Lake City, USA, to our customers are too big to carry out personal product demonstrations at a fair price, we have been sending loaner or demo devices from the outset. Our customers receive these within a few days and, thanks to the simple adapter exchange system, can start testing their cable device as soon as they receive the demo tester,” continues Wurmhöringer. Last but not least, customers are supported with user-friendly instructions and YouTube videos for commissioning or problems. This approach has always proven its worth and has had a positive effect on the price of our products. Which is why we still do it this way nowadays.

But let's start from the beginning: When Marlin Shelly, who was working in the development department of a renowned printer company back in 1984, kept coming across faulty printer cables, he looked for a way to test these. But there were no affordable solutions. This prompted Shelly to experiment in the kitchen of his Salt Lake City home, where he invented a simple, inexpensive testing device that his company could use. The device was well received, prompting Shelly to consider its commercial potential. He discovered a niche market for affordable low-voltage test systems and saw an opportunity for his tester. Not only would it be affordable, it would also be efficient and fast. He launched the first commercial test system, the Cirris Signature 1000, marking the beginning of Cirris.

Networking and intuitive operation
“Cirris stands for high-quality, practical, and extremely robust testing and inspection devices that can be sent by post, are reasonably priced and always follow the motto 'we make our customers' lives easier',” continues Klaus Wurmhöringer. The approach of simplicity is even better received today than it was 40 years ago: “Users nowadays are even less keen than in the past to struggle with detailed operating instructions, which is why the intuitive operation of testing and inspection devices has become increasingly important in recent decades.” In general, the need for testing has increased and become more complex over the years. And with it the need on the part of customers to be able to display and test relevant parameters. “The possibilities in terms of different software and the control of external devices make modern test and inspection devices much more complex than before.”

“We have learned how important connectivity is for our products in order to provide even better support for our customers' manufacturing processes,” explains Wurmhöringer. Cirris is aware that the requirements for contacting the customer's product are becoming increasingly complex and that communication with processes and devices before and after testing is becoming ever more important. “We are working on further innovative solutions that will meet these challenges even better,” announces Wurmhöringer. But he does not want to reveal any details.

Testing systems for AI projects
Cirris products are used in all areas. Regardless of whether this involves testing a simple printer cable or complex cable harnesses in the aerospace industry. “One of the largest single orders in Cirris' company history was received this year in the AI sector, for example, where we were able to supply a very large number of test systems,” reveals Wurmhöringer. The trend within the inspection and testing industry has been going in two directions for several years: On the one hand, customers would continue to work with standard test systems; on the other hand, customer-specific applications in which standard test systems are integrated are increasingly in demand. Cirris has long recognized this trend but has massively expanded the area of customer-specific solutions in the last six years. “The Cirris Test Application Group division is now generating a significant, continuously increasing turnover.”

When it comes to trends in the field of cable testing technology, the focus lies not only on connectivity but also on high-frequency measurement and testing time. “Correct wiring and compliance with parameters such as connection and insulation resistance are often no longer sufficient today,” says Wurmhöringer. “The requirements in this area are increasing enormously and the verification of data transmission rates or interference immunity, for example, are becoming ever more important. At the same time, the demand for standardization, modularization and integration is increasing.”

Focus on people
Excellent testing systems aside, what really sets Cirris apart are its approximately 80 employees. “We are a family business here, so to speak, and maintain a corresponding mindset,” explains Klaus Wurmhöringer. Of course, as part of the Komax Group, Cirris is a global, modern company, but it is the combination of the two that makes the difference. “At Cirris, we look after our colleagues and make sure that they are doing well, because we expect full commitment. The commitment that colleagues show to each other, the customers and the company itself is really great.” This includes the fact that the development departments of Cirris, adaptronic and Komax Testing work well together and are making progress, and that numerous friendships have already been formed, especially among the young employees. “We have a successful mix of long-standing employees and young people at Cirris,” concludes Wurmhöringer. “This means we will have no problem finding a suitable person when it comes to succession planning.”