As a European manufacturer and supplier of fire safety systems, DEF (Détection Électronique Française) supports ministries, local authorities and companies worldwide in their fire safety activities.
With a land-based division and another dedicated to the marine sector, DEF works on all types of buildings. Hospitals, retirement homes, banks, sports halls, schools, etc., the company is involved in a wide range of ERP buildings requiring protection against the risk of fire.
The company is also active in the naval sector, particularly with French and international armies. DEF equips numerous French frigates, as well as larger vessels such as the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Internationally, it supplies fire safety systems to the Singapore navy, Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Faced with such important challenges as the safety of people and property (civil and military), DEF must guarantee the reliability of the systems installed on its customers’ premises. To achieve this, it manufactures a large proportion of its fire solutions in 5 factories, and sources them from trusted suppliers such as ADF Systèmes.
Bertrand Bily, who has been in charge of logistics for the terrestrial division for over six years, explains that it is vital to guarantee people’s safety with quality products.
- "The products manufactured at DEF are very reliable, and we make sure that our suppliers guarantee the same level of reliability on their parts. ADF Systèmes products are of very high quality."
- "ADF Systèmes sirens are extremely reliable. We sell hundreds a year and have never had a warranty claim."
- "We have established a real relationship of trust with ADF Systèmes. The team is top-notch both technically and in terms of relationships."
“The products manufactured at DEF are very reliable, and we make sure that our suppliers guarantee the same level of reliability on their parts. ADF Systèmes products are of very high quality.”
When he worked for the land division, Bertrand explains that the flow of goods was extremely tense. For DEF, controlling supply and customer delivery times is essential to the smooth running of their business and to customer satisfaction.
In 2014, when DEF was already working a little with ADF Systèmes, the company wanted to establish a real collaboration to reduce the costs and lead times for the supply of audible and optical warning devices.
After a real effort by ADF Systèmes to reduce delivery times, and the creation of a dedicated DEF stock, the company is now able to meet lead times of 8 days instead of 4 to 6 weeks.
“ADF Systèmes sirens are extremely reliable. We sell hundreds a year and have never had a warranty claim.”
Thanks to the many product references offered by ADF Systèmes and installations all over the world, DEF has strengthened its position in the fire safety market.
As Bertrand explains, ERP and industrial environments do not require the same fire alarm systems, nor are they governed by the same standards. From systems meeting ATEX standards to simpler alarms for more traditional environments, ADF Systèmes provides solutions adapted to each situation.
With customers such as Airbus, Spie and Engie, Bertrand Bily explains that in 70% of cases, customers install the fire safety systems themselves.
The company then comes to inspect the installations during safety commission meetings, with fire simulations to ensure that the fire alarms are working properly. DEF can then provide a maintenance and technical standby service (24/7) to guarantee optimum operation and repair faulty installations.
“We have established a real relationship of trust with ADF Systèmes. The team is top-notch both technically and in terms of relationships.”
Although Bertrand Bily stopped working on DEF’s land-based activities in February 2020 and joined the Marine team, he has no hesitation in recommending ADF Systèmes for companies and local authorities looking to equip themselves with reliable, hard-wearing equipment.
He knows that if the opportunity arises to work with ADF Systèmes for the Marine division, he’ll do it.
You too can discover ADF Systèmes’ warning solutions for protecting people in high-risk environments. Need advice? Contact our experts today.
