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Market research tells us that process engineers, purchasing professionals and many others increasingly turn to the Internet as the number one way of finding information about products, technology and other industry information.

In a previous blog post dated August 24, 2005 (click here, then scroll down) I discussed the various aspects of searching the Internet and also provided a white paper designed specifically to help those that have the arduous task of searching for information on the world wide web. But sometimes you don't need to search, you have a website address and it's easy to go the supplier site and get the information you want. Isn't it?

Charateristics of a Good Supplier Website

What makes a good supplier website? Well everyone I speak with tell me the following characteristics are present at any good website.

• The site easy to navigate. You can intuitively find your way around the site with ease.
• The menu structure contains the type of information you need. It focuses on products, applications and solutions.
• The site contains a high level of technical data, even if some of this data is protected in a section dedicated for bonafide users.
• Information about the company focuses on the people who serve their customers.

The site contains a variety of ways to make contact. The supplier is quick to respond. Use of tools like an online chat is available.
You find the depth of information you need, immediately. Interaction with the supplier is quick and easy.

Unfortunately, not all equipment and systems manufacturers understand the importance that quick, convenient and complete access to vital information is to process engineers, plant managers, maintenance techs and purchasing personnel.  I'd like to cite a couple of examples of what I think are good websites.  One is the Hyperphysics website I cited in an earlier blog post.  It's a wealth of technical information and it's all easy to find. 

One powder and bulk solids equipment website I like is K-Tron's.  It is simple to understand, easy to navigate and provides some great technical information and data on solutions.  Another great website is IBM's "Express Portfolio" website.  Not only does it provide a guided tour through their offering by either Industry or Solution, but it uses some of the best and neatest web technology.  Take a peak at this stie.... it's pretty cool and very informative.  It's also an award winning site.

Now for the brief ad:  At Monitor Technologies we strive to meet your immediate and long term needs with information that you need........ fast and complete. Take a look at our website and let us know what you think.  Also, take a look at the Flash website for latest continuous level measurement product, the Flexar guided wave radar continuous level measurement system at Flexar.  Do we meet all your needs? What else could we do to serve you? Let me know

Here's what one of our website users had to say recently: "I have visited Monitor's website a few times in the last few days and have to say that it's one of the most informative solids handling equipment sites I've visited. It's easy to navigate, but more importantly, it provides an extremely high level of technical detail in a straightforward, well-organized way. I wish more supplier sites were like it!"

Joe Lewis Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC jlewis@monitortech.com

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