Product category:
Automation and assembly equipment
News Release from: Applied Automation (UK) - X-stk Division
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 February 2007
Automation company moves into e-commerce
A move by an automation supplier into e-commerce enables customers to access over 2000 products online all available for next day delivery.
The move into e-commerce by Applied Automation (UK) has been welcomed with open arms by Omron Electronics and SMC Pneumatics, who see the move as adding a new dimension to their customer service, component sales and product support This new division of Applied Automation, known as 'x-stk', enables the customer to access over 2000 products online all available for next day delivery
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 Jun 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
New website for assembly system manufacturer
AB Precision, a leading supplier of special purpose systems for automated assembly, have launched their enhanced website.
Closing to enhance performance
ATS Automation Tooling Systems has announced it is closing a small manufacturing facility in McAllen, Texas as part of an ongoing program to enhance the performance of its Precision Components Group.
At the launch of the x-stk were the three major forces behind the venture with Steve Bangs (managing director of SMC Pneumatics (UK)), Marco Calandra (managing director of Omron Electronics) and David Rowe (managing director from Applied Automation (UK)) all happy to share their personal thoughts and aspirations for the future of x-stk.
Bangs opened the speech's by stressing the importance of the internet to aid product sourcing and supply and to ensure that: "Core products were available with easy access from the web." Going on to discuss the SMC business strategy he commented that: "Today 30% of the SMC business is through the distribution sales channel, and it is our plan to increase this figure to 50% by 2009." Of course with ventures such as x-stk, allowing quick, simple and helpful product selection for the key pneumatic components, these goals can easily be met.
Next to the podium was Calandra, who opened by saying how: "UK manufacturing was facing challenging times and that those who were able to offer value added services are sure to succeed." Continuing on he said: "The customers were becoming more discerning about their suppliers, and are looking for those suppliers who can really make a difference to the competitive advantage of their own businesses." To this end Omron believe to exploit such potential the supplier has to be focused on what the customer needs and feel that Applied Automation can achieve this with the launch of its x-stk e-commerce business.
Further reading
Founder leaves great legacies
ATS Automation Tooling Systems has announced the death of its founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Woerner following a battle with cancer.
Design automation software acquired
National Instruments has announced the acquisition of Toronto, Canada-based Electronics Workbench, a leading supplier of electronics design automation software.
E-catalogue details aluminium building kit system
An e-catalogue describes an aluminium framework system - with technical specifications and images - with a huge number of components.
Rowe, mastermind behind the x-stk business, who was proud to share in the support from the leading suppliers, openly discussed the thought process behind the venture and went on to explain the benefits of x-stk in more detail and plans for it's development over the coming period.
Firstly, he detailed how: "The products selected for the site were chosen in order to cover the core of the products used every day in industry, from sensors to cylinders and push buttons to PLCs, ultimately defining a 'preferred product range'.
Each product chosen for the site has a simple look up, product search feature and detailed product specification.
Another key benefit of x-stk is the ease of use and the way in which the site pre-empts the selection process by suggesting the various accessories to the components the user is placing in the sales basket.
For example, if the user chooses an M12 inductive proximity switch, the system will prompt the user to add such accessories as a selection of connection cables, or a sensor tester.
It is the belief of the whole team behind x-stk, x-stk will set the standard of suppliers for the future and that their goal is not simply meet the customers expectations, but exceeded them, time after time.
With x-stk V2.0 already in the planning stages the commitment from all involved is high and they welcome you to try the new supply service with a difference.
* About Applied Automation - Applied Automation is a privately owned company, founded in 1986, which prides itself on delivering high standards in customer service.
There are three facet's to the business covering manufacturing of control systems and machine design and build, the supply of automation and industrial control products and also the application and supply of the MayTec aluminium profile system They are proud to have successfully built up a reputation in providing an excellent level of service.
This has been achieved through a combination of excellence, including the product range on offer allowing exceptional build quality, the availability of product ensuring prompt delivery times and the help available from their friendly experienced team of Engineers.
The Applied Automation customers come from all sectors of industry including automotive, aerospace, nuclear, chemical and pharmaceutical from machine builders to manufacturers and end users, with this level of experience it is no accident that our knowledge is so extensive.
• Applied Automation (UK) - X-stk Division: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
