Following the success of its order online service via the Internet, FlexLink extends the service to include a set of engineering tools. The service represents a substantial savings potential for users of FlexLink equipment, primarily supporting repeat and aftermarket business.
FlexLink continues to be in the forefront of web based market communication and actual business transactions via the Internet. The general industry standard is downloading of product information and ordering of literature, but FlexLink creates a forum for interaction and business transactions, open around the clock. This supports a uniform market offer throughout FlexLink´s global sales organization to mirror the requirements of multinational manufacturers.
The web services now include product and price information, on-line ordering, order status information, configuration software downloads, 3D CAD library, parts catalogues, engineering guidelines, service manuals, product news letters, customer rooms and My FlexLink personal pages.
Based on trials, expectations are to reduce quotation lead times by 75% and total order handling and delivery time by up to 35%. The full benefits of the web service will be capitalized when the user has sufficient knowledge about product applications, and access to the service is subject to a qualification process.
"This service will greatly contribute to the improvement of plant uptime, facilitate upgrading of existing production lines and the creation of new plant layouts. We expect to reach new customers among engineering companies and consultants as a complement to our stable re-buying end-user customer base," says Christer Cedervall, Director, Automation Products Division.
FlexLink is a leading global supplier of innovative automation solutions to assembly and manufacturing industries. FlexLink, based in Göteborg, Sweden employs 540 people in 25 companies and is represented in 50 countries. In 2004, group turnover was MSEK 1,137.