PECM Issue 17 2015 | Page 42

Convenient Shopping Experience Shopping for Automation technology Online Shopping in the field of automation technology on the Internet is also on the rise. Among the growing number of providers, Automation24 takes a special position. The purely online-shop combines the user-friendliness of established B2C-platforms along with a comprehensive range of technical support services and very attractive discount prices. By Stefan von der Bey, Managing Director of Automation24 he number of mobile devices is growing steadily. And those who have come to appreciate the benefits of the Internet as a consumer, do not want to miss out on them as a commercial purchaser. Thus, online-shopping is establishing itself increasingly in the automation sector as an alternative procurement avenue for buyers. There are currently very few appropriate providers. Automation24 has taken on a pioneering role in this regard. The first purely online shop for automation technology geared specifically to the user practices of the consumer sector. In addition, the website offers a comprehensive technical advisory service. Products are dispensed safely and effectively without a field sales team, because the portfolio is focused on brand name products which require little explanation. The cost advantage that this sleek business model brings with it is therefore passed directly to the customer. t Quickly Searched, Quickly Found Automation24 sought advice from renowned experts specifically from the B2C sector in building their website. The result is a modern shop-design, which makes simple, intuitive navigation possible. Through the clear product categorization the desired product group is found quickly. To make things even easier you can explore via the highly visible search function at the top of the page. In both cases, the user arrives at a filter option, with which they can investigate the product group according to areas of application, manufacturers, prices and technical specifications. A special service available is the Product Comparison: Related Searches can be provided with a check mark with respect to, for example, their commonalities and differences. In this way it is made clear which product is most likely the required one. Extensive Information Available When the desired product is located via the filter function, the customer is then provided with extensive information. In addition to manuals and data sheets, the approvals/conformities and CAD data can be downloaded directly Automation24 A detailed search function with feature filters facilitates the product search 42 PECM Issue 17 from each product page. Additionally, references are made to the suitable accessories for the respective product. Even the product pictures are advanced quality. Even the product pictures are advanced quality. There are high-quality zoom images f rom different angles which truly convey a realistic impression for each product. For example, even the connections can be seen clearly. With many items a 360°-3D display is added. Thus, on every monitor the selected product is displayed close enough to touch, and can be freely rotated with a mouse click or viewed from any angle. In this way, the best possible product experience is ensured without the interested party requiring the product to actually be in their hand. They only need a pair of 3D glasses that can be requested free of charge on the website. Chat and Hotline for Questions If questions remain despite the diverse range of information available, these can be clarified with our knowledgeable service staff. For this we find the chat bar near the bottom right of the page. By clicking on it, a window opens in which the user can enter a question. They are then in direct written communication with a competent partner. More complex questions may be resolved with the help of the free telephone hotline, which is open Monday to Friday 8.00 to 16.00 o’clock. If by attempting to use these options at a time that no staff should be immediately available, the user can leave their information in the chat window, or by using the contact form on the website. The call-back is initiated as soon as possible.