Technical data gets easier to access

Bosch Automation Technology has announced enhancements to its web site, www.boschat.com, with the release of its VPV product locator. This database is located in the fluid power section of the web site under technical support. It allows the user to create a valid VPV pump model code while reviewing features and options during the selection process. Once a model code is selected, the system will determine if a production part number has been previously issued. Also available is an adapter kit selection screen.

SourceAlliance.com, which was 84 per cent owned by Rockwell International, has closed down. The on-line marketplace for electrical goods failed in its bid to find additional financing for the site after laying off 80 of its 120 employees in January 2001.

Dayco has upgraded and updated its website, located at www.dayco.com, to improve communications between itself, its distributors, OEM customers and end users. The new look includes more colourful graphics, buttons, links, information and functionality.

Tsubaki of Canada Ltd. has launched a new web site, www.tsubaki.ca, , which includes information and news about the company’s products and services, as well as a Technical Support section where application questions can be submitted. The site also contains downloadable PDF files of the General Catalog, Installation & Maintenance Manual, and The Complete Guide To Chain.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has released a six-videotape set that shows distributors and their suppliers how to add value for end users and get paid for it. The set is titled Developing a Unique Selling Proposition. Detailed information on the tapes and accompanying workbook is available on the association’s web site, www.nawpubs.org. Topics covered include understanding supply chain costs, determining the impact and worth of added value, identifying opportunities, profiling customer needs and developing pricing strategies. Each tape concludes with a Q&A session involving a wholesale distribution audience. Prices range from US$1,495-$1,795.

Also available from NAW is the second edition of Achieving Effective Inventory Management. This revision contains an additional 70 pages and a spreadsheet not available elsewhere. The book offers information on how to: organize the warehouse to reduce order-processing costs; minimize losses caused by shrinkage and obsolescence; improve demand forecasting; analyze inventory to find new profit opportunities; and develop dynamic safety stock allocations. Also included is a computer disk containing an inventory analyzer, which produces reports on the current state of the user’s inventory.

As a companion piece to his book, the author, Jon Schreibfeder, has prepared 12 Excel spreadsheets on diskette which, using data downloads from the distributor’s company computer, can be used to provide vital information on several crucial inventory situations.

NAW is selling the book and spreadsheet set separately or together at a package price. Prices for the book or the spreadheets are US$64-$79; the set is US$119-$155. NAW offers a discount for on-line orders. For phone orders, call 202-872-0885 or fax 202-785-0586.

Des-Case Corporation, a supplier of desiccant breathers, has launched its web site, located at www.des-case.com. In addition to detailing the company’s line of breathers, the interactive, educational site was constructed to nurture its distribution network and build an on-line community. Additional site highlights include press releases, case studies, and a What’s New section. Future plans for the site include on-line ordering, interactive training forums, posting capabilities and industry links. For more information, visit the web site or call 615-672-8800.

The Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) has announced that the EtherNet/IP Specification is available to product developers and vendors. Using this software and documentation, developers can build products for the EtherNet/IP network. The Specification is located on the ODVA web site at www.odva.org and can be downloaded free of charge. For more information, contact ODVA, tel. 954-340-5412; fax 954-340-5413; e-mail: odva@powerinternet.com.

Unilink has updated and re-launched its web site, www.unilinkfairs.com, a source of information for global trade fairs. Updated weekly, the site provides a window on upcoming events around the world that could be of interest to Canadian export industry sectors. A key element of the site features links to governments and trade associations dedicated to the promotion and support of Canadian exporters. For more information, contact Unilink in Kingston, Ont., tel. 613-549-0404; fax 613-549-2528; e-mail: info@unilinkfairs.com.

A web-based query tool has been introduced by Fluke Electronics Canada that allows MET/CAL and MET/ TRACK software users to retrieve data using a browser, either over the Internet or through the user’s Intranet. Metrology Xplorer web server can be used to track equipment location, users and status; see when equipment last was calibrated and when it is due for its next calibration, as well as examine calibration results. Additionally, the server can make selected data available to customers, or to other departments, thus reducing requests for printed reports, general enquiries and other interruptions to the daily work flow. The program can be used with any computer connected to the Internet, using browsers such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Contact Fluke Canada by calling toll free 800-363-5853, or e-mail canada@fluke.com or visit www.flukecanada.ca.

Membership applications are being accepted for the Heavy Duty Club sponsored by Milwaukee Electric Tool. A users’ group for maintenance personnel, electricians, plumbers, contractors and other professionals who use power tools regularly, the club is designed to give heavy-duty users access to tool tips, new products, a discussion bulletin board and tool-buying information. Heavy-duty tool users can become members free of charge by registering on line at www.heavydutytool.com. In addition, members also can store information on all of their tools in a “tool box” and register their Milwaukee tools on line. For NASCAR fans, the site will feature ongoing news about the company’s #14 race truck driven by Rick Crawford. Additional information is available by calling 262-783-8311, toll-free 877-729-3878, faxing 262-783-8529 or visiting the Milwaukee web site located at www.mil-electric-tool.com.

The second edition of the Steeplechase Handbook on PC-based Control is free of charge, and can be ordered by filling out a registration form at www.steeplechase.com.

Now available from Zero-Max is free sizing and selection software for its composite disc couplings that gives the recommended coupling from a given set of operating application requirements. Downloadable CAD drawings are included with the software so the system designer can incorporate them quickly without the need to recreate the geometry. The software provides for additional product options, so designers can evaluate alternatives and trade-offs for their systems. Also included are PDF files of all Zero-Max product catalogues for referencing. For more information, contact Zero-Max toll-free at 800-533-1731 or fax 763-546-8260. The company’s web site is located at www.zero-max.com.

3M Canada has launched an abrasives web site
, located at www.3M.com/ca/abrasives, that features an interactive product advisor and the ability to generate product quotations through industrial distribution. The primary function of this site is to assist industrial abrasives users in selecting and sourcing the most suitable abrasive products for their applications. Easily accessible product advice is available 24 hours a day. Users can request free samples of the advised product, which will be brought to their manufacturing operations by a local 3M abrasives representative to be tested for real process performance. For more information, visit the web site, or call 800-364-3577, or write 3M Canada, P.O. Box 5757, London, ON N6A 4T1.

CSA International (CSA) of Canada, in conjunction with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) of the United States and Asociacin Nacional de Normalizacin y Certificacin del Sector Elctrico (ANCE) of Mexico, has published the first harmonized tri-national standard for low-voltage fuses that is recognized in all three countries. The three agencies joined forces to launch this standard under the auspices of the not-for-profit organization Canena (a Spanish acronym for Council for Harmonization of Electrotechnical Standards of the Nations of the Americas). This harmonized standard, CSA C22.2 No. 248 series, Low Voltage Fuses, will serve as the first tri-national document in the electrical safety sector, with more to follow in the coming months. For more information, visit the web site at www.csa-international.org.

Cutler-Hammer’s new Canadian web site, located at www.cutler-hammer.ca, provides full access to its product information, schematics and frequently asked questions. In addition, purchasers have access to on-line transactions, including payment and shipping options. The site provides direct links to the company’s training courses, locations of distributors and links to company sites around the world. For more information, visit the site or call Cutler-Hammer Canada at 905-631-4212.

Snap-on has launched its first on-line catalogue of tools, tool storage units and diagnostics equipment as part of its new web site, www.snapon.com. Visitors to the site will have ready access to browse the e-catalogue, which contains more than 14,000 products. Detailed product views and tool specifications are provided. This on-line service will allow customers to order 24 hours a day, seven days a week.