Influence and satisfaction

We've asked and you've told us about your applications and your solutions. You've told us what you make and buy. You've told us that you buy or specify products in an average of 13.5 product categories, and that you spend an average of $767,800 per year on products related to control, instrumentation, and automation systems.

By Renee Robbins, editorial director April 1, 2006

We’ve asked and you’ve told us about your applications and your solutions. You’ve told us what you make and buy. You’ve told us that you buy or specify products in an average of 13.5 product categories, and that you spend an average of $767,800 per year on products related to control, instrumentation, and automation systems. That makes you an active and influential group. But, we wanted to know more, so we could again provide you with unique and useful information that helps you do your jobs better.

In a Customer Satisfaction Survey published in 2004, we asked about 16 of 29 product categories, and surveyed you about another 13 product categories the next year. Last fall, we surveyed you again on those original 16 product categories and the results are in (see the Customer Satisfaction Survey insert in this issue, after p. 64).

The 25-question survey allowed respondents to rate their satisfaction with up to three vendors in up to three product categories for services such as technical support or product repair. It also examined satisfaction across 40 areas, including price/value for the dollar, legacy product support, and accuracy of Web site material. More than 1,300 subscribers gave us over 2,000 responses about the satisfaction they are receiving from 92 manufacturers across 16 product categories. Some shifts were noticeable year over year, but more significant is that together we’re producing another resource to help you make your best decisions. Whether it’s through research, Webcasts, new magazine departments or other means, that is one of our goals.

Separately, as I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, I am not David Greenfield, former editorial director and author of the Customer Satisfaction Survey insert. David has moved from Control Engineering to become publisher of Manufacturing Business Technology ( www.MBTmag.com )—another Reed Business Information publication that serves the information technology needs of manufacturing executives. We wish him well.

The rest of the Control Engineering editorial team remains the same, and continues to strive to get you the essential information you need. Thank you for your input—and keep it coming. Your experiences, applications, and opinions are what keep the pages and postings of Control Engineering vital, alive, useful, and influential. Contact any one of us if there’s a way we can improve, or if you have something to contribute. We always want to know more.

Renee Robbins, Editorial Director

renee.robbins@reedbusiness.com

Searchable results of the 2004 Customer Satisfaction Survey are available online in our Resource Center.

Click here to visit the Customer Satisfaction Survey ; 2006 results will be posted later this year.