Will it be resource intensive to support via chat? I guess an online forum is better because the content is archived and can be searched back by others.
"I went to a bunch of stores that advertised they carried the kits, but actually didn't"
I wouldn't deem this to be a technology issue on the part of websites. I think it's the flaw in the business processes to not update the website based on current inventory holdings. Most websites today are dynamic and they just need to be linked to the inventory systems to correctly reflect product information on the website. It has to be failing on the business side to not take advantage of this.
I'd be interested to see how industry groups can improve on available search technology, allowing on-line customers to bring up reliable results. For a lot of topics, one size definitely doesn't fit all when it comes to search engines.
The online chat concept is definitely worth looking into, and it could become the differentiating point between one resource and his closest competitor. The trick is, if you do set this up and promote it, be certain you have the line worked out so it's real.
I can see your frustration and agree completely. It seems like the more complex the search engines get; the tougher it is to find the not so common item. Search engines are designed to give you vast amounts of information quickly and sort them by relevance. It appears like there are countless numbers of sales lost due to improper information, and many hours wasted in research trying to find something that is not so common.
Barbara, in component or store website they may provide some of the details of items, but it may not be descriptive. Normally they may not provide any comparison chart or pint point details. Such details may include only with the packing content. In most of the cases schematic diagram also missing from website.
I agree with your article. I see some companies placing a lot more emphasis on helping their potential customers sift throught the mounds of info available on their websites to quickly choose and use the correct part. Spending dollars on this backend activity is sometimes seen as more valuable that upfront dollars on designing new products. For some companies this is indeed true.
Theoretically, my online search for leather kits should have saved me time. Instead, I went to a bunch of stores that advertised they carried the kits, but actually didn't.
I think search engines should also be improved so that it throws up the right results all the time. If a vendor is posting false information search engines should be programmed to penalise that company by pushing it down in the search results.
As you mentioned the stores that claim online that they had the kits did not had them.
Our information gathering systems are only as good as the information entered. Most reputable distributors/suppliers show their on-hand stock which is updated the second some makes a purchases.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
To save this item to your list of favorite EBN content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
