A Detailed Analysis of Customer Requirements and Satisfaction for Automation and Control Solutions

Business Wire, July 11, 2007

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c62283) has announced the addition of the new Frost & Sullivan report "Customer Satisfaction Analysis for Automation and Control Solutions (ACS) in the African Metal and Mining Industry" to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research titled Customer Satisfaction Analysis for Automation and Control Solutions in the African Metal and Mining Industry provides a detailed analysis of customer requirements and satisfaction with the products and services from their suppliers. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: PLCs, SCADA systems, distributed control systems (DCS) and human machine interface (HMI).

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

* Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

* Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems

* Distributed control systems (DCS)

* Human machine interface (HMI)

Market Overview

Suppliers of Automation and Control Systems Cash in on the Skills Shortage in the African Metal and Mining Industry

The highly exacting African metal and mining industry expects its automation and control solutions (ACS) suppliers to not only provide faultless products but also excellent service. The level of automation is expected to rocket once these expectations are met, as the industry is looking to improve process efficiency and productivity. End users are likely to show marked preference for new installations of technologies such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) solutions.

"However, the offer of services such as engineering, maintenance, programming, and upgrades will account for a major bulk of the sales revenue, as end users are turning to suppliers to fill in the skills shortage at their level," says the analyst of this research service. Since this end-user skill shortage is not likely to be rectified in the next three to four years, suppliers that can plug this expertise deficiency will gain significant market shares and revenues. Suppliers will also welcome the industry's move to expand the existing mines and develop new ones, as this will throw up more opportunities for business.

ACS Suppliers Need to Develop More Effective Promotion Campaigns to Drive Home their Message

The greater uptake of ACS owes little to suppliers' marketing activities, as end users have stated that they do not repose great faith in their advertising messages. "ACS suppliers have to go beyond marketing their products and demonstrate their understanding of end-user needs and partner with customers to meet their automation needs," notes the analyst. This will eliminate several complaints of dissatisfaction regarding the quality and level of support, and hence, will enhance suppliers' chances of repeat business and new orders through word-of-mouth publicity.

Apart from direct marketing, personal experience, networking and product reputation, ACS sales may also get a boost if the suppliers manage to break into the customer group of vastly experienced automation and control managers and technicians. They can bring around this group only by providing value-added services such as technical support and training as well as reducing delivery time. Exhibitions and industry journals also support ACS suppliers' cause, though not as strongly as direct marketing and recommendations.

Areas covered:

- Industry Overview
- Scope and Methodology
- Purchasing Process
- Customer Requirements
- Customer Satisfaction
- Effectiveness of Marketing Effort and Brand Awareness
- Conclusion

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c62283