NEW YORKThomas Register’s August Industrial Purchasing Barometer (IPB) has found that more than 68 percent of industrial buyers have needed customized products or components over the past 3 years.
The survey also revealed that the Internet, when used as an outlet for computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, is increasing in importance. "Sourcing custom products has traditionally been very difficult to accomplish efficiently. Due to the increased demand in recent years, many suppliers have started addressing this need online. The Internet, particularly when used as an outlet for CAD drawings, is becoming an invaluable tool for streamlining the custom sourcing process," says Ruth Hurd, publisher of Thomas Register.
The IPB survey queried 760,000 opt-in online users. Respondents represented manufacturing and engineering, wholesale trade, distribution and government buyers.
The respondents were asked how their need for customized products or components has changed over the past 3 years. The survey also asked what obstacles buyers face when purchasing customized products and components, and if they used CAD drawings to convey requests for custom products.
