Lately, we're seeing Web sites offer more information and features designed to help potential customers make buying decisions. Here are two recent examples:

Eskay has launched a Virtual Demo Center (www.eskay.com/demo_center). The site shows animated simulations of factory and distribution automation systems, including systems for cleanroom factory automation. Site users can see conveyor, pick-to-light, unit load, and other systems in action.

Visitors to the Virtual Demo and Training Center also can watch videos of systems in real-world applications, review product information, or request a tour of the actual Demo and Training Center, which is slated to open in Salt Lake City this fall. The brick-and-mortar Training Center is planned as a one-stop location where prospective customers will be able to compare different materials handling systems. Eskay clients also will be able to use the center to train employees while their own systems are being installed.

At the Web site, users also can access Eskay's factory automation/distribution automation (FA/DA) and cleanroom factory automation (CFA) sites. These give more in-depth information on each type of system, including more simulations. The Virtual Demo and Training Center also links to MaterialHandlingInfo.com, a site designed to help identify and solve material flow problems. Resources available include case studies, checklists, and more.

W.A. Schmidt (www.waschmidt.com) offers a quote center on its re-designed Web site. Users can click "Get a Quote" on the home page or select one of the product icons to go to an online specification form.

The site also offers illustrations and information on products, along with a list of key contacts who can help with projects.