(PRWEB) February 1, 2006 -- In a recent market study, "Process Level Measurement and Inventory Tank Gauging Markets," Venture Development Corporation (VDC) explored with users (end users, OEMs, systems integrators, etc.) their key selection criteria for the products and vendors. Vendors interested in growing their business should consider addressing these criteria.

Below are the 5 product selection criteria most identified separately by purchasers of process level measurement sensors and inventory tank gauging systems.

Most Important Product Selection Criteria
(Percent of User Respondents Identifying Criteria)

A) For Process Level Measurement Sensors
Accuracy: 70%
Reliability: 60%
Ease of Maintenance: 46%
Durability: 45%
Ease of Calibration: 43%

B) For Inventory Tank Gauging Systems
Accuracy:79%
Reliability: 56%
Durability: 50%
Ease of Maintenance: 49%
Ease of Calibration: 44%

Inventory tank gauging is the use of level measuring for inventory storage and custody transfer applications, as opposed to process control.

Vendor Selection
VDC also questioned users about "non-product" or "commercial" factors in their selection of process level sensor and inventory tank gauging system vendors. Below are the 5 "non-product" vendor selection criteria most identified separately by purchasers of process level measurement sensors and inventory tank gauging systems.

Most Important Non-Product Vendor Selection Criteria
(Percent of User Respondents Identifying Criteria)

A) For Process Level Measurement Sensor Vendors
Application Assistance: 62%
Vendor Reputation: 56%
Experience With Vendor: 53%
Availability of Parts: 35%
Training Available on Product: 32%

B) For Inventory Tank Gauging System Vendors
Technical Support: 62%
Customer Service/Support: 57%
Price: 56%
Availability of Parts: 39%
Application Assistance: 39%

Which Need is More Important?
VDC could not determine from this user survey what is more important: superior sensor/system performance or outstanding customer service and support. With no compelling reason to make a choice, the most successful process level sensor and inventory tank gauging system vendors are likely to be those who excel in meeting user needs in both areas.

To view this entire press release (including exhibits), go to:
http://www.vdc-corp.com/industrial/press/06/pr06-02.html

To view a white paper that covers users' purchasing preferences in greater detail, go to:
http://www.vdc-corp.com/industrial/white/06/06_level_measurement2_wp.pdf

Report Availability
http://www.vdc-corp.com/industrial/reports/04/br04-32.html

About VDC
Venture Development Corporation (VDC) is an independent technology market research and strategy consulting firm that specializes in a number of industrial, embedded, component, retail automation, RFID, AIDC, datacom/telecom, and defense markets. VDC has been operating since 1971, when the firm was founded by graduates of the Harvard Business School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today we employ a talented collection of analysts and consultants who offer a rare combination of expertise in the market research process; experience in technology product and program management; and formal training in engineering and marketing. VDC's clients include thousands of the largest and fastest-growing tech suppliers in the world and the most successful investors participating in the markets we cover.

For further information about "Process Level Measurement and Inventory Tank Gauging Markets," or any other VDC service, contact:
Marc Regberg, Vice President, 508.653.9000 ext. 111.

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