Frequently Asked Questions from Technology Users

There are many ways for companies to find out about technologies. What makes you different?

There are indeed different ways for companies to find out about technologies, such as: attending exhibitions, talking to peers at industry events, talking to existing suppliers, reading industry magazines. The main problem with all those channels: they are very labour-intensive and therefore also costly and time-consuming.  Of course, the internet helps to an extent, but in order to find anything using Google, you have to be very specific to find what you’re looking for.

We already use a technology scouting firm. Why would we switch to you?

From the roles we’ve had, we are well familiar with scouting firms. Scouting firms typically mostly focus on novel technology and are expensive. 
With our platform we provide our users access to proven as well as novel technology. Our platform thereby delivers highly relevant solutions fast and cost effectively, supported by data insights, and driven by a global community.

Why would people not just use ChatGPT or Copilot?

ChatGPT and other similar tools have made a huge impact, but don’t replace our platform. A key reason why companies choose us is the community aspect. We have a global community of >10,000 professionals; professionals who can help with finding solutions for challenges based on deep industry knowledge.
Another key reason why people choose us is that we make key data insights available to our customers that are not publicly available, hence not accessible to open AI algorithms. Most notably technology deployment data.
And to finish off, another key reason why users prefer the platform instead of using AI tools directly is the same as why people prefer to use sites like Booking.com, instead of asking an Open AI Algorithm to find a hotel. By using TechnologyCatalogue.com, technologies are presented in consistent templates, such that people can quickly assess whether a technology is the right one for them.
Having said that, we have brought in AI-assisted features on the platform, and will continue to do so. A recent example is ‘Steve’, our AI assistant. As per user feedback, this is the most powerful feature that we have introduced since the launch of the platform in 2018. You can ask Steve to look for solutions for a specific challenge, and Steve will propose solutions within our platform, with a clear justification which one best fits the challenge. In case no suitable solution comes up, we offer the opportunity to post a challenge and seek help from our global community.

We already have our own internal catalogue/database. Why would we use your platform?

Our platform has multiple advantages, including the following:

  • By using our platform, there is no longer a need to use valuable resources to maintain your own catalogue/database.
  • The information about technologies on our platform is kept up-to-date by suppliers, and they have a clear incentive to do so. This way you always have access to the most recent information.
  • Our platform provides you with an external perspective.
  • We thereby offer rich data insights based on which you can replicate technologies that worked for other companies.
  • The consistent feedback that we get from our customers is that our platform is user-friendly. Also, our customers value the support they get, whenever they need help.

Where do you get the deployment data from?

Suppliers provide the data about technologies. This includes data regarding which companies have deployed the technology, on the basis that the supplier is allowed to provide such data.

What is your business model?

We earn our money by selling subscriptions to suppliers and end-users. See our website for our offerings.

Do you get commissions from transactions resulting from contacts made on the platform?

Transactions between end-users and suppliers or between end-users and tech experts as a result of the matchmaking role of the platform are independent of the platform. We DO NOT work on a commission basis.
 

Does the transaction take place via the platform?

No, but it starts from the tech page. You can send a message to the supplier via the contact form and request a quote or schedule a meeting to discuss. Then, the moment you want to purchase the technology, it follows your normal procurement process.

Do I have to pay when reaching out to the supplier of a technology on the platform that I am interested in?

No. Using the contact option to message suppliers or tech experts is FREE and even encouraged. 

Is TechnologyCatalogue.com a replacement for direct contact between supplier and end-user?

TechnologyCatalogue.com DOES NOT replace direct contact between supplier and end-user. It facilitates matchmaking between suppliers and end-users all over the globe through the dynamic features of the platform. 
 

What’s in it for suppliers?

Suppliers of products and services - large and small - use the platform to grow their business. Suppliers can join the platform free of charge. In addition, we have a paid plan with extra features. Transactions between end-users and suppliers as a result of the matchmaking role of the platform are independent of the platform. We DO NOT work on a commission basis.

Does TechnologyCatalogue.com focus on novel innovations, proven technologies, or both?

We are driven by the business needs of our customersMost companies in the industries that we support want to be (fast) followers, and they are therefore most interested in technologies successfully used by others. 
However, our users are also interested in what’s coming up next. Therefore, we give our end-users access to both types of technological solutions.
Ultimately, our goal is that any technology for the energy industry can be found on the platform - whether the technology is novel or proven. 

Who supplies the information for tech pages?

There are two types of tech pages on the platform, ‘normal’ supplier-owned pages, and pages we have created, labelled as ‘exclusive content’
For the supplier-owned pages, the tech suppliers provide the information, with the exception of user/expert reviews. These user/expert reviews are never anonymously, thereby providing the checks and balances for claims made on the pages.
Before reviews are published online, the TechnologyCatalogue.com team reviews the information provided and makes sure they pass the standards we set for technology pages. 
The ‘exclusive content’ pages have been created by us based on business needs of our customers. Only subscribed companies have access to those pages, therefore the label ‘exclusive content’. Suppliers can ‘claim the page’, such that the page becomes supplier-owned. 

Can I also write reviews on technologies that we have previously used or are currently using in our company?

Yes. In fact, we encourage our customers who have experience deploying the technologies on our platform to write objective and informative reviews. These reviews do not have to be detailed and long, as long as they will provide insight into the technology.

Do you share user details with suppliers?

We facilitate communications between our platform users through the platform. We thereby do not disclose the e-mail addresses of our users.

I struggle to get technology deployed in my organisation after I have identified it. How can you support my business to overcome that challenge?

We have a huge network of deployment partners with a wide range of expertise that we can tap to assist you in deploying technologies. Please share your business challenge with us so we can help you find an expert
 

We heard that you also deliver technology deployment workshops. Can you provide some details?

Our workshop “Technology Deployment: How to Get it Done and Maximise Outcomes!” has been delivered to hundreds of participants. This workshop has been set up to share key insights on the industry best practices that address the most pressing business challenges, as well as, discuss the tools and processes to optimise your technology deployment workflow.
The workshop is held virtually and if preferred, it can also be delivered on-premise.

Can you help my company with building a technology plan?

We certainly can. We can support you with building a Technology Plan for your organisation and advise you on how to make the deployment happen. The scope of work is all about creating pull from assets and projects through a selection of top technologies, and defining the specific actions leading towards successful deployment.
We can advise you about applicable technologies, based on challenges/opportunities, as well as, what has been done by other operators in analogue assets/projects. This is all captured in a technology plan (typically 20-30 pages). 

Does TechnologyCatalogue.com replace exhibitions?

Not necessarily. Exhibitions are important for networking. A challenge is though that there are so many exhibitions. Having a booth at many exhibitions translates into a significant cost for suppliers. As an end-user, exhibitions can be very overwhelming events, whereby it is very difficult to find the right tech. 
A platform such as TechnologyCatalogue.com makes it far easier to find the right technology. Similar to the way that platforms help us to find restaurants or hotels in our daily life.

Do you have another question? Feel free to contact us!
 

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