General questions and answers are listed here. For more detailed questions, pick one of the options below.
I'm a Technology User I'm a Technology Supplier I'm a Tech Expert
What is the goal of this platform?
This platform aims to facilitate connections and accelerate technological innovation in the Netherlands (petro) chemical industry and service partners, with the end goal of improved safety performance resulting in zero incidents. This is done through providing a single online space for relevant technologies and expertise easily accessible to companies/technology end-users in the Netherlands (petro) chemical industry.
Who are the target users of this platform?
This platform is for companies who are seeking technological solutions to improve their personal and process safety performance and avoid incidents in the workplace. Technology suppliers and experts on health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) are encouraged to register their technologies and consultancy firms to get visibility and generate direct leads.
What is the linkage between this Safety Delta Nederland technology catalogue and TechnologyCatalogue.com?
This platform is exclusive to technologies and experts in improving safety performance in the (petro) chemical industry. TechnologyCatalogue.com, on the other hand, hosts other technologies outside of HSSE categories.
On the platform, I noticed that there are two ways technologies are grouped: the modules and themes. What is the difference between the two?
Technologies are grouped in categories on the platform. It is based on the functionalities and features of these technologies, and which aspect of business operations they are relevant in. Themes, on the other hand, are linked to the roles and expertise of individuals browsing the platform. The themes on this platform are consistent with the themes on Expert Networks in the Safety Delta Nederland knowledge center. There can be more than one module in a theme, depending on the requirements and scopes of each theme.
How can the platform support technology suppliers and end-users operating in the (petro) chemical industry?
Suppliers often do not have a clear picture of who to target for their technologies, while end-users are often overwhelmed, or not abreast, of all relevant technologies available in the market. This platform can address these challenges by bringing together end-users, tech suppliers and tech experts in a single online space. The free tech pages we offer allow suppliers of technologies relevant to health, safety and the environment to be visible to potential clients in the (petro) chemical sector in the Netherlands. End-users, on the other hand, can refer to just one portal for proven and novel technologies in the market, with filters available for a more convenient searching experience.
Is the platform a replacement for direct contact between suppliers and end-users?
The platform DOES NOT replace direct contact between supplier and end-user, it complements it especially in times of limited mobility for both parties. It facilitates matchmaking between suppliers and end-users through the dynamic features of the platform. Suppliers who normally connect with potential customers through exhibitions, conferences or one-to-one meetings can also make use of their tech pages to showcase their technologies’ unique features to the growing user community of the platform. End-users, on the other hand, can check out features, reviews and deployment profiles of technologies they are interested in, and contact the suppliers straight from the contact form on their technology pages.
Is the use of the platform free?
Yes, browsing the platform is FREE. Users can also register for free to enjoy full features such as technology reviews and deployment profiles, among others.
Does the platform focus on novel innovations, proven technologies, or both?
The platform hosts BOTH novel innovations and proven technologies. Most companies in the (petro) chemical industry want to be a (fast) follower, and they are therefore most interested in technologies successfully used by others. However, our experience also is that the moment value is delivered through the deployment of proven technologies, end-users are open to hearing about novel solutions. Hence, we give our end-users access to both types of technological solutions.
Can people not just use Google to search for solutions?
In theory yes. In practice, Google will overwhelm end-users with the number of search matches that will pop up when searching for technology. Either you have to be very specific with key words you use to search or you have to parse through thousands of search matches to arrive at relevant results. With this platform, searching is simplified with the use of filters that are based on years of experience in the sector and feedback from end-users.
There are already various platforms available in the industry. What makes this platform different?
This platform is focused on HSSE technologies for the Netherlands (petro) chemical industry and service partners. The selection of technologies has already been carefully filtered in coordination with Safety Delta Nederlands.
Moreover, some other platforms are quite passive and only showcase technologies. This platform showcases technologies, facilitates connections between stakeholders, and is backed by a tripartite cooperation between the business sector, government sectors and academe in the Netherlands. The knowledge center linked to the platform gives users access to key information (i.e. regulations, best practices) for better understanding of and safe operations in the (petro) chemical industry.
Who supplies the information for tech and tech expert pages?
The tech suppliers and tech experts provide the information, with the exception of user/expert reviews. Reviews are provided independently either by our tech experts (for tech pages) or previous clients. The platform operations team reviews the information provided and makes sure they pass the standards we set for technology pages.
Can anyone post their technology? What are the criteria?
As part of the registration process, tech suppliers need to explain the innovative aspect of their technology. It is our decision to accept or reject registrations, and we do so based on our technology and innovation experience. We also seek the opinion of independent experts in our network.
The information about each technology is very brief. How does it help end-users to make a selection?
The components in the tech pages were carefully selected to give an adequate but concise overview of the technology. These are components we deemed are consistent across technology domains and themes, without missing out too much on the individual features of the technologies. Information provided on the tech pages were enough to make a comparison with other similar technologies and make the decision whether to reach out to the supplier or not.
Does the platform replace exhibitions?
Not necessarily. Exhibitions are important for networking. However, there are prerequisites of technology positioning (for suppliers) and selection (for end-users) that exhibitions could not fully address. For instance, as a supplier, you can only be at one place at a time. On the other hand, end-users are typically keen to meet other users and experts that have experience with technology (and not only hear the sales pitch).