INDUSTRY NEWS
BVMed Launches Site Redesign
The German med-tech association BVMed (Berlin) has updated its Web site, giving it a new look and features. Located at www.bvmed.de, the site also has been revised with new content throughout, and a variety of multimedia features including online videos on medical technologies have been added. In addition, the site now enables users to order publications online and find information on conferences of interest to medical device OEMs. Apart from BVMed’s home page on www.bvmed.de, other online services affiliated with the group such as the German-language BVMed-Extranet also have been updated and redesigned.
Free Online Decision-Making Tool Introduced
A free software application from Robust Decisions Inc. (Corvallis, OR, USA) is designed to assist professionals in making business decisions. Named Accord Instant Decision, the software helps companies evaluate common business situations where there is a choice between two alternatives. The tool reportedly facilitates reaching a decision involving a prepackaged set of issues, such as whether to make or buy a given part, in 15 minutes or less. The program evaluates each alternative against a set of supplied criteria. After determining their priorities, users can evaluate their options using a graphical interface. The software can be accessed at www.robustdecisions.com/instpd.
Environmental Consultancy Debuts Online Restricted Substances Database
To demonstrate compliance with restricted substances legislation, companies manufacturing in or importing into Europe are required to gather substance declarations from their suppliers for the parts and subassemblies used in their final devices. Environ UK Ltd. (Hartham Park, Corsham, Wilts, UK; www.environcorp.com) has developed a restricted substances declarations Web database located at www.bomcheck.net to meet these requirements. The site is designed to facilitate data management, enabling suppliers to upload their substances declaration information for participating manufacturers to access.
Makino Introduces Blog on Electrical-Discharge Machining
Machining specialist Makino (Mason, OH, USA) has launched a Web log for users of electrical-discharge machining (EDM) at www.edmmatters.com. The blog covers topics such as EDM technology, machine design, and consumable use. “We’re seeing many machinists and shop owners come to us, wanting a dialogue on this topic,” says Jeff Kiszonas, EDM product manager for Makino and the primary author of the blog. “A blog is an effective way to fulfill that need.” The company also offers online training and regular webinars on its primary Web site located at www.makino.com.
