Protex

Enhanced Protex website combines fast product selection with highest security levels

Technology Spotlights

Redditch-based Protex Fasteners Ltd, manufacturer of the world's largest single range of over-centre catches, has updated its website (www.protex.com) to incorporate the highest levels of transaction security, as well as latest Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) technology for faster and more consistent formatting of information across a variety of browsers and hardware platforms.

The new Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS)-compliant site uses a comprehensive set of protective measures, including SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and encryption technology to ensure fast, efficient and secure order processing.

Simple and intuitive site navigation provides immediate access to more then 300 standard Protex products for light, medium and heavy duty applications. Fastener selection is aided by the provision of dimensioned drawings, ultimate load, material, finish, weight and price break quantity information for each item. Typical user applications are also illustrated, along with data on associated components, such as compatible catchplates and sealing pins.

Further pages provide information on the company's CatchBolt, ProLatch, Bandclamp, case fittings, handles and Flushlatch fastener ranges. In addition, visitors can download AutoCAD-compatible 2D drawings or 3D product models in native SolidWorks, STEP, IGES and E-drawing formats, for immediate inclusion in their own designs.

Other site enhancements include the ability to process order quantities of more than 1000 units, with instant calculation of delivered costs to most destinations world-wide; plus advanced database technology that allows users to view a history of their previous purchases and designate regularly bought items as 'favourites'.

"Our on-line order processing system also enables details such as delivery address or credit card number to be retained for future use," says Protex's systems and development manager, Adrian Symons. "However, while the information can be quickly recompiled to streamline the processing of subsequent customer orders, it is not stored on our server – ensuring maximum transaction security.

"In parallel, the site's use of CSS technology delivers faster page loading and improved accessibility for disabled users by permitting data to be presented in a variety of browser formats to suit on-screen, print, voice, or Braille-based tactile devices."

Fast and easy updating is a further feature of the new Protex website – enabling information on new products, applications and latest developments to be posted straightaway. The on-line facility will also operate alongside the company's existing customer support and order processing team, which provides users with one-to-one advice on finding the most appropriate fastener for their needs.