Website Exposure - A special section of the Automationdirect.com website is dedicated to the SIDirect Program. This section includes a search engine to assist customers in locating an appropriate SI for their application by searching geographical location, product expertise, or industry.

Print Exposure - SIDirect integrators are eligible for exposure in the Automation Notebook magazine and the AutomationDirect e-newsletter. Each publication features a System Integrator corner highlighting select integrators and projects.

Programming Toolkits - SIDirect integrators can purchase deeply-discounted programming and cable toolkits consisting of the necessary software and cables to program all current AutomationDirect PLCs, operator interfaces, and drives. These toolkits are for internal use only and not for resale (click here for details)

Training - The SIDirect Program allows each SI access to the training webinars available on our Web site. There is also a discounted three-day advanced PLC course, hosted at AutomationDirect, available to ensure your expertise on high-level topics such as PLC Ethernet (field I/O and communication), specialty modules, servos, drives, HMIs and more.

Access to New Products from ADC - We are continually expanding our product line with exciting new offerings and will be looking for product feedback and potential beta sites from select integrators.

Targeted Marketing - The SIDirect Program assists integrators in obtaining more business through AutomationDirect's extremely diverse customer base. Although we cannot provide access to our customer database, we assist SIs by marketing regions and/or industries that SIs serve and by promoting awareness of the SIDirect program to AutomationDirect customers.

Business Development - SIDirect integrators will be considered for opportunities to work with the AutomationDirect Business Development Team. This team searches out large end user accounts which sometimes require local service, support, or installation. Unlike other suppliers, our Business Development Team does not have an internal engineering team to assist them. The SIDirect Program provides an available external resource for design, installation, and support.

Sample Product - SIDirect members are eligible to receive demo PLC, drive, and HMI products at no cost for internal testing and training.

Programming Toolkits - The main requirement for acceptance into the SI program is the integrator's ability to support core AutomationDirect products. This requires the SI to possess the necessary software and cables. We offer several deeply discounted toolkits to allow the SI affordable access to all necessary software and cables. (click here for details)

Training - Each SI must send at least one representative to an in-depth, advanced PLC training course given by our partner, Interconnecting Automation. Our integrators are expected to be proficient in basic PLC software, so we recommend the advanced PLC class that emphasizes networking, Ethernet I/O, and specialty functions within DirectSoft. AutomationDirect will provide a 20% discount for this training. Future annual training requirements will include enhanced instructional classes on PLC functionality as well as servos, drives, and new products. Demonstrated experience and product expertise may serve as fulfillment of this requirement.

Application Notes/Success Stories - Each SI is required to submit at least two application stories demonstrating their proficiency in AutomationDirect components. These stories will be used to determine qualifications for entry into the program and may be used in the SI's biography posted on the AutomaitonDirect.com website. The customer name will not be posted on the website, but we do require the company name and a direct contact in the user company to verify the project.

Online Ordering - The only way for AutomationDirect to remain incredibly efficient and offer the prices we do is to streamline our processes. Therefore, SIDirect integrators are required to process their orders online. For those that purchase through our VARs (local resellers), we request that you continue to deal directly with your local reseller.

Website Requirements - Each SI is required to have a company website. This website must display the AutomationDirect logo, indicate that you are an AutomationDirect SIDirect member, and have at least one link back to the AutomationDirect home page.

System Integrator Admission - The SIDirect Program reserves the right to grant and deny admission to any System Integrator. Failure to meet or maintain SIDirect requirements or maintain a good financial account at AutomationDirect will be grounds for dismissal from the program. Feedback from end users and from our Technical Support Team will be factors in determining continued eligibility in the program.