BFPA’s 2017 Fluid Power Industry Year Book

15 February, 2017

Chris Buxton, CEO at BFPA commented: “in an ever more digitised world, the question of whether or not publications should be printed as hard copy or simply posted on a website or other electronic platform is a well-exercised debate. Some would argue that there is simply no need for any publication to be made available in hard copy as digital copy can be accessed from any suitable electronic device from anywhere in the world at any time. What’s more, electronic documents do not require the associated materials for printing or the energy required to run the machinery. They would argue that an electronic document can easily be passed on to other readers at virtually no cost and sought after content may be electronically searched in seconds without having to trawl through page after page of text. Content can also be updated easily without expensive reprints.

However, this does not explain why many readers and recipients of the BFPA Directory still tell us that they would like a hard copy document. Others would argue that they already receive an avalanche of daily e-mails and document links and that no one has time to read them all. What do we do if we don’t happen to have access to a PC or mobile device when we want to view the directory? It is unlikely that one would try to read a directory, with its plethora of detail and information, on a small-screened hand held device such as an iPhone – even those with a bigger screen. Hard copy documents can also sit on an office desk and are readily available at any time or in a brief case on a train where Wi-Fi signals are patchy. In other words, it has accessibility, longevity and a shelf life; in effect, it is a living advert.

So where does this leave us as the supplier? Well, the BFPA is customer driven and since some of our customers and members want hard copy whilst some want soft copy, we have produced both. Please enjoy this year’s publication.”

A copy of the BFPA 2017 Fluid Power Industry Yearbook was circulated with the November/December 2016 edition of Hydraulics & Pneumatics, however if you would like further copies, then please contact Karen Gordon-Brander at BFPA on 01608 647900.

BFPA and BFPDA members will receive a copy through the post as a matter of course through their membership package. Those who are happy with a soft copy please follow this link to a  page turner version www.pmps-digital.com/bfpa/display.html