Bystronic UK iPhone App; brings information and complements other services

The Bystronic App for the iPhone, and Android Smartphone, is free of charge from the iTunes Store and Android market and aims to bring the customer as much new product information as possible, as well as links to other Bystronic related information of interest. The smartphone App is complemented by other advances in the usability of Bystronic products. Examples include a simplified user interface on all new Bystronic press brake machines (which closely resembles the iPhone and iPad layout), the firms established SMS alert facility and the Remote Diagnostics service recently added to machines. The SMS service, in particular, sends a personal text to machine operators when there is a technical problem. Bystronic's machines operate on a 24/7 basis, so it is not always possible to have a site engineer to monitor them. The added SMS service informs machine users of a specific problem during out of office hours, then allowing the user to solve the problem with a speedier response from their remote location. Bystronic's Remote Diagnostics (RD) initiative makes it possible to remotely access laser machine data via the internet and to display it on-site. This creates an efficient, hassle-free service for customers monitoring the machine from another location, emphasising Bystronic's focus on converging technology with achieving increased productivity rates. Installed at the customer's site and operating over a secure Internet connection, the RD box helps speed up preparations for maintenance tasks whilst reducing downtime in case of a machine fault. Bystronic has also launched a new Web-shop, where customers can dial up their specific machine from its serial number to explore parts diagrams, check price and availability of both replacement wear parts and consumables and then order them. And with more and more of its manufacturing clients now looking to social media for information and sharing views and opinions, the company sees Twitter and LinkedIn as a way of engaging with existing clients and non-Bystronic users alike, in order to offer advice and assistance. Bystronic UK managing director David Larcombe commented: "I see the new App as just a starting point from which information can be quickly given to customers. The content of the App will be populated further, with even more information provided for the user. Customers embrace this technology, with many monitoring their machines operating via a tablet from their favourite arm chair. This is not some sad obsession, with remote diagnostics, our 24/7 Technician helpline and our Web-shop replacement parts, it's the modern way companies are able to stay one step ahead."