Search engine takes new route to find components

A new vertical search engine seamlessly connects engineers with the parts they need, facilitates sample requests and provides access to real time pricing and availability.

Sophisticated searching for components, by key word or by part number, is claimed to be easier using Beganto's new vertical search engine that seamlessly connects engineers with the parts they need, facilitates sample requests and provides access to real time pricing and availability.

Based on a proprietary hybrid search technology, the Beganto Open Search Engine outperforms horizontal search technologies based on algorithmic crawlers, and goes a giant step beyond the manually aggregated databases typically available in the electronics marketplace.

"Easy to use, comprehensive, completely up to date and completely relevant are the mantras that drove the Beganto development process", says CEO Sunil Grover.

Overcoming the limitations of currently available industry databases, the Beganto system allows component manufacturers and their distributors to keep the database current by manually entering searchable information, which supplements Beganto's crawler-based data aggregation.

The result is a search system that is not only more comprehensive and timely than other verticals, but also one that seamlessly connects to the other facets of the Beganto online design centre, especially its "NeedaSample" website.

Vertical search engines get engineers their information faster, more efficiently, and often in greater depth than general search sites.

But Beganto's new Open Search gains from its open feature - not only open to all users, but open to updates from the "searchees".

Grover likens the new system to vertical search engines like Travelocity or Expedia.

Unlike a Google search, all results are relevant; and like an Expedia search, the investigation is usually a precursor to a transaction - at a minimum, requesting a sample; and at the other end of the design process, selecting and sourcing, through to the RFQ and purchase order.

Even when the search for detailed data involves a side trip to the vendor's website, a single click on the NeedaSample button takes engineers back to where they can aggregate sample requests and thus more readily control the progress of the bill of materials.

The strength of the system, Grover says, lies in the four methodologies Beganto uses to aggregate data.

Supplier search uses Beganto's proprietary crawler technology to extract information from the websites of top component suppliers.

(As the data are already publicly available the supplier benefits from Beganto's extraction, aggregation, representation and indexing of their information.

However, opt-out requests will immediately be honoured, Grover states).

Beganto currently covers some 100 manufacturers, but the list is being continuously updated, giving priority to companies that become members of the Beganto Open Network.

Product search is the unique manual directory database created by input from component manufacturers and authorised distributors.

As distributors can list keywords and part numbers for all the products they carry, engineers get a nearly exhaustive list of sources for the products needed for their new designs.

Distributor search springs from distributors' websites to those of their vendors, to provide current up-to-the-second pricing and availability information as extracted from the vendors' sites.

Advanced search allows engineers to search multiple parts and get the search results for their entire bill of materials in a single downloadable, printable display.

A user-friendly browse and search capability lets the engineer navigate through the directory listing.

The technology also monitors which distributor and manufacturer websites are being visited.

Search results are divided into three sections, based on the source of the data: supplier, directory or distributor.

Ranking of results is based on the most matching keywords and part number click-throughs.

To gain the most benefit from this new search tool, engineers register as members of BeON, the Beganto Open Network.

This free service (also free to distributors and manufacturers' representatives) is supported by component manufacturer design win fees.

There is one quid pro quo for using the no-charge sampling service: the engineer (and distributor or rep) must commit to respond timely to reminders and requests for project progress (Beganto reports an 85% compliance rate).

With the introduction of the Open Search Engine, Beganto reckons it has added a new dimension to its online demand creation software suite, with a closed loop from the start of the design chain, search, to the end of the supply chain, purchase order.

From facilitating and monitoring component search and sample access for the engineer, automating the management of new business opportunities for vendors and their channel partners, expediting the RFQ and purchase order process (through Design Winner Premier), the system makes sure that OEMs get the parts they need, and that sales people get the compensation they have earned for demand creation.

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