APC 2011 Annual Report Download - page 27

252011 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
DESCRIPTION OFTHEGROUP, ANDITSSTRATEGY, MARKETS ANDBUSINESSES
1
LEADER IN AN INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE
Specifiers: in search of efficient solutions
To meet their customers’ growing demands for comfort, ergonomics
and design, specifi ers (engineers, architects and design fi rms) are
constantly looking for more effi cient and better integrated solutions
for energy management, as well as for access control, security, and
buildingautomation.
They are therefore essential partners for Schneider Electric’s growth,
notably in the high-potential buildings and residential markets, which
include the construction and renovation of single-family homes and
apartment buildings.
Schneider Electric uses many information and training tools for
specifi ers, such as reserved exhibits, electrical installation guides,
installation design software and training methods.
Panel builders and systems integrators –
asource of solutions
The main objective for Schneider Electric is to help these
professionals to extend their competencies by giving them the best
level of service available anywhere in the world.
Panel builders, of which there are more than 20,000 throughout
the world, make and sell electrical distribution or control/monitoring
switchboards, primarily for the buildings, energy and electricity
infrastructure markets. Their main customers are contractors.
Panel builders mostly buy low and medium voltage devices, such
as circuit breakers and contactors, and increasingly, prefabricated
systems.
Systems integrators design, develop and support automation
systems to meet their customers’ needs for the performance,
reliability, precision and effi ciency of their operations. By providing
global coverage and local contacts, they offer their clients a high
degree of fl exibility.
Schneider Electric has considerably expanded its automation
line up, giving systems integrators access to a powerful platform
covering all areas of automation from fi eld control to Manufacturing
Execution Systems (MES).
Contractors – towards a revolution in
theresidential market
To devise solutions tailored to end-users’ specifi c needs, Schneider
Electric works closely with contractors, small specialist or generalist
electricians, large companies that install equipment and systems
and integrators .
These partners bring value for end customers, fi rst by advising them
about the choice of solutions that best suits their needs, and then by
installing effi cient systems. The main objective for SchneiderElectric
is to support them in the rapid development of solutions and
technologies for the residential market: lighting, temperature and
door management systems, recharging equipment for electric
vehicles and renewable energy solutions.
In order to strengthen a relationship based on mutual trust and
added value , Schneider Electric partners actively with contractors,
providing technical training and support .
As much , the EcoXpert programme aims to secure special
partnerships with certain installers, with whom Schneider Electric
shares all its expertise on renewable energy and energy effi ciency
solutions. The EcoXpert network is being developed in many
countries throughout the world.
OEMs: partners in performance
Original Equipment Manufacturers (O EMs) continuously seek to
improve machine performance and optimise maintenance in areas
ranging from packaging to textiles, elevators to conveyors , and
materials handling and hoisting to HVAC.
Schneider Electric works closely with almost 30,000 OEMs.
TheGroup leverages its expertise and know-how to nurture these
special partnerships. This is mainly achieved through:
•an extensive knowledge of OEMs’ applications;
•dedicated centres of excellence that offer the most competitive
solutions for new machines, in particular, pre-tested,
pre- developed and personalised solutions;
•an international customer support to deliver high-performance
after-sales service worldwide;
•a dedicated programme for multi-site and/or global OEMs
that enhances their ability to offer superior solutions on an
internationallevel.
Utilit ies – meeting the new challenges
of changing electrical networks
There are some 11,000 electricity companies around the world.
They use Schneider Electric products, systems and services in
power generation (electricity for renewable energy production,
power plant equipment, automation and control), transmission
(quality control and metering), distribution (medium and low voltage
networks) and management (pre-payment meters, related services,
peak management).
The Group responds effectively to their expectations with
applications support and innovative products that help them meet
important challenges linked to changes in energy market regulation
and the development of renewable energies.
Global strategic accounts – our solutions
champions
Schneider Electric has established an organisation which is
dedicated to global companies, with a view to developing privileged
relationships with them. To meet these customer expectations,
the Group offers “preferred supplier contracts” to ensure that they
receive services of the highest quality.