media consumption survey plant services professionals · if your consumption of industry -related...

Media Consumption Survey Plant Services Professionals

Conducted for:

Plant Services

Conducted by

September, 2015

Executive Summary

In August and September of 2015, Putman Media and Preston/Rogers Associates, Inc. undertook the development and execution of a comprehensive research survey to solicit and analyze media consumption of print & digital information from plant services professionals. Participants were selected on an Nth name (random start) basis from Plant Services magazine’s BPA-audited circulation.

48% of the plant services professionals surveyed report that that their consumption of work-related media has increased during the past 12 months. Industry magazines, Industry Websites and Industry E-Newsletters are the sources that most often account for this increase.

Plant services professionals are regular readers of industry magazines. 71% are spending an hour or more each week reading industry trade magazines. Overall they spend an average of 2.7 hours per week reading work-related magazines. Plant or Staff Management professionals spend the most time reading industry magazines, an average of 3.4 hours per week.

Respondents read industry magazines regularly to keep current on industry trends and technology, look for new ideas and learn about best practices. Nearly all (98%) respondents have taken action as a result of reading an article or ad in an industry magazine over the past 12 months. Use of ideas found in articles and visiting an advertiser's website are the actions taken most often.

Plant services professionals frequently utilize the Internet, investing an average of 5.1 hours per week researching work-related information. Plant or Staff Management and Maintenance and Reliability professionals spend the most time online, averaging 5.9 and 5.3 hours per week respectively.

Use of online networking and social media for business purposes is also prominent in this market with nearly three-fourths reporting that they use various social media platforms. LinkedIn Groups is the tool used most often. Industry professionals also engage with other digital tools and services at least monthly including videos, white papers, LinkedIn Groups and eHandbooks/special reports.

Overall, plant services professionals use search engines, supplier websites and industry magazines most often for work-related information. Search engines are used daily by 80% of the respondents and at least weekly by 96%. Supplier websites are used at least weekly by 63% and industry magazines, E-Newsletters and Industry Magazine Websites are used at least weekly by about 50% of industry professionals. The information resource utilized most often varies by task. Industry magazines and industry magazine websites are used most often to keep current with industry trends and new products and technologies. Search engines are used to investigate solutions/ideas for current problems/projects, look for new suppliers/products, to research a vendor under consideration and to learn about new vendors.

In summary, plant services professionals average nearly 8 hours per week reading industry magazines and accessing the Internet for work-related duties. The need to keep current with the plant services industry is a large motivator of print & digital media consumption and media are valued regardless of job function or age.

Introduction

Today, more than ever, business professionals have a variety of media alternatives from which to choose. This study was undertaken to better understand the media consumption habits of plant services professionals and the sources they use to get information they need to make decisions related to vendor selection.

Research Objectives:

Measure changes in media consumption during the past 12 months.

Measure how industry-related magazines are read, how much time is spent per week reading industry magazines, key reasons for reading and actions taken.

Measure the time spent per week accessing the Internet for work-related information and reasons for accessing various types of websites.

Identify the most important sources for staying current with technologies, products and services, obtaining information or specifications for products and confirming/validating purchase decisions.

Survey Overview & Methodology

The random sample was developed from Plant Services’ BPA-audited print and digital circulation. An online survey invitation was e-mailed on August 29, 2015 to a total of 27,959 individuals, with a ratio of approximately one-third print only and two-thirds digital only database names. Reminder emails were sent to non-respondents on September 4th and 12th. Participation in a drawing for a five Apple TVs was offered as an incentive to reply. A total of 457 plant services professionals responded to the survey. The margin of error for a sample this size is +/- 4.6% at the 95% confidence level.

The questionnaire was developed jointly by Putman Media and Preston/Rogers Associates, Inc. Preston/Rogers was responsible for data tabulations, analysis and report development. The data was analyzed by job function, age of respondent and heavy/light readers and heavy/light internet users.

48% of the plant services professionals responding say that consumption of work-related media has increased over the past 12 months while 42% report that media consumption remains about the same. Industry magazines are mentioned most often as the source accounting for that increase, followed by industry websites, industry E-Newsletters and industry webinars/webcasts.

Has your consumption of industry-related media (trade magazines, websites E-Newsletters, etc.) increased or decreased during the past 12 months?

If your consumption of industry-related media has increased, please let us know which forms of media have accounted for that increase.

Base: 447 total respondents Base: 218 respondents who have INCREASED media consumption during the past 12 months.

Remained about the

same 42%

Decreased 10%

Increased 48%

Change in Media Consumption

15%

33%

50%

55%

58%

66%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Industry Online Forums

Social Media (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)

Industry Webinars/Webcasts

Industry E-Newsletters (i.e. PlantServices.comE-Newsletter)

Industry Websites (i.e. PlantServices.com,etc.)

Industry Magazines (i.e. Plant Services, etc.)

Media Accounting for Increase

Respondents 36-50 years of age are the most likely to say that their use of social media has increased over the past 12 months. Those 50 and under are more likely than older respondents to indicate that their use of industry webinars/webcasts has increased.

Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------

Base: Total Respondents 447 28* 114 199

Industry-related media consumption has INCREASED 49% 57% 54% 45%

Base: Respondents who have INCREASED media consumption 218 16* 61 90

Industry magazines (i.e. Plant Services, etc.) 66% 81% 62% 64%

Industry websites (i.e. PlantServices.com, etc.) 58% 63% 61% 52%

Industry e-newsletters (i.e. PlantServices.com E-Newsletter)

55% 63% 66% 54%

Industry webinars/webcasts 50% 63% 59% 46%

Social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) 33% 25% 46% 27%

*Caution: Small base size, results should be considered directional rather than definitive

Has your consumption of industry-related media (trade magazines, websites E-Newsletters, etc.) increased or decreased during the past 12 months?

If your consumption of industry-related media has increased, please let us know which forms of media have accounted for that increase.

Respondents in Plant or Staff Management, Engineering and Maintenance & Reliability are more likely than those in Operations and Production to say that their use of industry webinars/webcasts has increased over the past 12 months. Maintenance and Reliability professionals are the most likely to say that their use of Social Media has increased

Has your consumption of industry-related media (trade magazines, websites E-newsletters, etc.) increased or decreased during the past 12 months? If your consumption of industry-related media has increased, please let us know which forms of media have accounted for that increase.

Total -------

Plant or Staff Management

----------- Engineering

----------

Operations &

Production -----------

Maintenance & Reliability ---------------

Base: Total Respondents 447 61 141 34* 90

Industry-related media consumption has INCREASED

49% 56% 41% 47% 59%

Base: Respondents who have INCREASED media consumption

218 34* 58 16* 53

Industry magazines (i.e. Plant Services, etc.) 66% 65% 69% 75% 57%

Industry websites (i.e. PlantServices.com, etc.) 58% 56% 50% 63% 58%

Industry e-newsletters (i.e. PlantServices.com E-Newsletter)

55% 68% 53% 56% 60%

Industry webinars/webcasts 50% 56% 47% 38% 58%

Social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) 33% 29% 26% 31% 45%

Industry online forums 15% 15% 16% - 21%

*Caution: Small base sizes, results should be considered directional rather than definitive

48% of respondents scan their favorite professional magazines looking for editorial and advertising of interest and 40% use the table of contents and read articles of interest.

Which of the following best describes how you typically read your favorite professional magazines?

Base: 447 total respondents

2%

9%

12%

27%

40%

48%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

I read the ads but not the editorial

I read much of the editorial but tend to ignore theads

I read my favorite columnists and departmentsfirst, and then read other content and ads of

interest

I read through the entire issue stopping at contentand ads of interest

I use the table of contents and then read articles ofinterest

I scan the issue, looking for editorial andadvertising that is of interest

Method of Reading Professional Magazines

Methods of reading professional magazines remains consistent regardless of age.

Which of the following best describes how you typically read your favorite professional magazines?

Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

------- Base: Total Respondents 447 28* 114 199

I scan the issue, looking for editorial and advertising that is of interest

48% 36% 56% 48%

I use the table of contents and then read articles of interest 40% 43% 36% 43%

I read through the entire issue stopping at content and ads of interest

27% 32% 28% 28%

I read my favorite columnists and departments first, and then read other content and ads of interest

12% 4% 13% 14%

I read much of the editorial but tend to ignore the ads 9% 11% 11% 6%

I read the ads but not the editorial 2% 4% 1% 3%


71% of plant services professionals spend one or more hours each week reading industry trade magazines – an average of 2.7 hours.

Respondents in Plant or Staff Management spend the most time reading trade magazines, an average of 3.4 hours per week. Respondents over 50 years of age spend the most time reading trade magazines, an average of 2.9 hours.

About how many hours per week do you typically spend reading industry trade magazines?

Job Responsibility/Function

Avg. hrs./ week

Plant or Staff Management 3.4

Maintenance and Reliability 2.8

Operations and Production 2.6

Engineering 2.5

Age Groups

35 & under 2.6

36-50 2.6

Over 50

2.9

Total/All respondents 2.7


1%

6%

64%

28%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

10+ hours

6-10 hours

1-5 hours

Less than 1 hour

Time Spent Reading Industry Trade Magazines

Plant services professionals say the primary reasons they read professional magazines are to keep current on industry trends and technology, to look for new ideas and to learn about best practices in the industry.

Please indicate the primary reasons you read your favorite professional magazines.


50%

57%

61%

68%

74%

83%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Learn about new application ideas

Look for articles related to a current problemor project I am dealing with

Learn about new products and new vendors

Learn about best practices in the industry

Look for new ideas

Keep current on industry trends andtechnology

Primary Reasons for Reading

Reasons for reading professional magazines remain consistent regardless of age.


Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------


Keep current on industry trends and technology 83% 89% 82% 83%

Look for new ideas 74% 79% 75% 71%

Learn about best practices in the industry 68% 68% 69% 71%

Learn about new products and new vendors 61% 54% 62% 63%

Look for articles related to a current problem or project I am dealing with

57% 64% 59% 57%

Learn about new application ideas 50% 57% 53% 48%


Respondents with Plant or Staff Management, Engineering and Maintenance and Reliability responsibilities are more likely than those in Operations and Production to look for articles related to a current problem or project they are dealing with.


Total -------

Plant or Staff

Management ----------

Engineering -----------

Operations and

Production ----------

Maintenance and

Reliability -----------

Base: Total Response 447 61 141 34* 90

Keep current on industry trends and technology

83% 87% 85% 79% 79%

Look for new ideas 74% 82% 72% 71% 74%

Learn about best practices in the industry 68% 77% 67% 68% 77%

Learn about new products and new vendors 61% 74% 60% 62% 61%

Look for articles related to a current problem or project I am dealing with

57% 56% 63% 44% 60%

Learn about new application ideas 50% 52% 54% 44% 50%


Nearly all respondents have taken action as a result of reading an ad or article in an industry magazine over the past 12 months. 61% have used ideas found in articles and 56% have visited an advertiser’s website.

Please indicate what actions you took in the past 12 months as a result of reading an article or ad in an industry magazine.


30%

32%

36%

38%

56%

61%

98%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

Save an entire issue

Visit the magazine web site for moreinformation

Contact a vendor/advertiser to learn moreabout a specific product/ingredient

Clip/copy/route articles

Visit an advertiser's web site

Use ideas found in articles

One or more actions taken (net)

Actions Taken

Actions taken as a result of reading an article or ad in an industry magazine remain consistent regardless of age.


Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------

Base: Total Response 447 28* 114 199

One or more actions taken (net) 98% 100% 96% 98% Use ideas found in articles 61% 71% 64% 59%

Visit an advertiser's web site 56% 61% 54% 60%

Clip/copy/route articles 38% 32% 39% 42%

Contact a vendor/advertiser to learn more about a specific product/ingredient

36% 21% 36% 37%

Visit the magazine website for more information 32% 46% 31% 31%

Save an entire issue 30% 21% 32% 31%


Plant or Staff Management professionals are more likely to use ideas found in articles and contact a vendor/advertiser to learn more about a specific product/ingredient than those with other job responsibilities.


Total -------

Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and



One or more actions taken (net) 98% 100% 99% 91% 97% Use ideas found in articles 61% 74% 60% 47% 64%

Visit an advertiser's web site 56% 69% 60% 62% 51%

Clip/copy/route articles 38% 48% 43% 32% 33%


36% 51% 30% 35% 37%

Visit the magazine web site for more information

32% 43% 29% 44% 24%

Save an entire issue 30% 43% 26% 24% 31%


Industry professionals who spend 1 hour or more reading industry magazines or accessing the Internet for work- related information are more likely to take various actions as a result of reading an article or ad in an industry magazine.


Hrs. per week reading industry trade

magazines: ============================

Hrs. per week accessing internet for work

related information: ==============================

Total -------

Less than 1 hr.

------- 1 – 3 hrs.

-------

More than 4 hrs.

-------

Less than 1 hr.

------- 1 – 3 hrs.

-------

More than 4 hrs.

-------

Base: Total Respondents 447 127 284 32* 33* 202 138

One or more actions taken (net) 98% 96% 99% 100% 94% 98% 99% Use ideas found in articles 61% 49% 64% 78% 52% 63% 60%

Visit an advertiser's web site 56% 46% 62% 59% 24% 58% 62%

Clip/copy/route articles 38% 26% 42% 53% 36% 43% 38%


36% 30% 37% 53% 18% 35% 41%

Visit the magazine web site for more information

32% 22% 34% 56% 6% 30% 41%

Save an entire issue 30% 20% 34% 44% 18% 30% 33%


76% of plant services professionals spend an hour or more per week accessing the Internet for work-related information – an average of 5.1 hours. Those with Plant or Staff Management responsibilities spend the most time accessing the Internet for work-related information, an average of 5.9 hours per week. Respondents 35 years of age or younger spend the most time online, an average of 6.5 hours per week.

About how many hours per week do you typically spend accessing the Internet for work-related information?

Job Responsibility/Function

Avg. hrs./ week

Plant or Staff Management 5.9

Maintenance and Reliability 5.3

Engineering 4.7

Operations and Production 4.0

Age Groups

35 & under 6.5

36 – 50 4.7

Over 50 5.0

Total/All respondents 5.1


17%

12%

19%

45%

7%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

No response

10+ hours

6-10 hours

1-5 hours

Less than 1 hour

Time Spent Accessing the Internet for Work Related Information

Search engines, supplier websites, industry magazines, E-Newsletters and websites are the resources used most often by plant services professionals. Search engines are used on a daily basis by 80% and 96% use them at least weekly. Supplier websites are used at least weekly by 63%, industry magazines are used at least weekly by 51%, 50% use E-Newsletter and 49% use magazine websites at least weekly.

About how often do you use the following resources for work?

Search Engines (Google, Yahoo)

Supplier Websites

Industry

Magazines

E-Newsletters

Industry Magazine Websites

Distributor Websites

Social Media -

LinkedIn

Social Media - Other

Daily 80% 17% 10% 17% 13% 6% 15% 10%

Weekly 16% 46% 41% 33% 36% 22% 18% 11%

Monthly 2% 18% 25% 17% 27% 26% 11% 6%

Less often 1% 11% 14% 21% 18% 28% 22% 21%

Never - 1% 3% 5% 2% 6% 23% 37%

Base: 374 respondents who answered the question

Respondents with Plant or Staff Management, Engineering and Operations and Production responsibilities are more likely than those in Maintenance and Reliability to use industry magazines at least once a week. Those with Plant or Staff Management responsibilities are more likely than those with other responsibilities to use LinkedIn at least weekly.


Use at least weekly

Total -------

Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and


Base: Total Answering 374 61 141 33* 90

Search engines (Google, Yahoo) 95% 95% 97% 94% 97%

Supplier websites 63% 56% 65% 64% 61%

Industry magazines (printed material) 52% 59% 52% 58% 41%

E-newsletters 51% 62% 46% 58% 49%

Industry websites (plantservices.com, etc)

48% 52% 45% 52% 46%

Social Media - LinkedIn 33% 49% 24% 30% 36%

Distributor websites 28% 31% 25% 30% 26%

Social Media - Other 22% 34% 12% 33% 20%


Plant services professionals who spend more time reading industry trade magazine magazines or accessing the Internet for work-related information use most resources more frequently than those who spend less time.



magazines: ============================

Hrs. per week accessing Internet for work-

related information: ===========================

Use at least weekly Total -------

Less than 1 hr.

------- 1 – 3 hrs.

-------

More than 4 hrs.

-------

Less than 1 hr.

------- 1 – 3 hrs.

-------

More than 4 hrs.

-------

Base: Total Answering 374 103 240 28* 33* 202 137

Search engines (Google, Yahoo) 95% 93% 97% 96% 82% 96% 99%

Supplier websites 63% 57% 65% 64% 42% 60% 71%

Industry magazines (printed material) 52% 27% 60% 75% 30% 47% 64%

E-newsletters 51% 39% 53% 71% 48% 48% 57%

Industry websites (plantservices.com, etc.)

48% 32% 52% 79% 24% 41% 64%

Social Media - LinkedIn 33% 27% 35% 43% 21% 30% 42%

Distributor websites 28% 18% 32% 32% 18% 25% 34%

Social Media - Other 22% 17% 21% 50% 15% 16% 31%


77% access plantservices.com at least monthly; 33% visit the site at least weekly.

Please indicate how often you access each website listed below.

plantservices.com

plantengineering .com

industryweek.com

reliabilityweb.com

impomag.com

mt-online.com

Net: Use at least monthly 77% 69% 36% 34% 18% 18%

Daily 6% 6% 3% 2% 1% 1%

Weekly 27% 21% 12% 14% 5% 5%

Monthly 44% 42% 21% 18% 12% 12%

Never 21% 27% 52% 54% 65% 63%

No response 3% 5% 11% 11% 17% 11%


Industry magazine websites visited remains consistent regardless of age.


Use at least monthly

Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

------- Base: Total Answering 369 28* 114 194

plantservices.com 77% 71% 76% 79%

plantengineering.com 69% 68% 65% 71%

industryweek.com 37% 46% 34% 35%

reliabilityweb.com 34% 50% 33% 34%

impomag.com 18% 18% 20% 18%

mt-online.com 18% 14% 20% 17%


Plant services professionals who spend 1 hour or more per week reading industry trade magazines or accessing the Internet visit industry websites more often.



magazines: ============================

Hrs. per week accessing Internet for work-

related information: ===========================

Use at least monthly Total -------

Less than 1 hr.

------- 1 – 3 hrs.

-------

More than 4 hrs.

-------

Less than 1 hr.

------- 1 – 3 hrs.

-------

More than 4 hrs.

-------

Base: Total Answering 369 103 235 28* 32* 199 136

plantservices.com 77% 58% 84% 86% 59% 78% 79%

plantengineering.com 69% 47% 77% 82% 34% 69% 76%

industryweek.com 37% 19% 42% 61% 13% 35% 46%

reliabilityweb.com 34% 23% 39% 39% 22% 31% 43%

impomag.com 18% 9% 20% 43% 9% 16% 24%

mt-online.com 18% 11% 20% 32% 9% 18% 21%


Plant services professionals use industry magazines and magazine websites most often to keep current with industry trends and new products and technologies. Search engines are used most often to investigate ideas for current problems/projects, look for suppliers/products, research a vendor under consideration and to learn about new vendors.

Which information resources do you rely on for each task?

Industry Magazines

Industry Magazine

Websites

Search Engines

E-Newsletters

Supplier Websites

Social Media

Keep current with industry trends 57% 55% 42% 37% 18% 10%

Keep current with new products, technologies 51% 51% 41% 35% 25% 7%

Investigate solutions/ideas for current problems/projects 30% 35% 72% 18% 26% 8%

Learn about new vendors 33% 31% 56% 15% 22% 8%

Look for suppliers/products 30% 28% 72% 12% 30% 5%

Research a vendor under consideration 14% 18% 68% 7% 34% 6%


84% of plant services professionals receive one or more industry related E-Newsletters at work. On average they receive four E-Newsletters.

How many industry related E-Newsletters do you currently receive at work?


16%

14%

30%

40%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

No response

6+

4-6

1-3

Number of E-Newsletters Received

16%

14%

30%

40%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

No response

6+

4-6

1-3

Number of E-Newsletters Received

Average: 4 E-Newsletters

Nearly half of plant services professionals prefer to receive E-Newsletters in the early morning; 20% prefer to receive them in the late afternoon.

What is your preferred time of day to receive your E-Newsletters?


6%

7%

20%

49%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Late morning

Early afternoon

Late afternoon

Early morning

Preferred Time to Receive E-Newsletters

Preference for the time of day to receive E-Newsletters remains consistent regardless of age.


Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------


Early morning 49% 61% 56% 58%

Late morning 6% 11% 10% 7%

Early afternoon 7% 11% 9% 8%

Late afternoon 20% 18% 24% 26%


Respondents with Maintenance and Reliability responsibilities are the most likely to say they prefer to receive their E-Newsletters in the early morning.


Total -------

Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and



Early morning 49% 46% 53% 56% 70%

Late morning 6% 10% 10% 12% 3%

Early afternoon 7% 7% 8% 12% 8%

Late afternoon 20% 36% 27% 18% 19%


72% of plant services professionals use online networking and social media for business purposes. LinkedIn Groups, YouTube and Other LinkedIn resources are used most often. 47% report that they are currently members of professional content related LinkedIn Groups.

Online networking and social media are beginning to have a role in the business community. Please indicate which, if any of the following tools/ Are you currently a member of any professional services you currently use for business purposes: content related LinkedIn Groups?


No 35%

No response 18%

Yes 47%

Membership in LinkedIn Groups

20%

2%

3%

6%

6%

16%

29%

36%

43%

72%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Other Online Forums/Bulletin Boards

Pinterest

Instagram

Slideshare

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn Other

YouTube

LinkedIn Groups

Use Any (net)

Use of Networking/Social Media

Use of online networking and social media resources remains consistent regardless of age.

Online networking and social media are beginning to have a role in the business community. Please indicate which, if any of the following tools/services you currently use for business purposes:

Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------

Base: Total Response 447 28* 114 199

Use Any (net) 72% 86% 89% 83%

LinkedIn Groups 43% 61% 54% 47%

YouTube 36% 43% 46% 42%

LinkedIn Other 29% 32% 41% 33%

Facebook 16% 29% 26% 14%

Twitter 6% 14% 11% 5%

Slideshare 6% 14% 4% 6%

Instagram 3% 11% 4% 3%

Pinterest 2% - 2% 2%

Other Online Forums/Bulletin Boards 20% 29% 25% 21%


YouTube, LinkedIn Groups and LinkedIn–Other, are the social media platforms that plant services professionals download business-related content from most often.

LinkedIn Groups is mentioned most often as the platform from which they will share business-related content, followed by YouTube and LinkedIn-Other.

How often do you download business-related content from social media platforms?

How often do you forward or share business-related content from social media platforms?

Often/Sometimes DOWNLOAD Content (net)

Often/Sometimes SHARE Content

(net)

Base: Total answering 368 366

YouTube 54% 34%

LinkedIn Groups 53% 40%

LinkedIn – Other 40% 33%

Facebook 19% 17%

Slideshare 12% 7%

Twitter 8% 8%

Pinterest 5% 3%

Instagram 3% 4%

Other Online Forums/ Bulletin Boards 38% 7%

51% of plant services professionals report that their companies do not block access to any social media. However, about three out of ten report that their company blocks access to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

Does your company block access to any of the above social media? Please tell us which of the following social media sites you do not have access to at work.


Yes 32%

No Response 17%

No 51%

Company Blocks Access to Social Media

17%

20%

21%

27%

28%

28%

30%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

LinkedIn

Slideshare

YouTube

Pinterest

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Social Media Sites Not Accessible at Work

Nearly two-thirds of industry professional read Plant Services content on their work pc/laptop.

Which devices do you use to read Plant Services content?


19%

3%

5%

10%

63%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

No response

Tablet

Smartphone

At-home PC/laptop

Work PC/laptop

Devices Used To Read Plant Services Content

Work pc/laptop is the primary device used to read Plant Services content regardless of age. However it is interesting to note that industry professionals 35 and under are more likely to say they access content from their Smartphones than their older counterparts.

Which devices do you use to read Plant Services content?

Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------


Work PC/laptop 63% 71% 75% 76%

At-home PC/laptop 10% 11% 8% 15%

Smartphone 5% 18% 9% 3%

Tablet 3% - 4% 4%


Plant services professionals use a variety of digital tools and services. 61% watch videos at least once a month, 59% read white papers, 43% attend/view webcasts, 42% used LinkedIn Groups and 40% read eHandbooks/special reports at least monthly.

How often do you engage or use the following tools/services?

Use At Least Monthly

(net)

Almost Daily Weekly Monthly

Less than Monthly

Not at all

I watch videos 61% 8% 24% 29% 21% 10%

I read white papers 59% 17% 3% 40% 30% 6%

I attend/view webcasts 43% 4% 7% 32% 35% 14%

I use LinkedIn Groups 42% 20% 2% 19% 20% 32%

I read eHandbooks/special reports 40% 11% 5% 24% 25% 26%

I read blogs 36% 13% 2% 21% 29% 28%

I read tablet-optimized magazines 28% 7% 4% 17% 17% 45%

I read/engage in online forums 28% 8% 3% 17% 25% 37%

I use Wikis 25% 5% 2% 18% 16% 50%

I use other social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

25% 14% 2% 9% 14% 50%

I use "share this" tools 21% 6% 2% 13% 17% 50%

I read infographics 21% 5% 3% 13% 16% 51%

I listen to podcasts 20% 2% 2% 1% 25% 44%

I use RSS feeds to follow sites/writers 10% 2% 2% 6% 10% 68%


Plant services professionals 35 and under are more likely than older professionals to say they read blogs, read infographics and listen to podcasts at least once a month. Those 50 years of age and younger are more likely than their older counterparts to say they read/engage in online forums, use Wikis and use other social media at least once a month.


Use at least monthly Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------


I watch videos 61% 75% 60% 60%

I read white papers 59% 64% 58% 61%

I attend/view webcasts 43% 54% 50% 41%

I use LinkedIn Groups 42% 43% 43% 42%

I read eHandbooks/Special Reports 40% 39% 40% 40%

I read blogs 36% 64% 42% 29%

I read tablet-optimized magazines 28% 21% 29% 28%

I read/engage in online forums 28% 43% 36% 23%

I use Wikis 25% 43% 31% 18%

I use other social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) 25% 32% 32% 19%

I use "share this" tools 21% 18% 27% 19%

I read infographics 21% 36% 25% 17%

I listen to podcasts 20% 36% 24% 18%

I use RSS feeds to follow sites/writers 10% 18% 13% 8%


Respondents with Plant or Staff Management responsibilities are the most likely to read tablet-optimized magazines. Those with Plant or Staff Management or Operations and Production responsibilities are more likely to use other social media (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) than those with other job responsibilities.


Use at least monthly

Total -------

Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and



I watch videos 61% 67% 58% 50% 64%

I read white papers 59% 67% 58% 59% 62%

I attend/view webcasts 43% 52% 47% 32% 40%

I use LinkedIn Groups 42% 54% 36% 38% 48%

I read eHandbooks/Special Reports 40% 44% 36% 44% 40%

I read blogs 36% 41% 29% 32% 44%

I read tablet-optimized magazines 28% 44% 24% 26% 24%

I read/engage in online forums 28% 34% 24% 24% 34%

I use Wikis 25% 18% 29% 15% 23%

I use other social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

25% 36% 18% 32% 24%

I use "share this" tools 21% 33% 16% 26% 20%

I read infographics 21% 28% 19% 29% 17%

I listen to podcasts 20% 20% 21% 26% 18%

I use RSS feeds to follow sites/writers 10% 11% 8% 12% 11%


Plant services professionals say that industry magazines are the most important sources they use to stay current with technologies, products and vendors.

Please indicate the most important industry source you would use for the following areas:

Staying current with technologies, products and vendors


1%

2%

3%

4%

9%

13%

21%

26%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Sales/Account reps

Trade shows

Conferences/User Groups

Vendor/Supplier websites

E-Newsletters (e.g. Energy & Sustainability E-News,Asset Management E-News, etc.)

Industry magazine websites (e.g. plantservices.com)

Search engines (e.g. Google)

Industry magazines (printed materials)

Most Important Source

Industry magazines are a top source used to stay current with technologies, products and vendors, regardless of age.



Most Important Source Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------


Industry magazines (printed materials) 26% 29% 31% 34%

Search engines (e.g. Google) 21% 32% 25% 27%

Industry magazine websites (e.g. plantservices.com) 13% 14% 17% 16%

E-Newsletters (e.g. Energy & Sustainability E-News,

Asset Management E-News, etc.) 9% 14% 12% 11%

Vendor/supplier websites 4% 7% 5% 6%

Conferences/User Groups 3% - 5% 3%

Trade shows 2% 4% 2% 2%

Sales/Account reps 1% - 3% 2%


Industry magazines are a top source used to stay current with technologies, products and vendors regardless of job function.




Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and



Industry magazines (printed materials) 26% 43% 33% 32% 29%

Search engines (e.g. Google) 21% 21% 23% 29% 33%


13% 15% 14% 18% 17%

E-Newsletters (e.g. Energy & Sustainability E-News, Asset Management E-News, etc.)

9% 13% 11% 15% 10%

Vendor/supplier websites 4% 2% 9% 3% 3%

Conferences/User Groups 3% 5% 4% 3% 2%

Trade shows 2% - 2% - 3%

Sales/Account reps 1% 2% 3% - 1%


Search engines are the most important sources for obtaining information or specifications for products as plant services professionals begin a new project.


Obtaining information or specifications for products as you begin a new project.


0%

0%

2%

5%

5%

7%

17%

41%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%


Trade shows



Sales/Account reps





Regardless of age, search engines are the most important sources for obtaining information or specifications for products when beginning a new project.


Obtaining information or specifications for products as you begin a new project.


35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------



Vendor/Supplier websites 17% 21% 30% 18%



5% 4% 7% 7%

Sales/account reps 5% 4% 5% 7%


2% 7% 3% 2%

Conferences/User Groups - - 2% -

Trade shows - 4% - 1%


Regardless of job function, respondents say that search engines are the most important sources for obtaining information for products as they begin a new project.


Obtaining information or specifications for products as you begin a new project


Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and




Vendor/supplier web sites 17% 20% 26% 24% 19%



5% 3% 8% 9% 7%

Sales/account reps 5% 11% 4% 6% 7%


2% 2% 2% - 2%

Conferences/User Groups - - 1% - -

Trade shows - - - - 1%


Search engines are the most important sources for confirming/validating purchase decisions.


Confirming/validating your firm's purchase decisions

Base: 477 respondents

1%

2%

7%

7%

8%

12%

16%

24%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Trade shows





Sales/Account reps




Regardless of age, search engines are the most important sources used to confirm/validate purchase decisions.




35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------



Vendor/Supplier websites 16% 21% 18% 22%

Sales/Account reps 12% 11% 15% 16%


Industry magazine websites (e.g. plantservices.com) 7% 11% 7% 10%

Conferences/User Groups 7% 7% 11% 8%


2% 11% 2% 2%

Trade shows 1% - 1% 2%


Search engines are the most important sources used to confirm/validate purchase decisions regardless of job function.




Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and




Vendor/Supplier websites 16% 23% 23% 12% 21%

Sales/Account reps 12% 15% 17% 9% 12%


Industry magazine websites (e.g.

plantservices.com) 7% 7% 8% 18% 8%

Conferences/User Groups 7% 7% 9% 3% 13%

E-Newsletters (e.g. Energy & Sustainability

E-News, Asset Management E-News, etc.) 2% 2% 2% 3% 2%

Trade shows 1% - 1% 6% -


Respondents are seasoned professionals having been at their current companies an average of 11 years and in their current positions an average of 10 years.

How long have you been with your current company?

How long have you been in your current position?

Average: 11 years in current company

10 years in current position


29%

19%

12%

16%

23%

17%

15%

21%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

5 years or less

6 to 10 years

11 to 20 years

More than 20 years

Number of Years at Current Company/Position

Current Company Current Position

Respondents have been subscribers to Plant Services magazine an average of 6 years.

If you are a Plant Services magazine subscriber, how long have you been a subscriber?

Average: 6 years


27%

19%

22%

5%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

2 years or less

3 to 5 years

6 to 15 years

More than 15 years

Number of Years Subscribing

32% of respondents describe their primary job responsibility as Engineering and 20% say their primary responsibility is Maintenance and Reliability. However the scope of their jobs includes many functions with 44% indicating that responsibilities include Engineering and 33% indicating they are involved in Maintenance and Reliability.

Which of the following best describes your primary Please indicate the scope of your job responsibilities.

job responsibility?


Note: Total exceeds 100% due to multiple responses.

2%

8%

14%

20%

32%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

IT/Data

Operations and Production


Maintenance and Reliability

Engineering

Primary Job Responsibilities

6%

23%

24%

33%

44%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

IT/Data

Operations and Production


Maintenance and Reliability

Engineering

Scope of Responsibilities

70% of the survey respondents are involved in selecting suppliers for their companies. 30% are the primary decision-makers.

38% are involved in specifying products and/or suppliers for company locations other than their own.

Which of the following best describes your role in selecting your company’s suppliers?

Are you involved in specifying products and/or suppliers for company locations other than your own?

No 38%

No Response 24%

Yes 38%

Role in Specifying Products/Suppliers for Other Locations

12%

18%

40%

0% 20% 40% 60%

I'm the primary decision maker butdelegate the day-to-day selection of

suppliers to others

I'm the primary decision maker andmake the final supplier selections

I provide my input to another personor team who makes the final decision

Role in Selecting Suppliers


Net: Primary Decision

Maker – 30%

Role in selecting company suppliers remains consistent regardless of age.



Total -------

35 & under -------

36-50 -------

Over 50

-------


I provide my input to another person or team who makes the final decision

40% 46% 50% 54%

Primary Decision Maker (net) 30% 36% 42% 35%

I'm the primary decision maker and make the final supplier selections

18% 29% 22% 25%

I'm the primary decision maker but delegate the day-to-day selection of suppliers to others

12% 7% 20% 15%

Involved in specifying products/supplier for other company locations

38% 43% 51% 49%


Plant or Staff Management professionals are the most likely to be primary decision makers when selecting suppliers. Plant or Staff Management and Engineering professionals are the most likely to be involved in specifying products and/or suppliers for other company locations.



Total -------

Plant or Staff



Operations and


Maintenance and



I provide my input to another person or team who makes the final decision

40% 31% 55% 56% 61%

Primary Decision Maker (net) 30% 62% 38% 33% 34%

I'm the primary decision maker and make the final supplier selections

18% 28% 25% 15% 26%

I'm the primary decision maker but delegate the day-to-day selection of suppliers to others

12% 34% 13% 18% 8%

Involved in specifying products/supplier for other company locations

38% 62% 55% 29% 44%

*Caution: Small base size, results should be considered directional rather than

The average age of survey respondents is 51 years.

What is your age?

Average: 51 years


6%

26%

39%

6%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

18 to 35

36 - 50

51 - 65

More than 65

Age

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