Omnexus (Europe: Steinacherstr. 101 C, CH-8804 Wädenswil; www.omnexus.com), the internet plastics platform supported by the industry´s leading global players, went online in Europe in mid March following its launch in the US in October 2000 (see Plasteurope.com 03, 2001). Central to the Europe-specific service enhancements are site availability in French, German and Spanish, in addition to English. The backers believe this will “give greater depth of accessibility to plastics industry professionals than has previously been possible with a single-language site.” As in the US, the site launch in Europe is to proceed in stages.

By the third quarter of 2001, Omnexus plans to be able to offer full online transactions in each of its European language formats. This will include multi-currency purchasing facilities, aggregated electronic invoicing, order tracking and comprehensive customer service. Customers will be able to conduct transactions with existing suppliers while at the same time gaining access to a wider selection of suppliers. European users will be able to review online product catalogues from leading resins producers, while carrying out product searches and polymer comparisons based on performance parameters supported by documentation such as security data sheets, COAs and regulatory compliance listings.

The platform later will expand its range of services to include Europe-focused plastics machinery, peripheral equipment and tooling. With full functionality, Omnexus will be able to accommodate ERP integration into customers´ languages. The possibilities the new platform can offer – especially as regards cost-saving – will be spotlighted at K 2001, to be held this year from 25 October to 1 November in Düsseldorf. Alongside the wide spectrum of plastics processors and distributors already cooperating with Omnexus, its backers say they will continue to look for new partners, in parti-cular in the distribution sector.