AUTOMATIONDIRECT.COM

I have had excellent experiences in the past with Automation Direct. Super fast shipping, reliable supplier for industrial industries.
Unfortunately, I found their downfall, the support.
I had a couple of questions about a drive and the tech support agent just told me everything that I found on my own in the Technical Specifications PDF.
It might as well be AI.
He wouldn't listen when I asked out-of-the-box questions, he was short and condescending.
I actually would have preferred AI, because at least then it would have been polite.
Don't reach out to support unless you're too lazy to look through the PDF, because clearly, they aren't qualified to do anything more than read off a piece of paper in front of them.
Very disappointed, and I will have to consider alternate suppliers for my personal and professional automation needs.

We bought SureServo2 servo drives SV2A-2075 drives. We wired them up and tried to commission them using the AutoTune feature in the provided software. I ran into recurring Alarm messages that gave descriptions of the alarm but did not reference an identifiable drive setting parameter. Automation Direct brags about their customer service to support their merchandise, but this time two techs had contradictory selections in the AutoTune section of the software. Both led to Alarms they didn't understand how to clear. Both Dean and Wayne told to try something and call back if it didn't work. I tried what they said and it didn't work. They both got snotty when I called back and didn't really know what to do. They both made it clear they didn't want me call back and sent me on a wrong path again. I had to figure it out myself after reading and re-reading manuals and watching their videos. I wasted a lot of time due to these tech's competence.

I've only started using Automation Direct in the last 6 years as I started working for a smaller company that had tighter budgets. Even though I no longer work for a smaller company, I find myself continuing to use Automation Direct not because of their affordability, but because of their simple yet robust controllers that I've come to trust. In some cases, I've ordered products from Automation Direct in a pinch and they delivered my order overnight. You'd be hard pressed to have Omron, Allen Bradley or Parker provide service that quickly.

Strengths: Automation Direct carries a wide line of PLCs, machine controls and interfaces. Affordability and selection are their key strengths. They offer this affordability and selection while still offering robust and quality built products.

Needs to improve: Automation Direct mostly sells in-house products that aren't considered premium mainstream products. If you're looking for an Allen Bradley or Parker controller, Automation Direct won't carry them.

I have purchased electrical components from Automation Direct for some years now and have always had great service from them. I love that they have data sheet that are quickly accessible when you select a product. I have always received my items when promised. I have never had to contact them for a discrepancy or delayed shipments.

Strengths: Ease in product selection and quick reliable, free with minimum purchase, shipping. I love that every component has a data sheet that can be quickly accessed.

Needs to improve: They don't carry as much as a McMaster Carr, but who does.

At my shop we have been buying products from automation for quite some time now! They have always helped us order in bulk!! Never having issues! They sell very high quality goods! We have always had great help on the other end. The customer service is always great! With so much selection its hard not to be pleased!

Strengths: They sell great products!! Fantastic customer service!

Needs to improve: Nothing that we have ran into so far.

Our shop has been ordering from here for years now. We have installed a lot of cables ,motion control etc. Never had any issues with Automationdirect ever! I would highly recommend this to anyone in the electricity field.

Strengths: Great customer service, knowledgeable staff, always ships on time.

Needs to improve: dont recall any at the moment.

Automationdirect is the automation superstore (think Newark or Digi-Key, except for automation components. Good quality products, off-the-shelf availability.

Strengths: A good selection of automation products in one place

Needs to improve: Some products are a little more expensive than their counterparts - but you pay for the convenience factor

AutomationDirest.com is a great source of automation equipment such as motors, controllers, switches, control panels, touch screens etc. their prices are reasonable and their selection is expansive.

Strengths: Automation related equipment.

Needs to improve: None

We've purchased AC motors from Automation and have always had no problem with their products . Good quality parts with quality service.

Strengths: Large selection of electrical components, good customer service

Needs to improve: None

Recently purchased DIN terminal blocks. Found them to be cheaper here than Mcmaster. Will certainly be doing business here gain for my electronics needs.

Strengths: Cheaper than Mcmaster

Needs to improve: none

Every aspect of dealing with this company was great, from the pre-sales technical support, to ordering, to shipping.

Quality products with quality service

Strengths: Great customer service

Needs to improve: None