It seems that every manufacturer's representative who visits an engineering office these days has a new or updated catalog on compact
disc for the engineers to try. What was once considered a novelty in the industry, only several years ago, has quickly become standard, if
not universal, practice among manufacturers. While three-ring loose-leaf binders are still the status quo, it seems that a CD catalog is
either available or on the way for just about every product line. What is the point of all this? Is it simply keeping up with the Kohlers and
Zurns, or are these CD catalogs really a better format for engineers to use?
It all seemed to start about five years ago, when the development of electronic media finally made CD creation and distribution both
economical and convenient. There is no question that the CD catalog is a benefit to both manufacturers and manufacturers'
representatives. CD catalogs are less costly than the traditional binder, more convenient to carry or mail, and easier to update.