Engineering directory can be used a search engine or buyers guide service aimed specifically at the engineering industry to enable engineers, technicians, tradesmen, etc. to find information and communicate effectively with suppliers in the engineering industry. It is developed for engineers to service the need for easily accessible, accurate information. The product categories can comprise of petrochemical, oil, gas, metalworking, plant and machinery, CAD and CAM design and consultancy services, building construction material, industrial products, hand tools and allied products. There might also be an automotive category with such sub categories like Paint & Finishes, Materials, etc; a Building & Civil category with Consulting & Design services and other relevant sub categories and so on.

Main objectives of an engineering directory:

• To assist engineers in effectively using the internet and the many websites out there, and enable them to communicate easily and effectively with suppliers of product and services.
  
  
• To ensure engineering companies, their products and/or services are marketed effectively, as well as to provide the structure to effectively deliver valuable product/service information as required by the industry.
  
  
• To provide a directory that covers all engineering related industries and the products and services, from project design and raw materials to final products.

Main users of the directory:

• Technical buyers
  
• Engineers, technical designers looking for answers or looking for suppliers of products and services for use in various projects
  
• Companies looking for strategic alliances, and international agencies
  
• Importers and exporters for the engineering market
  
• Engineering companies sourcing raw materials suppliers.

It is a relational database that includes:

• Company category (information of distributor, manufacturer, etc.).
  
• Links and categories for each product type.
  
• Location of products page
  
• List of distributors.
  
• Line of manufactures.
  
• Engineering news
  
• Engineering publications
  
• Engineering trade shows
  
• Engineering trade leads

Directory resources:

Directory resources will provide information about professional engineer's society, engineers associations, public works associations and more. It also informs about related firms including designers, consultants, engineers, and architects involved in renewable energy green building, energy efficiency, recycling, and life cycle analysis.

An Engineering Directory is an example of a Niche Directory

It is considered a niche directory as it seeks to meet the special needs of the engineering industry. Another kind of niche ness is seen when the engineering directory lists only suppliers from a particular country or region. Such regional directories focus to promote the engineering industry of particular regions. Additionally, regional directories help users to identify local or nearby sources for their requirements.

Conclusion

Engineering directory is an online database and information source covering all disciplines of engineering that could help the engineers become aware of different alternatives (such as components and solutions) available in the market which can equip them to perform better and achieve quality results. It features profiles of engineers and companies while fostering sustainability in engineering. It also has a job board and directories of engineering firms, sustainability-related firms, engineering organizations, engineering schools, and professional engineer licensing boards.