ControlAir: HVAC Website and Content Management System
TL;DR:
- Challenge: Create digital presence for HVAC controls manufacturer serving technical buyers
- Approach: Product catalog, technical documentation, and dealer resources with CMS
- Result: Platform helping engineers, contractors, and dealers find specifications and resources
At a Glance
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Client | ControlAir |
| Industry | Manufacturing / HVAC Controls |
| Challenge | Serve technical buyers with product specifications and documentation |
| Solution | Website with product catalog, documentation system, and dealer resources |
| Deliverables | Website, CMS, product catalog, technical documentation |
| Audience | HVAC engineers, contractors, and dealers |
The Challenge: Digital Presence for Technical Products
ControlAir manufactures HVAC controls—precision valves, actuators, pressure regulators, and related components for building automation systems. Their customers aren't browsing casually; they're engineers specifying equipment for projects, contractors sourcing products for installations, and facility managers finding replacement parts.
These users need technical information: specifications matching their application requirements, documentation for installation and maintenance, CAD files for design integration, and access to the dealer network for purchasing.
A consumer-style website focused on brand imagery would miss the point entirely. The site has to function as a technical resource that helps professionals do their jobs.
The Solution: Technical Resource Platform
We built a website and CMS designed for how industrial buyers actually work.
Product Catalog
Organized for technical product selection:
- Categorization by product type and application
- Technical specifications prominently displayed
- Search and filtering by key parameters
- Cross-reference information for product comparison
Technical Documentation System
The documentation industrial buyers depend on:
- Specification sheets with complete product data
- Installation and maintenance manuals
- CAD files for design integration
- Version management ensuring current documentation
Dealer Resources
Supporting the distribution channel:
- Dealer locator helping customers find local distributors
- Resources for dealer sales and technical support
- Contact pathways connecting customers with appropriate channels
Content Management System
Enabling ongoing maintenance:
- Non-technical staff can update product information
- Documentation upload and management
- News and announcement publishing
- Structured content ensuring consistency
The Results
- Technical resource platform serving engineers, contractors, and dealers with specifications and documentation
- Product catalog enabling technical search and selection based on application requirements
- Documentation system providing current manuals, specs, and CAD files
- Channel support through dealer locator and resources
Key Takeaway
Industrial B2B websites succeed when they help users do their jobs. An engineer specifying HVAC controls needs the right technical information fast—specifications, documentation, compatibility data. Everything that doesn't serve that need is friction. Design for the user's task, not for generic web conventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should an HVAC manufacturer website include?
An HVAC manufacturer website should include a comprehensive product catalog, technical specifications and documentation, application guides, dealer/distributor locator, support resources, and company information. For building automation products, integration specifications and compatibility information are essential. The site serves as both sales tool and technical resource.
How do industrial B2B websites differ from consumer sites?
Industrial B2B websites serve technical buyers who need detailed specifications, documentation, and application information. Unlike consumer sites focused on emotional appeal and simple purchases, B2B industrial sites prioritize technical accuracy, downloadable resources, and support for complex buying processes. The buying cycle is longer and involves multiple stakeholders.
What is technical documentation management for manufacturers?
Technical documentation management organizes product specifications, installation guides, maintenance manuals, CAD files, and other technical resources. A CMS enables efficient updates, version control, and user access—ensuring customers always find current, accurate documentation. For manufacturers, documentation quality directly affects product support costs and customer satisfaction.
How do manufacturers support dealers through websites?
Manufacturers support dealers through dealer locators helping customers find local distributors, dealer portals with resources and pricing, marketing materials for co-branded campaigns, and training resources. The website becomes a tool for channel support, not just direct marketing. Strong dealer support through digital tools strengthens distribution partnerships.
Technologies Used
- Content management system (CMS)
- Product catalog database
- Technical documentation system
- CAD file management
- Dealer locator functionality
- Search and filtering
- Responsive design