Predictive maintenance of production facilities allows potential problems to be detected before they can lead to costly consequences. This being so, it begs the question of why it is still the poor relation in a good many companies. Could it be that too many production managers are simply not fully aware of the risks related to an insufficient - or non-existent - predictive maintenance programme? Are they still unaware that investing in organised maintenance of any production tool is a source of considerable profits? Their vain attempts at cost-saving quickly give way before the complaints and disappointment caused by faults, breakdowns and their financial consequences. As Leonardo da Vinci said, "Failure to anticipate is a recipe for moans", and it is especially true in today's world. SDT International's aim with this new site is to update you on the latest developments in industrial preventive maintenance and ultrasonic technology for applications such as leak detection, monitoring of bearings and mechanical units, detecting anomalies in valves and hydraulic circuits, and locating defects in electrical circuits. It demonstrates our determination to promote effective, preventive solutions to producers' needs while simultaneously targeting improvements in company profitability, both in production facility maintenance and quality control. A few clicks are all that is needed to obtain the information you are looking for, starting from the three areas or accesses that characterise our aim to provide you with a global solution: products, applications and training. The site is being continually upgraded, and missing pages will be added shortly. It will also be available in several languages. Don't hesitate to send us your e-mail address in the "Contact us" section, so that we may update you about its development. I hope you will find our site useful. Sincerely, André DEGRAEVE CEO SDT International S.A.