91% of engineers reported using the Internet to find components and suppliers, while 90% indicated that they have obtained product specifications online. 82% reported using the Internet for research, compared to 68% a year ago. This audience is also spending more time online for work purposes; 45% of respondents reported spending six or more hours per week online. 42% of engineers prefer to contact suppliers and manufacturers by visiting them on the Web, and another 36% prefer e-mail. But 40% of respondents indicated that they typically wait between 3-7 days to receive the information they request via e-mail, and 5% wait even longer, GlobalSpec reports.