Devastated by a global economic downturn and foreign competition, a regional network of manufacturers had no way to connect with their peers who were suffering from similar business challenges. Learn how severe market conditions provided the inspiration for a regional Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN) and social networking site that connected over 1,000 manufacturers.
This case study describes how the MIN facilitates local and international transactions, establishes vital business connections and provides a knowledge exchange for sharing information, ideas and expertise. The site includes an expert blogger network, job board, company profiles, news feeds and topic-specific networking pages. With an online network, regional manufactures can now connect and collaborate with others in the local supply chain to increase efficiency and decrease costs.
Community Success Story
www.waterloomin.com
Manufacturing
The Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN) is an online community which facilitates and promotes awareness, excellence and innovation within the manufacturing industry in the Waterloo Region. This network connects manufacturers, partners, government agencies, academic institutions and other stakeholder groups to create a more responsive and globally competitive manufacturing community through improved collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The Challenge I am thrilled to be MIN was developed in direct response to a survey of local manufacturers in 2007 in involved in this which 68% of respondents indicated they were keenly interested in participating in an exciting and leading online manufacturing innovation-type network. Manufacturers suggested the online network should: edge initiative. With
. incorporate a method to share best practices, lean manufacturing concepts, and growing global six-sigma protocols; competition; a volatile
. support supplier networking to help businesses self-promote and connect with Canadian dollar; and other local suppliers; and a weakened global . ensure that the needs of subsectors are represented and can connect with other economy, networks similar companies to provide for focused networking and problem solving. like MIN are a great In context of the manufacturing industry-the bigger picture-the creation of the way for manufacturers network was also prompted by a 10% decline in all manufacturing jobs in the Waterloo to discover new Region and over 10,000 jobs lost in the region in the past ten years. and innovative The IGLOO Solution ways to improve The MIN is an innovative online community and social networking site that connects operational efficiency, over 1,000 manufacturers in the Waterloo Region. This network, which is free of charge gain competitive to local manufacturers, provides a marketplace to facilitate local and international advantage and foster e-commerce transactions; a professional network for establishing vital business connections within the manufacturing community; and a knowledge exchange for innovation.sharing information, ideas and expertise that benefits the local manufacturing sector. - Terry Reidel, Executive Using the MIN, local manufacturing companies have the opportunity to discover the Director, MINlocal supply chain and connect with local manufacturers - to increase efficiency and decrease costs. The site includes manufacturing blogs, a job board, company profiles, news feeds, company executive profiles and topic-specific networking pages.
MarketplaceCOMMUNITYCommunity FeaturesThe MIN community offers its members access to a number of services, including an online marketplace, professional networking and knowledge exchange.
Online MarketplaceManagers can find top talent in manufacturing-related fields using an extensive Career Center and Job Board. MIN career resources include career opportunities, resume building and other self-help resources, and academic and retraining programs. Companies are invited to post free job listings, with the site hosting hundreds of job applications to date.Manufacturing companies are able to promote their goods and services in the Company and Service Provider Directories. To develop brand awareness around their goods and services and increase sales, manufacturing companies can also The Manufacturing make use of MIN's classified ads, along with a targeted advertising program and Innovation Network sponsorship of the site with various levels of participation.powered by the A central online events calendar keeps manufacturers and suppliers connected IGLOO technology is by promoting related events. Members can effectively network and collaborate by an opportunity that is attending events and promoting their own hosted events online.certainly going to help Professional Networkingour manufacturing Each member of the MIN is provided with a private and secure place to store, members, not only in organize and manage their personal information. Manufacturers can raise their this community, but the profile in the region by publishing relevant professional information and personal larger manufacturing experience, including educational background, sub-sector skills and expertise, training certificates, projects, and more in their personal profile. community in Ontario, and eventually in the... [download for more]
