Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/599529
24 | /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING • November 2015 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m of Defense-Office of Economic Adjustment, is one component of a multi-faceted approach to assist the region in dealing with the instability of government spending. Even more good news — while this grant was aimed to assist defense contractors, the end result of creating a stronger supply chain network has the potential to li all boats. With this resource, the Supply Chain Marketplace, any business can be involved, not just defense contractors. e Supply Chain Marketplace concept is based on the success of the New North WindWorks initiative, which quickly scaled statewide to become Wisconsin WindWorks, with an online supply chain directory featuring more than 200 of our manufacturers and marketed to the wind industry as a one-stop resource for sourcing suppliers for the industry. e Supply Chain Marketplace takes this concept to the next level with the ability for a business to be included in multiple, industry- sector supply chain directories. e Supply Chain Marketplace aggregates company profiles by industry sectors the company serves, category of manufacturer/supplier or by any number of dynamic search filters, such as keywords, location, type of certification or ownership. Company profiles offer businesses the opportunity to highlight their unique capabilities, product lines, skill sets and innovation. By using videos and photos, a company may enhance its profile, effectively introducing themselves to potential new customers. In addition, a company can communicate news such as awards, certifications earned, customer contracts or testimonials. e Marketplace also provides a platform to communicate job openings. e dynamics of the Marketplace include the ability to serve as a clearinghouse for requests for proposals or requests for quotes. Purchasing and procurement agents seeking suppliers may post their RFPs/RFQs by completing a quick online form on the Supply Chain News bulletin board in the Marketplace. Upon submission, businesses in the Marketplace that fit the scope of the request will be emailed that a new opportunity is waiting for them if able to meet the requirements. WITH THE UPS AND DOWNS OF government contracting, there always seems to be good news and bad news. e recent announcement in August of a new, $6.7 billion Defense contract for Oshkosh Corporation, along with another contract awarded in September, are examples of good news. e bad news is that defense cuts likely will happen again. Businesses that have not diversified their customer base to weather these ups and downs will be caught off- guard and unprepared. ey will be challenged to keep afloat when the plug gets pulled — again. ere are, however, steps companies can take to diversify their customer base and strengthen their ability to weather these ups and downs. is is where good news comes into play again. e good news is the Department of Defense is also interested in seeing these suppliers become stronger to handle the ebb and flow of contracting tides. New North, under a contract with East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, developed an online resource tool and created industry partnerships to help suppliers diversify their customer base by marketing to new industry sectors that utilize similar manufacturing skill sets and capabilities. e project, funded with a grant from the Department Supply Chain Marketplace A "go-to" market customer diversification tool INSIGHT FROM ... CONNIE LODEN C O U R T E S Y O S H K O S H T R U C K