Montgomery, AL, May 10, 2023 – The Alabama Technology Network (ATN) is pleased to introduce CONNEX Alabama, a new program launched on May 10, 2023, designed to strengthen the local and domestic manufacturing supply chain.

CONNEX Alabama is a powerful online manufacturer database and connectivity platform provided as a no-cost resource for Alabama manufacturers. It’s designed to help manufacturers connect, find local and domestic suppliers, explore production capabilities, and manage their supply chain to identify single supplier risks and find opportunities for diversification.

“For manufacturers, the pandemic revealed just how vulnerable supply chains are. As the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) affiliate for Alabama, ATN decided to find a way to assist Alabama manufacturers with supply chain management,” explains Keith Phillips, ATN Executive Director. “ATN will be the sole source for the CONNEX Alabama database. The idea is to connect Alabama base manufacturers
with suppliers not just in Alabama, but also nationally, which will help make Alabama manufacturers more competitive.”

To help manufacturers develop more reliable supply chains and find alternate suppliers, the CONNEX platform will help manufacturers identify potential suppliers within the state based on their capabilities, not just current production. Results can then be filtered using hundreds of unique criteria such as equipment, processes, materials, and certifications to meet a manufacturer’s specific needs.

In addition, disruptions to existing supply chains have resulted in shortages of materials and inputs to manufacturing processes, which are hampering the productivity and profitability of Alabama manufacturers. CONNEX will offer manufacturers the ability to post RFIs and RFQs for such items in the platform’s B2B Exchange Center, to which qualified suppliers may directly respond to the posts with their capabilities and availability. These platform features will help Alabama manufacturers quickly find the materials and inputs they need to meet their productivity and profitability objectives while improving supply chain robustness for downstream manufacturers.

“ATN’s mission is to provide services and assistance to Alabama manufacturers resulting in their continued improvement and competitive edge. With issues such as supply chain disruption, gaps in the workforce, and the rising cost of raw materials, ATN has created a unique opportunity to offer a tool in technology to assist in mitigating these issues,” says Whitney Barlow, ATN team member. “CONNEX Alabama is the one resource to assist manufacturers and suppliers in closing gaps and reducing lost time and money. Alabama’s future trajectory is controlled by the tools we offer our clients. Our diversified training is the premier workforce development program in the state and CONNEX extends our reach of assistance to Alabama manufacturers.”

The CONNEX Marketplace technology was developed several years ago by i5 Services to connect the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. It’s now being used by manufacturers and suppliers across the country to connect with one another and find new business opportunities. Alabama is the fourteenth state to roll out the CONNEX Marketplace platform, joining others such as: Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan,
Tennessee, the West Texas region, Utah, Wyoming, Kentucky, Virginia, etc. In each state, the platform is managed by the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to provide a coordinated approach to outreach and direction for users.

Free registration for Alabama manufacturers and suppliers began on May 10 when the platform officially launched. To learn more about CONNEX Alabama, and how to sign up for a free subscription after the platform launches, visit: https://www.atn.org/connex-alabama/ or contact Whitney Barlow at connexalabama@atn.org.

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About ATN
Part of the Alabama Community College System and serving as the Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate for Alabama, the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) has served Alabama manufacturers since 1996. ATN’s team of experts help address the needs of industry and business through innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. ATN conducts detailed needs assessments, outlines potential solutions based on the assessment results, and provides technical assistance and customized training in the areas of Continual Improvement, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Maintenance & Technology, and Leadership & Management Development.