Ariba Supplier Network (formerly SupplierMarket.com)
SupplierMarket.com is (was?) an online marketplace for built-to-order industrial products. If you want to get your shop or plant into new work, get yourself involved in RFQ processes, or want to break into new markets, this may be one of the places you want to be. Here's how it works: You bid on RFQs posted by prospective buyers; the buyer selects a supplier (you, maybe?); if all is accepted, the chosen supplier (you, again?) pays a "finders fee."

SupplierMarket has been purchased by (and offically absorbed into) Ariba's online exchange/network (www.ariba.com) and renamed "Ariba Supplier Network."

B2GMarket.com (formerly Bidmain)
Bidmain has changed hands or strategies (it's always hard to tell which), and as B2GMarkets looks to remain one of the top RFQ models launched to put manufacturers in touch with buyers of services or discrete parts—in this case, those buyers are governmental.

B2GMarkets offers access to bid opportunities from local, state, federal and international governmental bodies. Once geography is selected, RFQs are searchable by keywords. B2GM also offers a tremendous database of vendors. And you may choose to get your notifications via e-mail.

If you're looking for access to government work to supplement your work, you have to include this step in your processes.

CADopener
Like most ASP models, the jury is still out on CADopener. But the idea is worthy of our collective attention. CADopener is a translator of sorts that allows for the sharing of CAD files without owning the parent software the file was created or resides in. Downloading their SolidView software (evidently SolidView was acquired by CADopener either by license or direct purchase) is required to "share" CAD files within this system. CADopener may offer useful RFQ-enabling, marketing capabilities for shops looking for such support. Again, a young but promising model you'll want to watch.

First Index
First Index puts job shops and buyers of services in contact with each other for myriad machining and discrete parts project. Job shops register with their capabilities, and buyers post their jobs. From what we see at this site, all sizes of plants on both sides of the purchasing food chain participate. The site is easy to use and also offers a "Tactics, Tips and Strategies" section. Bookmark it.

FreeMarkets
FreeMarkets, the massive online industrial exchange, has been purchased by and absorbed into the Ariba network.

GlobalSpec
GlobalSpec is a conduit between engineers or technical buyers and suppliers of parts and services. This site offers up sources through part databases, suppliers listings, and searches based on product name and specification. You'll find categories running the range from Test/Measurement and Flow Transfer to Motion Control and Manufacturing Equipment.

The GlobalSpec model works on the "Supplier Pays, Buyer Free" premise. If you are looking for a source, you have to register to get to the info you need (but it is "free"). If you're supplying a part or service, you're probably going to have to pay to be seen at the level you deserve.

And now, GlobalSpec has created their own search engine, called the Engineering Web. Forget the hype - GlobalSpec has, in fact, created a Google-like search engine that is self-indexing and effective, but only returns manufacturing-related sites. In other words, it ignores the stuff outside metalworking, so when you search on "grinding," you'll what you're looking for, without the "kink." Bookmark this site, and do it now.

Job Shop Network
The JSN is an excellent resource for job shops. Not only are there resources available for the management and upkeep of the shop (like Job Shop Technology magazine online), but this is one of the best online directories of shops on the internet. If your shop has a Web site, you might do well to consider listing your URL and shop's capabilities here. The site requires registration to access or use at most levels. NOTE: The JSN has a new look and organization. Cookies (and a privacy pledge) are now employed. Their services have expanded to serve the matching of buyers and suppliers of manufactured product.

Besides being listed, shops might also find suppliers of products or services here for subcontract or finishing services.

Job Shop PowerSites
Job Shop PowerSites is a website development company, started by actual job shop owners, and designed to serve the contract manufacturing industry. Using a template-based system, they custom-design your website to be an effective online sales tool for your company. Customers can send RFQ’s, Purchase Orders and CAD Drawings right through your website.

Job Shop Technology
JST magazine is dedicated to the success of the US discrete product manufacturing community (ahem ... that includes YOU, by the way). As part of the Job Shop Network, this site supports that overall strategy with technical articles and their "Post an RFQ" utility that puts buyers of manufacturing services and parts in touch with suppliers of same (uh, that would be you, as well). This is one of the industry's most dependable sources of info for commerce, and well worth you getting familiar with.

Make It Metal
The MIM site was launched and is sponsored by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and is an online version of their bi-annual print directory of the same name. The MIM site is designed to put purchasers and specifiers of metalformed parts in touch with the designers, engineers and manufacturers in nine precise technical areas, including stampers, fabricators, metal spinners, custom roll formers, and others. Visitors may also search across the selection of suppliers by end products or by markets served. Registration is required for access to suppliers via any of these search methods.

Mfg.com (Formerly MfgQuote)
This Georgia-based business isn't resting on its laurels; they've expanded their services with an updated site. Mfg.com's purpose is to bring those needing manufacturing services together with manufacturers and shops interested in quoting on metalworking and machining jobs. Instead of the winning shop paying a "finders fee" once each bid's accepted, shops pay a set fee to remain a member of Mfg.com. Membership allows for unlimited participation and bidding on jobs listed on the site. This site is really well organized, and has to be included as one of a shop's or manufacturer's regular online visits. The latest updates include improved service and--our personal favorite--the Collaborative Procurement Management service, which itself includes feedback to losing bidders, helping them improve their chances for future work.

Process Register
Process Register is a database--a big, well-designed and thought-out online collection of product and service providers that serve (what these guys call) the "process industries." To machining professionals looking for help, that means that many ancillary service providers can be found here: CAD/CAM design and engineering firms, metals suppliers, inspection and testing services, and more. To shops looking for marketing help, you might consider registering your business with this directory (under "Machining/Metal Working") for exposure to prospects. While this site could use a few more participants in some sectors relevant to our world, they are getting their "e-legs" quickly and deserve a look-see.

ProcureNet
ProcureNet describes themselves as a "provider of Internet-based, end-to-end electronic commerce solutions to agencies and departments of the federal government. (They) also provide... solutions to state and local government agencies and commercial clients." In other words, this may be your "B2G" (Business-to-Government) e-commerce portal. ProcureNet has reorganized their site to a more graphics-rich interface. If your supply chain includes government-related links, or if you want it to, check this site out.

ProtoMarket.com
ProtoMarket is the RFQ "hub" for the Rapid Manufacturing industry. Their model is set up traditionally (my goodness -- is anything traditional online?); ProtoMarket takes a cut (around 4 percent, or so) from the Vendor after a bid has been awarded. This site is constructed well, and provides security through the VeriSign program. These folks are also in the process of establishing partnerships to enhance their platform through ancillary applications, including tooling, file translation and collaboration capabilities.

RFQsolutions
RFQsolutions is an RFQ marketplace that's been on the landscape for some time. Their model follows the common formula (buyers post jobs for suppliers to collaborate and negotiate for) but within an uncommon model—the first year of participation requires a $295 setup fee, and $125 per month each month beginning the second year.

RFQWork.com
RFQWork is a recent addition to the online machining community that seeks to enable buyers of machining and metalworking services to find acceptable suppliers. The site currently exists as a suite of forums for buyers and suppliers to interact in individual categories (i.e., milling, turning, mold, EDM, etc.). General listing categories for company listings and employment are also available.

SupplierSource
SupplierSource is the machining and manufacturing directory from Dassault Systems and SolidWorks that aims to connect buyers with discrete parts manufacturers looking for work. SupplierSource is free for buyers and suppliers/shops – a "premium" subscription for shops that includes more prominent positions in returned lists and SERPs requires a fee.

The NAM Buyer-Seller Network
This manufacturing marketplace follows most of the rules of such online models: "buyers" of custom manufacturing services or products submit Requests For Quotes (RFQs) into the system where "suppliers" of those services/products either compete for the award or develop relationships on- and off-line with those buyers. In this case, the "supplier-side" is limited to members of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Why might this matter if you're not a member of NAM? Two reasons:

First, there are numerous sources here for you to access as a buyer of product or services yourself. Secondly (and maybe most important), is the message sent by such a prominent organization embracing this model. Still don't get it?

Learn as much as you can about these models and BUILD YOUR WEB SITE UP NOW!

Tools4Mfg.com
Tools4Mfg.com is a site launched and maintained by OnCourse Technologies. T4M offers tools that support Raw Materials purchases (submit a quote for metals, etc.), searches for a machine shop (their Machine Shop Selector, where you can locate a shop to take on or farm out capacity), buying technical books and more. Their site also has forums and a news section.