AMT’s goal is to provide programs and services that will grow members’ business in every facet – product innovation, market expansion, employee development and more. The merger of AMT and AMTDA has provided members with access to powerful business intelligence systems, broader educational and smartforce development initiatives and wider opportunities for networking and collaboration. As the second quarter of 2012 starts, please consider taking advantage of your membership with AMT – not just in the programs you know, but also in those that have emerged from the combination of the two associations.
Business Intelligence Analysis
MTInsight is an expanding online business intelligence tool available to members at a special discounted rate. Developed by AMT and powered by Actuate, MTInsight provides cutting-edge business intelligence dashboards that synthesize numerous data resources into an easy-to-use graphical interface that enables more informed decision making. Quantitative and qualitative applications visualize macroeconomic trends in trade, production and consumption. USMTO and other product-oriented benchmarking survey applications allow users to pinpoint their market share and manage their product pipeline. MTInsight currently offers access to four applications for all members, with additional applications available to survey participants and IMTS exhibitors. For IMTS exhibitors, now is the time to start your MTInsight subscription – look for special pricing on the new IMTS 2012 application, which provides exhibitors with access to visitor data—a valuable pre-show marketing and sales tool.
An additional service that AMT provides is the opportunity for members to request tailored business intelligence from a team of AMT analysts. Customized research packages are available covering a wide range of issues, including SWOT and/or competitor analysis, intellectual property/patent searches, assistance with analysis of proprietary data, preparing presentations, etc.
Visit www.MTInsight.org to learn more or to schedule a live demo. You can login using your AMTonline ID for a quick start!
SmartForce Development
Investing in new hires and current employees is investing in the future of your company and the manufacturing industry. AMT now brings you MTUniversity, learning opportunities for everyone, at their convenience – online, in-person and self-study. Classes are offered at every level – for sales people at all stages of their careers, whether they are new to the industry or experienced professionals. It is the venue to earn your Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE) certification – the only nationally recognized program that acknowledges individuals who possess the skills and knowledge needed to perform effectively as machine tool sales engineers.
Additionally, MTUniversity has credentialing programs for shop-floor employees through the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and Leadership Forums (peer-to-peer mentoring) for executives. Finally, the need for educated employees has not gone unnoticed! MTCareers is an online resource available to AMT members to connect them with the best young talent for all positions from the nation’s top tech schools, community colleges and universities.
Check out the classes offered at www.MTUniversity.org or fill vacancies on your shop floor with www.AMTonline.org/mtcareers.
Engagement Opportunities
AMT has 13 standing committees that provide guidance, direction and leadership to the association on topics that range from cutting tools to global marketing and sales. Committees are generally organized around business functions. For example, members who are involved in product sales would likely be interested in the activities of the Global Marketing & Sales committee, but members who provide or manage service may lean toward the activities of the Global Service committee. For our members whose main focus is IMTS and other trade-show type opportunities, AMT has a Show committee.
The product groups are based on the product or market segment, for example, cutting tools, workholding and custom automated systems. These groups provide input on the products and services that would be most useful to them, as well as assist the association staff in increasing membership in their segment and driving participation in product-specific programs. When AMT gains members in a specialized segment, formalizing representation in a product group often occurs – this is how the Additive Manufacturing Group has come to be. For our members who are selling to the Japanese “transplants,” or would like to add those companies to their customer base, AMT has a Transplant Business Development Group.
AMT programs are built and implemented because senior leadership recognizes their value and utility to the membership. This leadership comes from committees and product groups. Please consider joining one of the groups to provide your company’s perspective so your Association can provide you with the most valuable services. Additionally, committees and product groups provide a valuable networking opportunity that you can’t find elsewhere. Look for information on what committees AMT has and how you can join them in the near future!