CONNEX™ Michigan FAQ

We can’t connect you to a galaxy far, far away (and honestly, why would you want us to, the logistics costs would be out of this world), but we CAN connect you with local and national manufacturers through CONNEX™ Michigan. CONNEX™ Michigan is an online platform used to connect the Michigan manufacturing supply chain and bring more manufacturing business opportunities to Michigan manufacturers and suppliers.

What is CONNEX™ Michigan / CONNEX™ Marketplace?
How will CONNEX™ strengthen my supply chain?
Does CONNEX™ allow me to post business needs or find business
opportunities?
Why should I join?
I struggle to see the breadth of my supply chain. What can I do?
How do I find Michigan suppliers?
What does it cost to access CONNEX™ Michigan?
Will I be able to get help to update my profile?
How secure is my data?
How do I request a CONNEX™ Michigan account?
Before I commit, can I take a look around CONNEX™?
How do I upgrade to CONNEX™ Marketplace?
Who do I contact with any questions regarding CONNEX™ Michigan?

What is CONNEX™ Michigan / CONNEX™ Marketplace?

CONNEX™ is a cloud-based platform that connects manufacturers into a searchable database. It allows manufacturers, suppliers and buyers to quickly post and respond to needs, visualize supply chain risk, search for qualified manufacturers, and discover new business opportunities. CONNEX™ Michigan puts you deep into Michigan’s supply chain network and seamlessly integrates with the highly respected CONNEX™ Marketplace, sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

How will CONNEX™ strengthen my supply chain?

You can find alternative suppliers, view your supply chain, highlight single supplier and financial risks within your supply chain, see companies on government watchlists, and more. You can also find suppliers by searching the thousands of state manufacturers and using filters to find companies with products and services that match your specific needs. For national supply chain connectivity, manufacturers can upgrade to CONNEX™ Marketplace through CONNEX™ Michigan.

Does CONNEX™ allow me to post business needs or find business opportunities?

Yes! With CONNEX™ Michigan and CONNEX™ Marketplace, you can view and post RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, surplus material or equipment lists, and any other type of business need you may have. You can also issue notifications to different network groups within the platform (small businesses, educational institutions, custom lists, etc.) or sign up to receive notifications of important posts from other users. To view how CONNEX™ Michigan works, click here. 

Why should I join?

If you’re a manufacturer in Michigan, it’s hard to think of any reason not to access your CONNEX™ Michigan account. Here’s why you should join:

• Detailed Supplier Directory. Detailed listings, combined with the extensive search capability of CONNEX™, helps you find qualified domestic suppliers with the specific products, services and manufacturing capabilities you need. You can also use it to find new customers whose needs fit your capabilities.
• Network, Interact & Connect. Powerful interactive networking tools let you see and be seen by people in the statewide and national supply chain. You can:
  • Connect with buyers, primes, OEMs and other qualified manufacturers who have what you need, or who need what you have
  • Participate in OEM purchasing events, matchmaking sessions and industry forums designed to help grow your domestic supplier base
  • Post and respond to RFPs, RFQs and RFIs
  • Publish needs or surplus notifications
• Advertising & Promotion. CONNEX™ was built to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Even if you never use it for anything else, you should make sure your listing can work for you to promote your business. You control your listing and provide searchable details about your company’s products and capabilities so potential customers can find you.

I struggle to see the breadth of my supply chain. What can I do?

It has never been easier to visually see your supply chain. Log in to CONNEX™ Michigan to view your supply chain in different ways and filter it to view what is most helpful to you. This information remains confidential to your organization.

How do I find Michigan suppliers?

Use CONNEX™ Michigan to search thousands of Michigan manufacturers and use filters to identify companies that best meet your needs. If for any reason you are unable to find just the right supplier in Michigan through CONNEX™ Michigan, you can easily expand your search nationally by upgrading your account to CONNEX™ Marketplace.

What does it cost to access CONNEX™ Michigan?

Because of the support behind this initiative, access to CONNEX™ Michigan is FREE to Michigan manufacturers. For manufacturers who want to maximize opportunities, upgrade to CONNEX™ Marketplace! CONNEX™ Marketplace connects ALL U.S. manufacturers, suppliers, primes, OEMs, sellers and buyers into one searchable, NATIONAL database. Manufacturers can upgrade for only $500 per year.

Will I be able to get help to update my profile?

Yes, with your permission. Because of the partnership with The Center and MEDC, The Center can provide support so you get the most out of the platform. This can mean:

• Helping you build and maintain your profile, including uploading Capabilities Statements
• Assisting with Exchange Center postings
• Helping onboard internal users and understand permission levels
• Any other help you might require

To receive this assistance, simply grant user access to your preferred contact at The Center through your newly designed Profile User Access Settings. This permission can be granted and revoked at any time, as needed. If you need help with this, please reach out to Rebekah McCarter at rmccarter@the-center.org or CONNEX@the-center.org with questions.

How secure is my data?

Data security is always a top priority! CONNEX™ is built on a newer, more secure I.T. infrastructure with security enhancements and future cybersecurity challenges in mind. Your data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. No one outside of your organization will be able to see your confidential information without your express permission. As such, we are committed to continuously upgrading the platform with a focus on cybersecurity.

How do I request a CONNEX™ Michigan account?

To create an account:

• Visit the-center.org/connex
• Click the “Request an Account” button, fill out your name, email address, create a strong password, and accept the terms and conditions 
• Once you validate your email address, you will log in and complete the wizard to connect to or create your company profile

The Center will confirm you’re a qualified manufacturer and you can begin using the system. It’s that simple.

Before I commit, can I take a look around CONNEX™?

Yes! Follow the initial steps to create an account. After email validation, select “Public Access” in the Registration Wizard. You’ll have access to the search function, to explore the national database. Available company information will be limited. At any time, you can choose to “Register my Organization.” This will return you to the Registration Wizard where you can complete the steps to create your company profile and turn on the Explore, Exchange Center and Supply Chain visualization capabilities.

How do I upgrade to CONNEX™ Marketplace?

First, request access to CONNEX™ Michigan. Then, under “My Subscriptions”, upgrade your account to CONNEX™ Marketplace. You will be prompted to enter your payment information to cover the $500 per year subscription cost. Membership can be cancelled at any time.

Who do I contact with any questions regarding CONNEX™ Michigan?

If you have questions or need more information, email CONNEX@the-center.org. You may also contact the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center at 888.414.6682.