ManufactureLink Announces the Release of Version 1.0 of Their Software

17 May 07

BRISBANE – 17th May 2007 – ManufactureLink has today announced the release of Version 1.0 of its online sourcing system for custom manufacturing services. This first major release introduces a number of innovative features that enhance the capabilities of this powerful online sourcing system.

With this new release, the ManufactureLink technology moves away from providing simply an online Request For Quote (RFQ) system, and enables buyers to access intelligent supplier search tools in a detailed directory format, in order to quickly locate the exact manufacturing expertise they need. Buyers can now specify manufacturing capabilities, accreditations, materials or industry experience required, as well as location or any additional services they require from a supplier. The buyer’s criteria are intelligently matched to ManufactureLink’s database of hundreds of Australian manufacturers, and a list of matching suppliers is generated instantly.

“We have more than a thousand registered buyers, who look to our system when searching for Australian manufacturers offering custom manufacturing services,” said George Pofandt, Managing Director of ManufactureLink. “The feedback from customers has consistently drawn attention to the need in our industry for a comprehensive, searchable directory of custom manufacturers. ManufactureLink’s new supplier directory utilises the intuitive category selection system of our existing online RFQ system, and gives buyers immediate access to the contact information of suppliers with the exact expertise they require.”

ManufactureLink’s Version 1.0 also introduces Supplier Showrooms, which provide pre-formatted web pages designed to give Australian manufacturers the tools to promote their company’s full capabilities, expertise and reputation. The Supplier Showrooms can be viewed by buyers, helping them in assessing the suppliers that they have selected using the search functions or the RFQ system. These Showrooms display a supplier’s capabilities, as well as the ratings and feedback they have gained through using the ManufactureLink system. They also enable buyers to instantly download a supplier's brochure or other promotional material.

“We have radically reduced the risks involved in working with new suppliers, and have given buyers the tools to make confident, informed decisions when deciding which Australian supplier to use,” said Mr Pofandt. “Never before have buyers had access to such comprehensive information when choosing unknown suppliers to provide the manufacturing services they require.”

These new features, combined with ManufactureLink’s already proven online RFQ system for sourcing of custom manufacturing services, further cements ManufactureLink’s reputation as the most powerful sourcing network for custom manufacturing services in Australia.

About ManufactureLink

An Australian initiative, ManufactureLink provides the technology to connect buyers with suppliers of custom manufacturing services. Our fully-automated technology facilitates supplier searches and the complete Request For Quote (RFQ) process, while requiring no special software or training. Our buyers are engineers, purchasing officers and managers who need to source custom manufacturing services. Our suppliers are machine shops, jobbing shops, casting foundries, fabricators, toolmakers, moulders and any Australian manufacturer who provides manufacturing services on a job-by-job basis.

As well as performing searches for supplier contact details, buyers can quickly submit RFQs by completing an online quote submission form, uploading drawings and specifications, selecting the required manufacturing processes and submitting the RFQ to the system. Suppliers having the required manufacturing services are notified by email of an opportunity to quote. Buyers receive competitive quotes from multiple manufacturers and are provided with tools to make informed decisions in choosing a supplier with the right experience, capabilities, accreditations and reputation. By compressing the entire RFQ process from weeks to just days, ManufactureLink provides a ‘win-win’ solution for both buyers and suppliers, and improves their bottom line. ManufactureLink’s mission is to provide world-class online services to fill real needs of the Australian manufacturing industry.

Media Contact:
George Pofandt, Managing Director
Ph: (07) 3208 7902
Fax: (07) 3036 6184
Mob: 0411 098685
www.manufacturelink.com.au