Driving Transformation in Manufacturing: MFG Exciting New Look, Features, and Support

MFG recently underwent an exciting brand refresh, transitioning into a more comprehensive manufacturing platform software offering. To surpass the traditional buyer/supplier matchmaker service, new features have been added to empower manufacturers and enhance the overall user experience.

The Vision Behind MFG’s Brand Refresh

When Shapeways acquired MFG in 2022, a powerful platform was already in place for linking small and medium-sized manufacturers with custom-part buyers. Building on this foundation, MFG has introduced several innovative features that transform interactions between buyers and suppliers, providing a modernized experience for customers.

The brand update signifies a shift in MFG’s role within the manufacturing industry, evolving from an intermediary service to becoming a comprehensive manufacturing software solution. This strategic shift centers around:

• Improving operational efficiency
• Increasing customer satisfaction
• Expanding manufacturing capabilities for businesses of all sizes

To accomplish these goals, MFG relies on the power of digital manufacturing and purpose-built software, leveling the playing field for small to midsize manufacturers across all industry verticals, and providing a more seamless procurement experience for buyers.

Design Updates

The MFG transformation includes sophisticated design elements to elevate the user experience for buyers and suppliers. These design changes reflect MFG’s mission and values:

• New logo – MFG’s updated logo mirrors its tech-forward identity, emphasizing the commitment to driving innovation and offering powerful software tools to customers.
• Updated color palette – The updated brand colors represent MFG’s dynamic approach and align with the company’s goal to lead transformation in the manufacturing industry.
• Updated website pages – MFG continues to add website content to make it easier for potential buyers and suppliers to engage, navigate the platform, and learn about all the new features and services MFG offers.

These design elements offer a new and fresh image appealing to MFG buyers and suppliers. They represent much more than just a fresh coat of paint though, honoring MFG’s longstanding role in the industry, and maintaining a commitment to innovation and manufacturing services that are stronger than ever.

By integrating with leading ERP systems like Quickbooks and secure transactions management with Stripe (a secure payment gateway/processor), MFG Transactions streamlines the invoicing process, instills trust among users, and boosts customer retention for manufacturers. The adoption of this feature has rapidly increased week-over-week, demonstrating the demand for high-performance tools that benefit both buyers and manufacturers.

Orders

Another valuable addition is MFG Orders, strengthening the platform’s ability to manage the entire production process for manufacturers. With features like Parts Tracking and the ability to create purchase orders (POs), MFG Orders empowers buyers by providing regular updates on the status of their custom part orders and eliminating the need for back-and-forth communication through external programs.

This improves the ordering process, increasing engagement and satisfaction, and fostering more efficient and productive collaborations between buyers and suppliers.

The 3D Model Viewer enhances the custom part quoting process by reducing the need for extensive back-and-forth communication, minimizing delays, allowing for clear expectations in terms of cost and production, and enabling faster turnaround times. Transformative tools like the 3D Model Viewer are pivotal in improving productivity, revolutionizing the custom-part quoting process, and setting a new industry standard.

MFG Materials

Wondering where to buy raw materials online? In addition to lead generation and order management through MFG, suppliers also get access to MFG Materials, a raw materials marketplace with exclusive discounts for subscribers. MFG partnered with premium materials suppliers and pre-negotiated competitive rates to pass on the savings to members.

Inventory is always updating, but currently includes aluminum, steel, copper, plastics, and more. Subscribers can save an average of 15% off of retail prices when they purchase through MFG Materials.

Team Optimization

In addition to a new look and features, the MFG team has undergone an internal transformation to better serve its customers. Each customer has different needs, leading MFG to build out three core teams to meet those expectations:

Buy-Side Support

The buy-side team is dedicated to finding and working with new buyers on the MFG platform, ensuring they find the right manufacturer for each of their projects. They assist in creating thorough and accurate RFQs, understanding quotes from manufacturers, and guiding buyers on how to use the MFG platform most effectively.

Sales

The MFG Sales team works with manufacturers who are interested in getting premium access to the MFG platform, including the ability to quote on jobs, get featured in the manufacturing database, and use the new features above. They answer questions and provide support to help manufacturers make the best decision for the growth of their business.

Customer Success

After a manufacturer joins MFG, the Customer Success team steps in to ensure their success as they begin to use the platform. They provide resources and direction during the onboarding period, and are there to support manufacturers as they continue to grow and use MFG.

In addition to these three customer-facing teams, MFG has also invested heavily in product development to continue expanding the feature set and improve existing functionality. MFG looks forward to continuing to grow the team to provide more resources to customers!

Continued Growth and Future Prospects

The brand refresh, along with new and innovative features in our manufacturing platform software, represents MFG’s commitment to providing valuable resources and facilitating meaningful connections in the manufacturing industry.

With an increasing number of manufacturers joining the platform and a surge in open projects from buyers, MFG is committed to supporting its growing customer base and delivering enhanced functionality.