FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The following presentation answers many of the questions we get about why we created the iMIN network.

Question: How do I use this Site?
Answer: A powerpoint presentation has been created showing the basics of how to use this site, including how to blog, how to login, etc.  It can be found here.

Question: Why a Manufacturing Innovation Network?
Answer: manufacturers are a vital-and growing-part of the Ontario's economy, providing good jobs and helping all area residents enjoy a high quality of life. Manufacturers also recognize they need an edge to compete with the world. In today's technology-driven, global economy, that means high-performance workplaces and ready access to workers with the knowledge and skills those workplaces require. That's why EMC and its partners have launched the Interactive Manufacturing Innovation Network to expand the reach of high-performance manufacturing practices; promote innovation and collaboration; connect local manufacturers with experts and services; encourage bi-directional conversation and knowledge sharing; join forces to fill the skilled-worker shortage and expose high-wage job opportunities, and provide increased awareness and exposure to manufacturers throughout Ontario.

Question: What will the iMIN accomplish?
Answer: The iMIN network has 4 primary goals:

1. Systems Building: Linkages, Coordination, Brokering. Link industry-specific and regionally based "centers" of manufacturing activity across the province to share ideas and share best practices.
2. Workplaces: High-Performance, Innovation, Competitiveness. Expand the reach of high-performance manufacturing practices and techniques to create more competitive companies.
3. Workforce: Skills, Agility, Productivity. Fill the skilled worker shortage by proving ready access to training programs for current workers and collaborate to attract new workers to high-demand occupations.
4. Communications: Awareness, Information, Opportunity. Raise awareness about the value of the region's manufacturing industry and its high-wage career opportunities.

Question: What are the intended outcomes?
Answer: The iMIN has 5 intended outcomes:

1. Workforce education and training systems produces more workers with the skills manufacturers need.
2. Raising awareness of high-skill, high-wage career opportunities recruits more talent to fill manufacturing jobs.
3. Skilled workers implement high-performance and lean manufacturing practices to give the region's manufacturers a competitive edge.
4. The success of manufacturers within the region generates higher profits, worker incomes and regional revenues.
5. A strong manufacturing sector allows the region to continue investing in responsive workforce training and workplace performance programs, creating a self-sustaining cycle of prosperity.

Question: Who is leading the iMIN initiative?
Answer: Implementation of the strategy is led by a cross-section of all major sectors of manufacturing via the consortiums and associations supporting the manufacturing industry, various levels of government, academic institutions and key manufacturing organizations, including:

• Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
• Ontario Government
• Regional Economic Development Agencies
• Manufacturing Associations

Question: What is the technology powering the network?
Answer: The technology powering the iMIN is from a Kitchener-based company called IGLOO Software.

• Technology-access to eading edge community software platform
• Hosting-a world class data centre for hosting the network (hardware, software, networking, data backups)
• Advertising-management of online ads, ecommerce

Question: How is iMiN funded?
Answer: The network is funded through the following vehicles:

1. Government grant
2. Sponsorships
3. Advertising