An industrial manufacturing organization provides various opportunities for its members and other professionals from the manufacturing industry to share their expertise and improve knowledge. Professionals from the manufacturing industry use these associations and organizations as a platform for networking.

This guide will familiarize you with various terms related to industrial manufacturing organizations that you will hear from professionals in the manufacturing industry. This guide provides description for various key terms, such as NAM, AME, FMA, ASTM, CAM and lean manufacturing.

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NAM (National Association of Manufacturers)

NAM is an industrial trade association that represents manufacturers in various industrial sectors.

I recommend: For the description about this association, browse through National Association of Manufacturers’ Web site.

AME (Association for Manufacturing Excellence)

AME encourages exchange of knowledge through the implementation of various techniques such as lean tools, leadership, lean product development, lean supply chain and lean accounting.

I recommend: Browse through the Association for Manufacturing Excellence’s Web site.

FMA (Fabricators & Manufacturers Association)

FMA brings metal fabricators and manufacturers together through councils, educational programs and networking events.

I recommend: To learn more about the FMA, browse through The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA).

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTM International (originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations. This organization publishes technical standards for various materials, products, systems and services.

I recommend: Learn more about this organization at ASTM International.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

ERP is one of the most commonly used software solutions in manufacturing. ERP manages companies from a financial-metrics point of view. Many manufacturing organizations offer ERP solutions and training to its members.

I recommend: wiseGEEK, a knowledge resource, provides detailed information about ERP.

CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)

A CAM system uses computer technology to assist the manufacturing process. A CAM system can be used to control the production process through varying degrees of automation. Many organizations and associations provide training on implementing CAM systems.

I recommend: To learn more about CAM, you can read through information at the Computer Science Directory, a knowledge resource.

Lean manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a production practice that is useful to identify and eliminate any waste by improving the product as per the customer's demand. Today, many organizations adopt this methodology to improve their cost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

I recommend: Read through the basics of lean manufacturing at DWA (Doug Williams and Associates).

A manufacturer association is a team of professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. Industrial manufacturing organizations are a source of support and an opportunity for professionals in the industry to network with each other. Groups maintain the spirit of shared learning and volunteerism and strive to maintain a high performing manufacturing presence in North America. This performance is vital to the economic strength of the continent.

The concept of a manufacturing organization is synonymous with a community of mentoring relationships. Company leaders are given access to educational opportunities through events and networking. You get up-to-date information on new and developing technologies in the manufacturing environment. As a result, your professional development is enhanced. Consider the following:

1. Use an industrial manufacturers association to network and grow as a professional.

2. Evaluate different membership dues and levels to join industrial manufacturing trade associations.

3. Take advantage of educational and other industry tools and opportunities.

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Get involved with industrial manufacturer organizations to network and learn from peers

Industrial manufacturing organizations consist of international, statewide and local groups or organizations. The goal of these organizations is the same: to develop and implement programs that benefit the industry.

I recommend: The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) is a manufacturer association dedicated to helping companies improve and excel. Events and networks are taught by professionals who have been there and want to share their ideas. In addition, AME offers a forum where industry professionals can blog with each other on industry topics, discuss upcoming events and share feedback on past conferences. Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) provides the resources and tools needed to improve operations. FMA brings the fabricating and metal forming community together through volunteer opportunities, networking session and award programs. Sign up online for FMA technical programs that allow you to build a network and exchange ideas.

Expect to pay dues to belong to a manufacturing organization

Industrial manufacturing professional associations' dues will range based on the membership level you choose.

I recommend: Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) promotes research and development, fund technology development and technical education. Become a member by filling out a membership application. Dues will depend on the annual value of forgings produced. The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) promotes the interests of providers of manufacturing equipment and machinery. To be a member, firms must produce at least one product line of power driven manufacturing machinery within the US. Register online for membership.

Benefit from industrial manufacturing associations' educational tools and industry resources

When you join industrial manufacturing organizations, you get access to many career development tools such as magazines, business reports, a career center, courses and seminars. Increase your knowledge, advance your skills and boost your career in no time with these valuable resources.

I recommend: National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is a manufacturing association that offers cutting-edge multimedia and interactive virtual learning tools and courses. National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) is considered the national representative of the custom precision manufacturing industry in the US. NTMA offers its professionals reports, services, insurance, job boards and events. Take advantage of business management advisories, safety resource centers and a job board online. Request information on testing out the tools, resources and other benefits provided by NTMA before joining.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look through all facets of industrial manufacturing associations before joining. Some focus more on advocacy while others focus on improving technology. Make sure you find the right one for your professional needs. Most will allow you to try tools and resources out before becoming a member to see if the organization is the right one for you.

Industrial manufacturing associations offer a number of ways for you and your staff to receive education and training. In many cases, the training is part of your membership dues. If you aren’t participating in this form of training, you may not be getting the best value from your manufacturer association membership.

As you consider industrial manufacturing organizations education and training, you need to determine who should receive the training from your staff. You should also examine:

1. The cost of the training offered by industrial manufacturing associations, plus any travel and incidental fees.

2. The specific topics offered as classes by industrial manufacturing organizations.

3. The location of the training. If the training is in-house or online, you can save quite a bit of money.

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Participate in industrial manufacturing organizations education and training

If you belong to industrial manufacturer organizations, find out what types of educational programs they offer as part of the membership fees. Sign up for whatever courses they offer to get the most value out of your membership dues.

I recommend: The Association for Manufacturing Technologies, offers training as part of your membership dues. This association offers training on the manufacture of durable goods, and information for general business practices. By becoming a member of the Forging Industry Association, you can find out more about its magnet school education program. By teaming with industrial manufacturing professional associations, selected colleges and universities are able to attract engineering and metallurgy students.

Look at training opportunities offered by industrial manufacturing organizations at trade shows

In an effort to be efficient, many manufacturing professional organizations offer training courses and seminars as part of their annual meeting. Combined with trade shows that showcase the newest technologies, you can find out how to successfully implement the new equipment into your manufacturing process.

I recommend: The Association for Manufacturing Excellence has a blog that posts training opportunities at professional events. Read it to find industrial manufacturing organizations education and training for your particular field of interest. FMA Communications lists industrial manufacturing trade associations trade shows that feature education and training opportunities. Choose one of the featured events, then look through the schedule for training opportunities.

Take online classes offered by industrial manufacturing associations

Some professional manufacturing organizations have classes and training that they offer online as part of their annual membership dues. Others offer the classes at a reduced cost to their members.

I recommend: Find out about the classes offered by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences. Its classes are in asynchronous format so you can take the class at your own pace. Don’t rule out nonprofit manufacturing organizations as a source for training. The Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership, more commonly known as GBMP, offers training in lean manufacturing.