Our Approach

'Local First' Approach

AMI takes a “local first” approach, leveraging regional consortia of partners, physical infrastructure, content delivery, and established SMM market channels through Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs), Economic Development Administrations (EDAs), and local foundations.

These national resources expand local efforts by providing expertise, content, and platforms that maximize impact and scalability:

  • Universities
  • Manufacturing USA institutes
  • Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • Technology vendors
  • Learning platforms (e.g., Tooling U)
  • National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) network
  • Including U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC)

Focusing on the Entire Workforce

  • Front Line Technicians
  • Front Line Supervisors & Technical Specialists
  • Management
  • New Workers
  • Incumbent Workers
  • Transitioning Workers

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to enable small and medium manufactures (SMMs) everywhere to collaborate, innovate, and thrive. Many large organizations are rapidly adopting smart manufacturing solutions to reduce costs, increase throughput, and open new markets. While SMMs, have the expertise and the desire to do the same, they often lack the time and money to develop or procure these emerging digital solutions in a way that quickly creates value for their business. AMI was created to bridge that gap with innovative low-cost solutions appropriate for smaller companies at any phase of their digital journey.

IIoT Connectivity

  • Real-time collection & analysis across traditional and advanced manufacturing
  • Data as a tool—not the answer: you don’t know until you measure
  • What you measure drives your focus
  • Avoid being data-rich but knowledge-poor

Supply Chain Interactive Tool (AMIP)

  • Secure, trusted communication channel
  • Makes supply chain data reusable and actionable
  • Visualization & overlay for clarity and insight

Path to Sustainable Smart Manufacturing

  • Expert consultation with SMEs in targeted areas
  • Simplify the complex → “Reader’s Digest” of tools
  • Connect the dots, not just create them
  • Position AMI as a trusted source through thought leadership & outreach
  • Leverage state & federal programs to fund sustainable efforts for SMMs

Training & Workforce
Development

  • Curated training catalog → guiding SMMs to the right resources
  • Engage community colleges; pursue state-level education initiatives (NSF/NIST grants)
  • Extend impact by leveraging America Makes efforts in grades 9–12

Cybersecurity Consultation

  • CMMC guidance for SMMs
  • Cyber hygiene support for non-DoD contractors
  • Build secure manufacturing networks
  • Evaluate tools & MSPs for SMM adoption

Global Engagement

  • Leverage U.S. tech to support international partners
  • Apply global innovations to strengthen U.S. industry
  • Establish an international presence to elevate
    AMI’s standing