The Thomas Blog

Manufacturing and Industrial

How the Internet of Things Can Change Your Shop

Whatever you call it — the internet of things, the cloud, the “smart grid” — it’s all about connectivity, access, and efficiency. So what exactly is it? The internet of things, as we’ll refer to it, is a series of interconnected “smart devices.”

Have you heard of the Nest thermostat? That’s an example of a smart device: not only can you control it remotely, say, from your phone, but it also uses sensors to adjust the temperature based on whether you’re home or not, and from there it actually “learns” how to heat and cool your house optimally based on your schedule and other factors.

Read More »
Manufacturing and Industrial

5 Reasons Industrial Buyers Search for “Made in the USA” Suppliers

made_in_usa_tag1
Through thick and thin, from U.S. manufacturing’s heyday, past tough times, and into the present resurgence, the “Made in the USA” label has always held a distinctive connotation: strength, quality, pride, and a sense of resilience. It’s no secret, though, that up until recent times, it was something that OEMs and industrial buyers would say they wanted to pursue, but it simply wasn’t feasible. The domestic manufacturing landscape got so bad that the U.S. government even considered fudging the numbers to make manufacturing numbers look better . . . by classifying fast food as a manufacturing industry. Those cheeseburgers can make you think funny things.

Read More »
Business Tips

Partners vs. Suppliers – Which One Are Buyers Looking For?

Buyers don’t look for new suppliers every day — it’s rare, time consuming, difficult, and even a bit risky to change suppliers.

So when they do look, they’re not seeking out a one-shot, “easiest” supplier — they’re looking for a new long-term partner so that they won’t have to go through the process again anytime soon. No matter what area of the sales cycle you’re targeting, here’s what you can do to position yourself as a true partner.

Read More »

Actionable Next Steps for Manufacturers...

Free Missed Opportunity Report

Free Missed Opportunity Report

See which buyers are searching Thomasnet.com for the products & services you specialize in.

Get Buyer Report

The Ultimate Guide To Marketing

The Ultimate Guide To Marketing

Learn about all the Digital Marketing Tactics that are Driving Growth for Manufacturers in 2021

Get Guide