NCDMM launches enhanced America Makes CORE platform and debuts Roadmapper 2.0 data tool
August 20, 2024
The US National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), headquartered in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has introduced the enhanced features of the America Makes Core platform and unveiled its latest data dissemination tool, Roadmapper 2.0.
America Makes Core is a secure online platform designed to help members identify, access, and utilise intellectual capital assets that align with the Technology Development Roadmap. Complementing CORE, Roadmapper 2.0 is NCDMM’s newest tool for sharing interactive, digital roadmaps.
“CORE is the centrepiece of America Makes’ larger digital presence,” said Jason Saly, NCDMM Director of IT & Cloud Services. “It contains the collective knowledge gained from over $500M in funded research efforts as part of America Makes’ public-private partnership with Manufacturing USA. This secure platform allows us to search through a vast array of files, deliverables, and metadata accumulated over the years.”
Since its launch last year, CORE has undergone several updates, including a mobile-friendly version to enhance usability and a robust custom reporting feature with an advanced filtering system that enables the creation of detailed reports.
“Our IT team has also streamlined the process for members to access, edit, and contribute to project deliverables,” Saly added. “We’ve also introduced the capability to upload artefacts and link them directly to existing deliverables from other projects, a function previously unavailable.”
Looking ahead, the IT team plans to further enhance CORE’s capabilities, including collaborating with Penn State University to support large file uploads while minimising the need for large dataset downloads. Members can anticipate new features like the ability to follow specific projects and receive updates when new information is added. Additionally, a generative AI search functionality will be developed, leveraging CORE’s extensive library of metadata, files, and deliverables.
“Generative AI can uncover unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated topics, providing insights that traditional searches might miss,” Saly explained. “Imagine a search engine that truly ‘understands’ additive processes, manufacturing, material design, and even past behaviours. Generative AI brings us closer to that reality.”
Roadmapper 2.0 was officially introduced to America Makes members and partners at the 2024 Members Meeting and Exchange (MMX) on August 7 in Youngstown, Ohio, USA. This new tool looks to enable companies and organisations to collaborate in a user-friendly environment, monitor project progress in real time, and identify need to ensure meaningful contributions.
Joe Veranese, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at NCDMM, stated that this tool was designed to make the roadmapping process dynamic and actionable. “Roadmaps will no longer be just case studies collecting dust on a shelf. This tool enables users to actively explore and analyse the targeted landscape, truly operationalising data in ways that were previously impossible.”
Described as a strategic compass, Roadmapper 2.0 guides stakeholders toward their desired outcomes. “Unlike detailed project plans, Roadmapper offers a high-level overview of strategic initiatives, avoiding unnecessary details,” said Joey DiNinno, NCDMM IT Security Specialist. “We developed Roadmapper 2.0 from scratch, using modern web technologies and user interface elements. Its lightning-fast interface, integrated with Member Portal credentials, brings us closer to our vision of a unified web platform for all NCDMM and America Makes tools.”
One of the key features of Roadmapper 2.0 is its seamless integration with CORE. This allows members to map out entire project needs within a single platform. Users can link individual or multiple requirements from CORE deliverables to Roadmapper.
Overall, Roadmapper 2.0 serves as a communication tool for disseminating future work plans, aligning stakeholders and cross-functional teams, and enhancing understanding of resource utilisation.
“This is just the beginning of what’s possible with Roadmapper 2.0,” DiNinno remarked. “Its design, organisational capabilities, and flexibility will ultimately lead to greater efficiency in project planning, teaming, and customisation of roadmaps to achieve an organisation’s goals.”
