Manufacturer
Showing 145–160 of 260 results
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4 IRS hot buttons – Defending your business against tax audits
Winter 2015
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 861
Abstract: Everyone has at least one pet peeve. The IRS has many. This article describes items that the tax agency may target on a manufacturer’s 2014 tax return: owners compensation, travel expenses, meals and entertainment, and net operating losses. A sidebar explains how to proceed if the IRS mails a notice of inquiry.
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Demystifying LTL freight classification
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) system can be overwhelming. But manufacturers that understand how carriers classify freight can find creative ways to lower their costs for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. This article describes the factors that affect freight rates and offers ways to qualify for lower, less expensive freight classes.
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Look who tops the 2014 fraud list
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Manufacturing is among the top three sectors that reported fraud cases in the latest biennial study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The median fraud loss was $250,000, and manufacturers are particularly susceptible to schemes involving billing, corruption and noncash theft. But this article lists the top 10 of what the study deems to be the most effective control measures to prevent fraud.
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Workplace violence – Proactive efforts foster safe, productive work environments
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 607
Abstract: No one thinks their factory or warehouse will be the setting for a work-related homicide — until it’s too late. But much more common than well-publicized workplace shootings are threats, bullying, emotional abuse, intimidation and assaults. If left unchecked, these less severe violent behaviors can escalate into more serious situations. This article looks at the different types of workplace violence and steps that companies can take to minimize the opportunities for violence to occur.
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The question every manufacturer wants answered – What’s the value of my business?
Fall 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 877
Abstract: The scene is set for a stunning M&A display for the rest of 2014 and beyond. Sellers in some industry segments may wind up in a bidding war that drives up their values. But some buyers are still trolling for bargains, so it’s important to not take the first offer without obtaining a formal appraisal first. This article discusses three valuation approaches — cost, market and income — that appraisers use to value manufacturers, while a sidebar cautions against using industry “rules of thumb” as the sole method of valuation.
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4 lean manufacturing fundamentals you can count on
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: Lean companies make their products as efficiently as possible, using the least possible staff time, equipment and working capital. Originally imported from Japan in the 1980s, lean manufacturing continues to play a key role in every successful U.S. manufacturer. Increased global competition and declining operating margins make four particular lean manufacturing fundamentals especially important in today’s marketplace. This article describes how each one contributes. Recommended Article
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Is an online freight marketplace right for you?
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 407
Abstract: A new generation of online businesses wants to cut the transportation middleman out of the warehousing and distribution equation. These new marketplaces offer manufacturers and distributors greater convenience and efficiency by directly matching them with freight carriers, cutting down on red tape and lag time. But this article cautions that, without proper research and planning, it might not be possible to achieve the desired cost savings and efficiencies. It discusses how these online marketplaces work and how to avoid potential pitfalls.
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Proactive estate planning starts today
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 646
Abstract: It’s common for manufacturers and distributors to be family-owned. Unfortunately, it’s also common for owners to let estate planning fall by the wayside, causing family members to lose out on tax-saving opportunities. This article discusses the latest tax rates and exemptions and takes note of strategies that may be useful when transferring wealth and management responsibilities to the next generation.
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Regional manufacturing hubs: A modern industrial revolution
Summer 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 827
Abstract: President Obama is planning to launch a national network of up to 45 regional manufacturing innovation centers — or “hubs” — over the next 10 years with the support of Congress. This article takes a look at the first four regional pilot facilities and how the hubs are intended to work. It explains how, in addition to setting new production standards, each hub will serve as a “teaching factory.” A sidebar discusses the next hub, called the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Institute.
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Sunny outlook for distributors
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 407
Abstract: The U.S. warehousing and distribution industry is about to get a whole lot faster, bigger and leaner, according to a recent survey by a telecommunications consulting firm. Yet, as this article explains, many distributors might not take full advantage of this trend because they are decidedly low-tech when it comes to inventory management and other day-to-day operations. Even though the survey indicates that many plan to beef up their technology, they are also planning to reduce their employee-training time. But this could be a costly mistake.
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New patent office procedures take effect
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 545
Abstract: Since 2013, American inventors have faced new rules for filing and challenging patents on their products and systems. These new rules are part of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act of 2011 (AIA), a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s patent system that took years to finalize. Many of these rules are of particular interest to manufacturers, a sector that frequently finds itself on either side of, or as a third party to, disputes over inventions. This article explains how the AIA’s new procedures can allow disputes to be settled more quickly and less expensively than in the past.
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Hidden messages in your financial statements – Ratio analysis and industry benchmarking provide added insight
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: By themselves, financial statements provide limited insight into a manufacturer’s performance. To get a clearer picture of what’s really happening requires a relevant basis of comparison. Financial ratios and industry benchmarks provide management with the tools to identify strengths and weaknesses. This article looks at a number of specific ratios that can serve manufacturers and notes several sources of benchmarking tools.
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Manufacturing contracts face new Sec. 199 rules
Spring 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: The IRS issued new eligibility guidelines last summer that attempt to clarify which companies are eligible for the manufacturers’ deduction under Section 199 of the tax code when multiple parties manufacture a product. This article explains the deduction and how the new guidelines are intended to make it easier for manufacturers to comply with its requirements. A sidebar reminds manufacturers that Congress has yet to renew expanded Section 179 expensing limits.
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Use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: Federal law requires employers to hire only U.S. citizens or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization to work in the United States. Employers normally verify employment status with Form I-9, “Employment Eligibility Verification.” But how does a company know a new employee isn’t lying or providing counterfeit documents? This article discusses the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, which helps employers validate whether employees are truly eligible to work in the United States.
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Are your information systems secure?
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 536
Abstract: Cyber attacks are estimated to cost U.S. businesses as much as $250 billion per year, according to one estimate. Manufacturers and distributors rely heavily on electronic data systems — for example, to transfer freight manifests, track inventory with RFID tags and dispatch load routes — so they can’t afford to be unprepared for computer security breaches. This article discusses several ways to beef up information technology security.
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Playing “tag” – Tracking technologies can improve inventory management
Winter 2014
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: Before investing thousands of dollars in converting to RFID tags and readers, distributors should consider whether bar coding — or a combination of these two options — is the optimal choice for their company. Bar codes are generally less expensive, but RFID offers a host of additional benefits. This article discusses how the two technologies work and the considerations that should be addressed in deciding which technology to adopt.