Manufacturer
Showing 193–208 of 260 results
-
To outsource or not? What manufacturers should consider
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 985
Abstract: When done correctly, outsourcing can save manufacturers money and allow them to focus on their core business functions. But it’s important to consider the decision from a strategic and financial standpoint. This article lists questions to ask when deciding whether to outsource, what costs to consider when crunching the numbers, and some of the risks involved. A sidebar offers some tips for getting the most out of outsourcing if the decision is made to go ahead.
-
Strategies for shrinking your conveyor’s lifetime cost
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 304
Abstract: A conveyor is one of the most vital pieces of manufacturing equipment — and one of the most expensive. But the cost goes well beyond its initial price tag, because installation, maintenance and energy usage also chip away at the bottom line. This article explains how a manufacturer can buy a conveyor that meets its needs, and why maintaining it properly can extend the system’s life and save money. It also describes current tax deductions that can shave additional dollars off a conveyor’s cost.
-
Reaping the benefits of an employee retirement plan
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 559
Abstract: For manufacturers, establishing a retirement plan makes their company more attractive to potential hires and translates into tax benefits. And the IRS has provided several recent initiatives to encourage participation among employers and employees. This article discusses the features of defined-benefit plans and defined-contribution plans and how to maintain a plan once it’s in place.
-
Are you ready to streamline your warehouse?
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: A warehouse management system (WMS) can increase efficiency and productivity for distributors, but successfully installing a WMS requires extensive planning and a fair amount of financial resources. This article explains the advantages of a WMS, but also notes that setting up and operating this application is often a complex process that may preclude some distributors from being able to justify the initial, often sizable, investment. A sidebar explains why a business management system can maximize the return on investment in a WMS.
-
Take care with transfer pricing – Out-of-compliance policies can lead to costly tax penalties
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 951
Abstract: “Transfer pricing” refers to the price that related parties, such as divisions of a company, charge one another for goods or services. With revenue-hungry governments worldwide looking to keep their tax bases strong, many are stepping up enforcement on transfer pricing. Manufacturers that don’t follow the rules can be taxed twice on transactions, and face hefty penalties to boot. This article looks at “arm’s-length” requirements for transactions between related parties, along with common audit triggers. A sidebar examines advance pricing agreements for related-party transactions.
-
What’s your company worth? A business valuation can achieve many objectives
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 776
Abstract: There are myriad reasons to conduct a business valuation. The main reason is in preparation for selling a manufacturing or distribution business. But knowing the company’s value can be helpful when doing succession and estate planning and for other business-related reasons. This article explores those reasons and the four valuation methods commonly used.
-
New IRS measures on liens make dealing with back taxes easier
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 261
Abstract: The IRS has relaxed its policies on liens, which are claims that the federal government puts on the assets of delinquent taxpayers. The new rules make it easier for “small businesses” to set up payment plans for back taxes and, ultimately, have their liens withdrawn. This short article looks at some of the details.
-
Emerging markets may be key to growing your customer base
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: Many developing countries have seen their economies expand in recent years, creating a prime opportunity for manufacturers to expand their customer bases. This article lists options for capturing customers in emerging markets, and discusses the pros and cons of each approach. It also explains steps companies should take in advance of expansion.
-
Dust off the expansion plans – 3 tax incentives make now an attractive time to invest in your company
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 includes incentives designed to jumpstart spending and free up cash for businesses. This article takes a closer look at three provisions that could benefit companies: bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, and the Work Opportunity credit. A sidebar discusses the extension of the research credit through 2011.
-
Sustainable packaging can boost bottom line results
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 303
Abstract: The shift toward implementing environmentally friendly business practices is nothing new among manufacturers. And now, they’re turning to sustainable packaging as the latest way to go green — not only because it reduces waste, but also because customers are demanding it. This article describes some of the basic steps involved in making the switch to sustainable packaging.
-
Powering down – Reduce operational costs by conducting an energy audit
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 652
Abstract: For most manufacturers, energy efficiency has become a must-do measure. However, while instigating a large-scale energy reduction plan may seem daunting, there are ways to make the process easier — and well worth the effort. This article shows how manufacturers can not only determine current energy usage, but employ a third-party energy audit to discover specific measures to reduce usage.
-
Make planning a seasonal product cycle more predictable
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 753
Abstract: Accurately forecasting the demand for seasonal merchandise isn’t easy. However, distributors can better plan the boom and bust cycle of seasonal inventory by studying historical sales data, forecasting future demand and considering the unexpected. This article shows how — and what to do when, in spite of one’s best efforts, an excess of inventory remains.
-
Don’t bank on it – Manufacturers shop for a better banking experience
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 795
Abstract: In the wake of recent economic uncertainty, many manufacturers are exploring their banking options. Larger institutions are known for offering lower interest rates and more capital. But recent mergers have given smaller, community banks ties to larger institutions and therefore access to more funding and services, while still offering more one-on-one interaction with loan officers. This article explains that the right bank will understand the manufacturing industry and be able to suggest useful services. A sidebar shows how the 2010 financial reform will affect banks and their relationships with their manufacturing clients.
-
Are your prices right? Reassessing your pricing strategy can pay dividends
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 272
Abstract: Layoffs, hiring freezes, and pay and budget cuts were the go-to survival tactics during the economic downturn. In the midst of this downsizing frenzy, many manufacturers neglected to reassess their pricing strategy. Doing so can help companies remain profitable and competitive in good times and bad. This article briefly discusses the steps involved.
-
The tech behind inventory tracking – Bar codes and RFID are two top choices
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: In the distribution industry, accurately identifying and tracking inventory is job number one. There are two types of technology to perform these tasks: bar codes and radio frequency identification (RFID). But which technology type is right for a particular distribution company? This article looks at how each works and explains their respective pros and cons in regard to such issues as cost, convenience, security and privacy.
-
Packing up and going home – U.S. manufacturers consider benefits of bringing operations back home
Fall 2010
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 726
Abstract: Reshoring — the act of bringing operations back onto U.S. soil — is a reaction to the myriad problems manufacturers have faced in foreign countries. This article looks at some of the specific reasons for this trend, and examines the considerations involved in determining the costs of manufacturing overseas vs. in the U.S. A sidebar discusses the recent rise in popularity of seminars, webinars and other events on this subject.