Manufacturing & Distribution
Showing 1–16 of 252 results
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The high (and often hidden) costs of employee turnover
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Most businesses today are facing an unprecedented shortage of skilled labor, so it’s more important than ever to hang on to existing employees. Manufacturers have been hit particularly hard. One reason for this: When the COVID-19 pandemic caused most schools to shift to a remote model, enrollment in many vocational programs — where hands-on learning is essential — declined sharply. This article looks at the full cost to replace employees and the importance of having a stable workforce.
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Unfinished business: How to manage WIP inventory
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 554
Abstract: Work-in-process (WIP) inventory is an important entry on a manufacturer’s balance sheet. Monitoring WIP is critical not only to ensure that manufacturers’ financial statements are accurate, but also because it serves as a useful metric for tracking a company’s performance. This article explains what WIP is, the benefits of tracking WIP and determining the optimal level of WIP.
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Make a clean sweep – Understanding how waste affects your bottom line
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: The goal of profitable manufacturers is to make as many products with as few resources as possible. With the economy continuing its uncertain path, getting ahead of cost savings is important. One way for manufacturers to save is to rein in waste at their facilities. But waste is much more than just scrap materials that pile up on shop floors. This article takes a look at how efficient production is the start to reducing waste.
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Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations – Are you doing enough to combat fraud?
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 899
Abstract: Occupational fraud — that is, fraud committed by employees — is a significant problem for all businesses. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), organizations lose 5% of their revenue to fraud every year, and manufacturing is among the most frequently hit industries. The ACFE’s Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations is based on data supplied by certified fraud examiners around the world. This article reviews the report’s findings and provides suggestions for ways manufacturers can implement antifraud controls. A brief sidebar reviews the importance of recognizing certain employee behaviors that can be a red flag for fraud.
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How rolling forecasts can provide more clarity
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 405
Abstract: Over the last three years, economic volatility and supply chain disruptions have provided a stark lesson on the weaknesses of traditional budgeting and forecasting methods. Under the best of circumstances, it’s difficult for manufacturers to forecast their performance over the coming year. When economic and market conditions are prone to change suddenly and unexpectedly, a traditional static forecast can quickly become obsolete. That’s why many manufacturers have adopted a rolling forecast model. This article discusses the difference between static and rolling forecasts, and the benefits of rolling forecasts.
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It’s time to analyze your research expenditures
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: Recent changes to the tax treatment of research expenditures are having a big impact on many manufacturers’ tax bills. The most significant change took effect in 2022 pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Given the potential impact of possible deductions, manufacturers should conduct a study of their research expenditures and consider strategies for reducing their tax bills. This article reviews the changes made by the TCJA and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
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Is “Made in America” the right model for your business?
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: Customer preference for American-made products isn’t new. After strained supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision to move from overseas suppliers to domestic factories may have been made for manufacturers. But higher labor rates and overhead costs may cause some “homegrown” products to be more expensive than foreign-sourced products. As 2023 starts, manufacturers and distributors should weigh whether a Made-in-the-USA strategy will help attract customers. This article provides some angles manufacturers should consider to position their business accordingly.
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Planning an exit strategy for your business – Tips to maximize value and minimize taxes
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 947
Abstract: Every business owner should have an exit strategy that helps recoup the maximum amount for his or her investment. Understanding the tax implications of a business sale will help the owner plan for — and, in some cases, reduce — the impact on a tax bill. This article focuses on selling a business to a third party and provides some considerations to help ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. A short sidebar covers whether an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) might be a viable exit strategy if the business is organized as a corporation and the seller isn’t interested in leaving it to family or selling to an outsider.
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How profitable are your products?
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 358
Abstract: Most manufacturers have a good idea of their overall profitability, but what about the profitability of individual products? This article highlights the importance for manufacturers to track the costs of manufacturing each product, so as not to miss an opportunity to maximize profitability by fine-tuning production, marketing and pricing strategies.
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Get ready for the new lease accounting standard
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 522
Abstract: After several postponements, the updated lease accounting standard is about to take effect for private companies. Companies that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) must adopt the new standard for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. This article provides a quick review of the standard, implementation guidance, and tips for dealing with embedded leases and lease accounting software.
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Keys to effective BYOD policies
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 724
Abstract: In today’s fast-paced technological world, almost all workers have a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Salespeople, customer service reps and managers may travel for work or work from home and use these types of mobile devices to complete business. This article looks at issues manufacturers who allow a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy should consider and ways protect the company’s data without violating employees’ privacy.
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Beyond green – Robust ESG initiatives help manufacturers do good — and do well
Fall 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 891
Abstract: In today’s highly competitive markets, it’s critical for manufacturers to embrace environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Mounting pressure from investors, customers, employees and regulators is rapidly transforming ESG from a laudable goal into a business necessity. This article reviews what ESG is, why it matters for manufacturers and some benefits of incorporating ESG practices. A short sidebar covers how green factories may provide significant financial benefits in the form of reduced energy costs.
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Using AR to enhance manufacturing processes
Summer 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 371
Abstract: Rarely used as recently as five or six years ago, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a technology with the potential to transform manufacturing. AR overlays digital imagery onto physical surroundings, typically through the use of a headset or AR glasses. This article looks at how AR can provide visual cues and real-time information that can streamline and improve a variety of manufacturing processes and operations.
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6 tips for dealing with rising material prices
Summer 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 549
Abstract: Manufacturers face enormous business challenges today. The top two are rising raw material costs and supply chain challenges, according to the fourth quarter 2021 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). This article provides six tips for addressing increasing prices or decreasing availability of key manufacturing inputs, including purchasing materials in advance, negotiating long-term contracts, increasing prices and being flexible.
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Get ahead on cybersecurity — before it’s too late
Summer 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: Just because manufacturers may not sell directly to consumers doesn’t mean they’re not affected by cyberattacks. Sometimes manufacturers are impacted when their customers or vendors get hit by a cyberattack. And manufacturers are becoming a more common target. This article identifies the reasons why and what manufacturers can do to get ahead of cybercriminals.
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Tax Cuts and Jobs Act update – Big changes for 2022 and beyond
Summer 2022
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 952
Abstract: It’s been four years since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law, but it’s still having an impact. Several provisions take effect this year and next. This article provides a brief overview of research and development (R&D), bonus depreciation and business interest deduction changes, and their implications for many manufacturers. A brief sidebar expands on the R&D updates.