Manufacturing & Distribution

Showing 145–160 of 256 results

  • 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.

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  • Health care reform: What employers can expect in 2014

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 863

    Abstract: The launch of health care marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is just one of the many important developments that go into effect during the next year. New tax credits, recordkeeping requirements and waiting periods all require tax planning and diligence for manufacturers that already offer — or are planning to offer — health insurance policies to their employees. This article discusses options for small businesses in regard to public marketplaces, along with the option of private marketplaces for larger businesses. A sidebar discusses the ACA’s large-employer health insurance mandate, to begin in 2015.

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  • New EPA rules may mean higher fuel costs

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 237

    Abstract: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has moved to reduce sulfur levels in the air by upping emissions and gasoline standards. But the American Petroleum Institute and other trade associations argue that the regulators are vastly underestimating how expensive the new rules will be for businesses and consumers, while doing little to help the environment. This short article notes the different cost estimates.

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  • Carbon tax 101 – Understanding the potential effects of “cap and trade”

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 553

    Abstract: Once a bipartisan idea that passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009, a carbon tax — also referred to as “cap and trade” — has been shelved since the recession took hold four years ago. An economic resurgence in the United States, however, is expected to breathe new life into the proposal, which would set the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions at specific levels and force energy-dependent industries to pay extra for exceeding their allotment. This article describes the findings of a National Association of Manufacturers report predicting that “the adverse effects of the imposition of such a tax would outweigh any benefits.”

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  • Knowledge is power – Competitive intelligence gives you a leg up on your rivals

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 725

    Abstract: Gathering competitive intelligence can help provide strategic insights into a rival’s future plans. This was once negatively referred to as “corporate espionage” but, in the information age, companies have a strategic imperative to analyze every bit of data they can on what the competition is doing at all times — provided they do so legally and ethically. This article discusses setting a formal policy, using the best information sources, and analyzing the data effectively, all the while remaining transparent and respecting confidentiality agreements and intellectual property laws

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