Manufacturing & Distribution

Showing 161–176 of 256 results

  • Control costs with defined-contribution health care plans

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 878

    Abstract: Rapidly rising health care costs and new federal insurance requirements may leave many managers scratching their heads at how to obtain quality insurance products at a reasonable cost. New defined-contribution insurance plans are emerging as a promising alternative for manufacturers looking to add more predictability when it comes to health care costs. This article explains how the plans provide more coverage choices for employees, while setting fixed costs for employers. A sidebar lists upcoming health care act deadlines for employers.

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  • Big Data strategies for distributors

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 298

    Abstract: “Big Data” is a marketing buzzword used to describe any large set of electronic information that can be analyzed by businesses to increase efficiency. This article explains how, using these latest customer-behavior analytics applications, distributors can crunch their internal databases; see how their conclusions compare to those of their competitors; and more effectively analyze, track and predict their customers’, employees’ and inventory’s behavior.

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  • Energy-related tax incentives available for manufacturers in 2013

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 482

    Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 has made significant tax savings available to businesses in the United States this year, including multiple credits for converting vehicles to natural gas power and subsidies for the use of biofuels. This article looks at these and other energy-related incentives that can help manufacturers and distributors.

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  • Stepping up your budget process

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 744

    Abstract: Whereas some companies simply take the previous year’s budget and update the numbers based on available funds and new goals, others take on the mindset of creating a war plan that represents numerical battle lines in which their business will fight to succeed in the coming year. This article explains the three basic components of a budget and how a budget can support a company’s mission, values and specific objectives.

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  • Happy days are here again? With industry indicators pointing up, the time may be right to reassess business practices

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1005

    Abstract: With industry data showing that the upward trend of American manufacturing output seems sustainable for the foreseeable future, manufacturers should reassess their business strategies. This article discusses renegotiating loans and leases, reinvesting in human resources and facilities, and retooling pricing, marketing and public relations. A sidebar notes the congressional extension of two depreciation-related tax incentives through 2013.

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  • Tighten your supply chain with JIT purchasing

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 310

    Abstract: A manufacturing company’s most valuable asset — its inventory — may be sitting idle on warehouse shelves or in storage rooms, sometimes for months at a time. But just-in-time (JIT) purchasing may help the company reduce its hidden costs. This article explains how JIT purchasing can help distributors minimize the lag time between taking possession of a product and shipping it to customers.

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  • Crossing the (state) line – If expansion plans call for doing business in other states, factor in tax liability

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 599

    Abstract: Expanding companies need to do their homework before expanding into other states, even if it involves no physical presence. Such presence is still required today to trigger sales and use tax collection obligations, but many states require only a minimal presence to establish nexus for income and franchise tax purposes. This article shows how nexus is established and how a company can turn taxation by multiple states to its own advantage.

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  • Best practices: Cash flow forecasting

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 611

    Abstract: Capital is the lifeblood of any manufacturing business. Each week, expenses must be met, even though customers might not pay on time — or in full. This article offers three best practices to help eliminate much of the heartburn associated with managing a manufacturing facility’s day-to-day capital.

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  • Is your business ready for the baby boom bust?

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 858

    Abstract: The oldest of the baby boomers currently are winding down their careers, including thousands of manufacturing business owners. But baby boom entrepreneurs are expected to face fierce competition when courting potential buyers. This article offers advice to help sellers position their company for a successful sale amid the buyers’ market of the coming decades. It discusses creating a transition plan and fixing company weaknesses before putting it on the market. A sidebar lists a few basic steps to establishing a successful succession plan.

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  • Is exporting right for your company? – Recommended Article

    Spring 2012
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 847

    Abstract: The International Trade Administration estimates that less than 1% of 30 million U.S. companies export their goods worldwide, with small businesses making up more than 70% of U.S. exporters. This means most companies are missing out on a bevy of customers. But there are several issues to consider before deciding to export. This article looks at the importance of studying particular markets, choosing a method of exporting, developing contacts and determining tariffs. A sidebar lists six questions to ask before making the decision. Recommended Article

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  • Illuminate ways to reduce utility bills with a lighting upgrade

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 343

    Abstract: Manufacturers who have been considering upgrading their plant’s T12 fluorescent lights need to act soon. The U.S. Department of Energy pulled the plug last year on production of most T12 bulbs and ballasts — the most widely used fluorescent unit for the past 60 years. Another option is to invest in newer, energy-efficient T5 and T8 fluorescents. There are the up-front costs, but this article offers ways to offset them.

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  • 5 questions for better forecasting

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 590

    Abstract: Forecasting key business factors, such as sales demand, receivables, payables and working capital, can help manufacturers reduce excess inventory and other overhead, offer competitive prices, and keep their companies on solid financial footing. While no forecast is guaranteed, using the right method goes a long way toward getting meaningful results. This article lists five questions that manufacturers should ask to determine the right forecasting methods for their business.

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  • Defenses up! — Are you doing all you can to prevent fraud?

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 766

    Abstract: When it comes to fraud, employees are a natural culprit because they have the most immediate access to funds and materials. Fortunately, there are steps companies can take to reduce the chances of fraud. This article mentions some basic steps and shows how forensic accountants can be useful. A sidebar describes several key functions of manufacturing and distribution companies that are particularly vulnerable to employee fraud and, thus, demand special attention.

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  • The Sec. 166 deduction — What you need to know about business bad debts

    Winter 2013
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 955

    Abstract: When customers can’t pay up, it may be possible to deduct these bad debts under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 166. But it’s important to understand what counts as partially or wholly worthless bad debt and how to claim the deduction. This article describes the different types of business bad debt and how the accounting method affects how it’s reported. But it’s better to avoid bad debt to begin with, so a sidebar offers three tips to improve collections.

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  • Recovering lost sales

    Fall 2012
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 346

    Abstract: All manufacturers want customers who are eager to buy their products, but what happens when they’re unable to provide the product? Potential profits quickly turn into lost sales. This brief article offers tips for tracking and analyzing these missed opportunities, so that manufacturers can better match their inventory to their customers’ wish lists — potentially increasing sales.

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  • Inventory costs sky high? — Your competitors likely are working to reduce them — you should be too!

    Fall 2012
    Newsletter: Manufacturer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 525

    Abstract: Distributors and supply-chain management professionals are doing everything they can to lower inventory costs — and their efforts seem to be working. Logistics costs decreased 6% from 2010 to 2011, according to one survey. This article offers suggestions to trim inventory spending, involving inventory levels, forecasting, lead time, bulk purchasing, and ongoing evaluation.

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