MFG
Showing 177–192 of 260 results
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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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Deliver it with confidence – Avoid shipping woes with adequate cargo insurance
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 866
Abstract: Failing to have adequate cargo insurance coverage can badly hurt a manufacturer’s bottom line, but it’s not always easy to determine the right amount or how to obtain it. This article describes problems that can arise when getting coverage through the carrier, and explains why a “shipper’s interest” cargo insurance policy, also known as all-risk coverage, might be a better option for some.
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Revised IRS royalty rules can result in tax benefits
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 983
Abstract: Companies that pay royalties for the right to use trademarks in the products they manufacture find that the way those royalties are treated on their tax returns can make a big difference to the bottom line. Proposed changes to IRS regulations on sales-based royalties, which manufacturers pay based on the number of units of a particular product that they sell, offer a new option for capitalizing royalty expenses that could result in significant tax benefits. This article discusses a court case that led the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department to issue proposed regulatory changes. A sidebar explains the difference between deducting expenses and capitalizing them.
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Workforce programs offer grants, tax breaks
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 694
Abstract: Despite the large numbers of layoffs in manufacturing in recent years, even in today’s economy many employers say they can’t find enough skilled workers to fill available jobs. To close the gap, federal and state governments are distributing millions of dollars in Workforce Innovation Fund grants and other tax breaks to support employment and training services. This article shows how these financial incentives may be the key to filling vacant positions and boosting profitability. A sidebar discusses more specifically some of these workforce grants and programs.
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Streamline your production processes with VSM
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 325
Abstract: Value stream mapping (VSM) is a valuable lean-manufacturing tool, and is well suited for a broad range of industries and processes. Lean practitioners of all levels use VSM to evaluate their practices. This short article discusses how a company can implement VSM to benefit its bottom line.
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This is not a drill! – Safeguard against a catastrophe with a disaster recovery plan
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 890
Abstract: A natural or manmade disaster can have a catastrophic effect on a business or, if less severe, can cause detrimental consequences not fully realized until months after. To keep employees and critical data safe, and operational capacity maintained, it’s necessary to create a disaster recovery plan. This article explains how to form an effective disaster recovery team, protect critical data, and evaluate insurance coverage.
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Do you qualify for the manufacturers’ deduction?
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 introduced the manufacturers’ deduction for domestic production activities income. Also known as the “Section 199 deduction” or the “domestic production activities deduction,” it’s designed primarily for large companies, but it can yield big savings for small businesses as well. This article lists activities that qualify and shows how to calculate the deduction. For those who haven’t qualified for the manufacturers’ deduction because of a net operating loss (NOL), a sidebar explains how to take advantage of the NOL carryback and carryforward provisions.
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Working toward a successful M&A – Without solid due diligence, an M&A can be fraught with disaster
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: A merger or an acquisition can be a long — and delicate — process, and there’s plenty that can go wrong before it’s over. To better the chances that an M&A will be a success, up-front due diligence work is a must. This article explains what to look for in the financials, but also discusses other aspects of a company’s operations that merit scrutiny, including employee attitudes, the customer base and IT operations.
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Well-oiled machines – An efficiently run production line typically is a profitable one
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 320
Abstract: Powering down a plant’s equipment to make repairs or adjustments delays production and can cut into profits. This short article offers five suggestions for keeping a production line operating at maximum efficiency.
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Don’t let supplier costs break the bank
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: As raw material and transportation costs continue to climb, many distributors are encountering price increases from their suppliers. But, before deciding to cut one’s losses with a supplier, it’s important to consider several strategies for working around rising supplier costs. This article shows how to understand where increased costs are coming from and how to create stronger supplier relationships — or how to find new suppliers if all else fails.
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Winning the war on waste
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 366
Abstract: Dealing with waste often is a costly and frustrating issue for manufacturers, but it doesn’t have to be. This article shows how avoiding waste creation, finding new ways to reuse waste, and making waste smaller can help manufacturers manage it more efficiently, greening their operations while also saving money.
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Smart strategies for paring payroll taxes
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 609
Abstract: Can manufacturers reduce their payroll taxes without shedding employees? It may be possible if they implement certain strategies that can trim their tax burdens and boost their balance sheet. This article offers three such strategies: offering tax-exempt fringe benefits instead of more money; establishing an accountable plan for employee reimbursements; and using independent contractors when possible.
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Accuracy counts – Make corrections if your inventory counts are inaccurate
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 748
Abstract: Using sophisticated inventory management software is supposed to solve the problem of inaccurate counts, but that’s not always the case. Delays in order fulfillment and angry customers are inevitable when a warehouse is plagued by erroneous inventory counts. This article describes a variety of steps to improve inventory accuracy, including the implementation of cycle counting.