Harnessing Capacity
During slow periods, manufacturers scale back production. But reducing costs means cutting capacity, which shrinks potential for profits and can leave a company hurrying to catch up when demand returns. Rather than focusing solely on cost cutting, companies should look to optimize their capacity. A capacity utilization approach can balance operating expenses with product demand, trimming only unnecessary costs and identifying where additional resources are needed. This article offers ways to both streamline expenses and increase market share so as to increase capacity utilization. Read full article…
Revitalize Your Product Lineup
It’s crucial to maintain a fresh product portfolio. Even though some manufacturers may be skittish about launching new products in a slow economy, they can keep companies afloat in shaky times. In fact, one market researcher estimates that new products have a 20% profit margin advantage compared to older products. This article offers four tips for planning in advance of new product development. Read full article…
What’s Your Company Worth?
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. Read full article…
Formula for Success
A successful distributor must be able to reduce overall costs and cut its time to market, all while improving the quality of its delivery. This article shows how to achieve these goals by taking the practice of lean logistics management and mating it with Six Sigma process improvement methodology. Read full article…
