by Perry Parendo, Perry's Solutions, Inc. When new products are created, the development homework is performed on a small portion of the eventual production. Sometimes it is weeks, or even only days, of equivalent full-volume production levels. If done well, the homework will show performance over a wide range of environments and provide an understanding of key inputs. If not … [Read more...] about Trend Analysis to Acquire Knowledge at Increased Volumes
Business Strategies
Understanding Transactional Costs
by Scott Walton, Harbour Results, Inc. Do you know what your direct costs really are? Well, of course you do. As a sound business manager, you work to control these costs every day. Now...do you know what your indirect and transactional costs are? Maybe you do, but not nearly as well as you understand your direct costs. Take a look at the following list and ask yourself if … [Read more...] about Understanding Transactional Costs
New v. Used – Points to Ponder
by Tom Kirkland, www.tributek.biz There are those who say nothing used is as good as the same thing new. Then there are those who say buying certain things new, especially big-ticket items, is throwing away money. Who is right? A spectrum of new, near-new, reconditioned, running-used, and bone-yard equipment exists in the marketplace, and sorting through it all can be … [Read more...] about New v. Used – Points to Ponder
Surviving in an Economic Downturn
by Staff The belief that small businesses fare poorly in economic slowdowns is a common misconception. Solidly run small businesses actually hold their own during downturns. While we all like to believe our businesses fit the definition of "solidly run," let's take a look at what are some commonly cited best practices for all businesses to be following during a time of … [Read more...] about Surviving in an Economic Downturn
To Decorate or Not to Decorate… That is the Question!
by Jeff Peterson Custom injection molders and other processors often have struggled to determine if decorating the molded parts they produce should be accomplished in-house or through a contract decorating company. The answer certainly is not always cut and dried, and there can be many factors involved in determining the right direction to take. Is the project intended to be … [Read more...] about To Decorate or Not to Decorate… That is the Question!