Evaluating ERP Systems and Related Technologies

By Lisa Anderson

Only companies that automate, digitize and utilize modern ERP systems and advanced technologies will survive, let alone thrive during the next decade. There is no doubt that volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) have increased in importance since the pandemic, and even though progress has occurred, there is no end in sight. Navigating these turbulent times while providing superior customer service and delivering profitable growth requires different ways of thinking and doing business. Advanced technologies are no longer nice to have; they are the cornerstone to success.

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2023 Brushware November-December Combo Issue

 

Brushware’s 2023 November-December Machinery Showcase & Supplier/Manufacturer Spotlight issue weighs in as the biggest issue of the year and includes full coverage of the 63rd FEIBP Congress in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Readers will also enjoy an early look at Phillip M. Perry’s 2024 Economic Forecast. Up front, the issue includes columns from Lisa Anderson on evaluating and choosing an ERP platform along with 10 Must Do’s For Small to Medium Businesses from Global Shop Solutions’ Adam Grabowski. The digital version also includes our full Economic Dashboard with September PMI reports from key brush manufacturing countries.

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Prepared Manufacturers Will Thrive as Supply Chain Risks Abound

By Lisa Anderson

Executives are tired after surviving the pandemic, navigating supply chain disruptions, handling soaring inflation, and dealing with one challenge after another. However, it is not time to rest as supply chain risks abound. From the Russia-Ukraine war to China’s aggression in the South China Sea and as well as hurricanes, strikes and bank failures, supply chain risks are not abating; they are simply changing.

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2023 Brushware September-October FEIBP Preview

Brushware’s 2023 September-October issue previews the 63rd FEIBP Congress with a complete travel guide for Belfast along with event information and schedule. Going deeper into the edition, Bob Lawrence offers a deep dive Q&A on the wire filaments market with key wire brush manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, Lisa Anderson offers a column on how manufacturers can thrive during this time of high risk in the supply chain. Also on offer is our Economic Dashboard with PMI information, Industry News and the 2023 first-half update on U.S. Import and Export data.

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2023 Brushware July-August Buyers’ Guide

Brushware’s 2023 July-August Annual Buyers’ Guide with Manufacturer & Supplier Index is the ultimate industry resource with details and capabilities listed for the top brush, broom and paint products manufacturers along with filament, fiber, machinery, materials and component suppliers. The issue also includes “Winning the War for Workers” from Phillip M. Perry and an interview with veteran Brushware correspondent Bob Lawrence for our 125th Anniversary Series. Lisa Anderson offers a column on “Predictable Revenue and Resilient Operations” for readers and the issue also includes our 2023 Q1 update on U.S. Import and Export data.

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Predictable Revenue and Resilient Operations for Manufacturing Success

By Lisa Anderson

Manufacturing is in a state of flux. After seven straight months of contraction in manufacturing, it is not surprising manufacturers are thinking about cutting back. On the other hand, in many industries manufacturers continue to have a robust backlog and are growing faster than their capacity. Simultaneously, there is significant transition and movement around the globe in the areas of dual-source suppliers, reshoring, nearshoring, consolidation and other changes. In this volatile environment, opportunities will abound for those manufacturers focused on creating predictable revenue and resilient operations.

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The Road Ahead: New Special Report Download

Volatility Breeds Opportunity to Reconfigure Supply Chains for Growth

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expert Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD, president of LMA Consulting Group Inc., has published a Special Report – The Road Ahead: Business, Supply Chain & The World Order. LMA Consulting Group works with manufacturers and distributors on strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation to maximize the customer experience and enable profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth.

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How Smart Manufacturers Are Navigating Interest Rate Hikes

By Lisa Anderson

Interest rates have increased by a historic amount within the last year. Increases of almost five points on such an aggressive timeline are already having a significant impact on the ability of manufacturers and distributors to fund and support their business growth. With typical business loans renewing every five to seven years, the impacts will continue to pile up.

In addition to high-interest rates for loans and lines of credit, costs have been increasing at a rapid pace during the last two years. The producer price index (PPI) rose by over 15 percent in the last two years. Typically, clients have been able to pass on part of these increases to customers, but most, if not all, have absorbed part as well, driving margins down. On top of that, wage rates have been increasing in alignment with these factors as well. Thus, manufacturers and distributors are experiencing higher input costs and higher costs to secure capital. This situation will not change anytime soon, so smart manufacturers must take control of their destiny.

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