IndustryWeek Resources, Articles and Trends

• Manufacturing CFOs Expect to Raise Prices During Next 6 Months
• CFOs Believe Economy Will Worsen, Yet Don’t See Fate for Their Companies
• The Competitive Edge – A Manufacturing To-Do List for the Next President
• Manufacturers Slow to Adopt XBRL
• An Integrating Transformation Can Help U.S. Companies Increase Offshoring Savings
• In Search Of Smarter Capital
• 500 Largest U.S. Manufacturers: Manufacturing Giants
• IT "Main Driver" Of Productivity Growth

• The Five Myths of Import Compliance
• Manufacturers Say Corporate Responsibility Helps Profitability
• WTO: Anti-dumping Investigations Rise In Final Half Of 2006
• Viewpoint -- Life In A Swing State -- Bush Hot On Democratic Candidates' Heels In Courting Cleveland
• Improving Trade Compliance, Visibility Creates A Robust Supply Chain

Trade
An increasingly important aspect of how companies compete globally, trade agreements are in a constant state of flux. IW provides information and analysis of trade agreements around the world. Get the latest changes and trends in trade in this section.

• Global Hot Spots
• U.S. Companies Urge Clampdown On Piracy 'Epidemic'
• Improving Trade Compliance, Visibility Creates A Robust Supply Chain
• The Face Of American Manufacturing

An increasingly important aspect of how companies compete globally, trade agreements are in a constant state of flux. IW provides information and analysis of trade agreements around the world. Get the latest changes and trends in trade in this section.

Supply Chain Solutions: Creating a reliable, profitable supply chain: navigating exchange rates, working capital and business uncertainties

Companies doing business overseas must be prepared to navigate an obstacle course that includes exchange rate shifts, supply chain disruptions, tight credit markets and nearly unprecedented economic volatility. But which hurdles are companies most concerned about? And what are they doing to maximize success during these uncertain times? Results from our new survey, conducted in partnership with World Trade magazine, provides key findings and recommendations for navigating these business uncertainties.

Click here to view survey.

Podcast: International sourcing and its impact on U.S. companies

This audio podcast reviews important findings from a survey conducted in partnership with World Trade magazine examining the sourcing decisions of U.S. manufacturers and their implications. It reviews recent trends and supply chain challenges; provides practical tips for spotting a financially distressed supplier; and offers overall recommendations for mitigating supply chain risks.

Click here to listen.

2009 - Fast Facts on Food Processing: Looking back, looking ahead

There is much to learn from events of the past year and how food and beverage manufacturers evaluated their operations and adapted their strategies in the face of a severe economic downturn and other industry pressures.

Click here to download the results.

International Sourcing: Offshore or nearshore?

International sourcing is far from a new concept in the manufacturing world. Many large U.S. companies have been outsourcing to various international locations, including China, India, Mexico and other countries, for well over a decade. Yet, according to our new survey, conducted in partnership with World Trade magazine, a substantial number of those surveyed recently have made changes or have plans in the near future to bring sourcing closer to home.

Click here to view the survey.

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• Grant Thornton Thinking

2008 Census of manufacturing report

Provides an overview of North American manufacturing production metrics and best practices, and is intended to help manufacturers across the United States, Canada and Mexico benchmark their operations and better understand how to improve performance.

Click here to have a hardcopy of this report mailed to you today!

The Credit Crunch: A Practical Guide

The credit crunch has now spread from Wall Street to Main Street and is squeezing businesses across a wide swath of industries. It seems that each week another major bank failure, economic crisis or government bailout is grabbing headlines. It's hard to know what is happening and why.

In The credit crunch: a practical guide , we provide an explanation of some of the recent major financial events and a brief assessment of how they may affect the typical business. The guide also lays out a 10 actions steps to consider as you manage through this difficult time. With careful planning and foresight, you might even be able to turn conditions to your advantage.

Most of our suggestions are about good business practices:

• Cash is king : If you have cash on your balance sheet, you have a greater degree of flexibility in your decision-making.
• Control costs aggressively : Tough economic conditions require a razor-sharp focus on cost containment at a minimum, and cost cutting where possible.
• Evaluate customers and suppliers : Make sure you understand the financial well-being of your customers and suppliers.
• Educate yourself on tax issues : Know how to reduce liabilities and take advantage of tax credits.
• Reconsider capital investments: Investing in new assets in a downturn can place pressure on cash reserves and contingency funds.

Want to hear more? Download the guide.

2008 Census of Distribution

The second annual survey of the warehousing and distribution industry explores performance in this critical sector by surveying metrics, management practices and business concerns at more than 200 warehouse/distribution facilities in the United States. Distribution 2008 examines the survey responses of distribution managers around the country and defines the practices and performances that correlate with success - and stronger supply chains - as well as offering benchmark metrics for key areas of operation.

Click here to have a hardcopy of the report mailed to your today!’