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« October 2003 | Main | February 2004 »
January 20, 2004
The Pros and Cons of NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement turned 10 years old this month, but the years have not dimmed the controversy. Find out why some consider it a success and others think it's a huge flop:
Dispelling the Myths about U.S. Factory Workers
Misconceptions about American factory workers are common because they represent only about 11% of the U.S. workforce. Think they're low paid and all union members? Think again:
Recommended Reading
See packaging at its most creative in This End Up: Original Approaches to Packaging Design, which features 18 international projects that represent some of today's most inventive packaging.
Food Packaging Responds to Health Crises
The obesity epidemic and the country's first case of mad cow disease may have a significant impact on food packaging. Find out what changes are likely and which are already underway:
How to Prevent Counterfeiting & Tampering
Product counterfeiting is rampant, costing billions of dollars, while tampering is even more damaging, costing human lives. Here's what packagers can do to keep products secure:
Choosing a Contract Packager
Contract packagers can help you improve your packaging operations as well as reduce costs. But when should you seek a copacker and how do you go about selecting one?
5 Must-Have Machine Features
When it comes to selecting packaging machinery for your line, experts say there are particular machine attributes that you simply can't live without:
RFID is Finally on the Fast Track
Now that Wal-Mart and the Dept. of Defense are requiring suppliers to start using RFID (radio frequency identification) by 2005, the technology seems on the brink of widespread adoption. But there are roadblocks:
Packaging Industry Set for Growth
The forecast is bright for the packaging industry. Non-durable manufacturing is set to improve, packaging innovation is flourishing and demand is expected to grow:
January 6, 2004
Machines Keep Track of How We Behave
A new type of computer software can monitor—and understand—how people, animals and machines act. Find out how behaviometric software can boost security and productivity:
Smart Fasteners Could Rewrite Rules of Assembly
A new intelligent fastening system has such a wide range of capabilities that it could revolutionize fastening, changing the way products are designed, assembled and serviced:
7 Technologies You'll Be Hearing About This Year
From RFID to micro fuel cells, several technologies are gaining increased visibility as they broaden their reach. Explore seven that will be newsmakers in the coming months:
Top New Year's Resolution: Keep Employees
With the economy on the upswing and a labor shortage looming, companies must work harder at retaining talent. Here are 12 ways to make sure that employees derive fulfillment from their jobs:
Mastering Your Supply & Demand Chain
The great strategist Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War over 2,500 years ago, but it's still relevant today. Apply his teachings to your business to win the supply chain battle:
Delving Deeper into the ISM Economic Forecast
At ISM's Economic Summit, we caught up with industry chairs Norbert Ore and Ralph Kauffman, who further fleshed out the implications of some of the projections:
Staying Ahead of the Competition in 2004
Discover how business leaders such as Steve Jobs do what they do best. Find out their secrets for success in such areas as maintaining a competitive edge and penetrating new markets:
Get Set for a Happier New Year
So say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in ISM's semiannual economic forecast. Among their predictions: revenue growth and increased capital spending. Here's what else to expect:
