Industrial Market Trends: 2008 Archives

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December 23, 2008

Riding out the Tail-end of an Unpredictable 2008

Another productive year is coming to an end. It's been our pleasure bringing you the trends that are changing the way the world does business, and solutions to help keep up. No doubt 2009 will be as heavy in industry-transforming developments, and we look forward to delivering the information you need to succeed.

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December 22, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Bailed-Out Automakers to Idle Factories...

...Trade Barriers Toughen Up, Airbus and Boeing to Prop Up Carriers, Fed Sets Record Rate Cut and Firms Make Fewer Layoffs.

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December 19, 2008

Light Friday: Office Gift Giving and DIY Gadgets

Plus: Budget-Friendly Holiday Decorations for the Cubicle, and Christmas Songs Sharks Prefer.

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December 18, 2008

2008 Advances and Challenges in CAD

Manufacturers today face increasing pressure to accelerate product time-to-market, reduce costs and deliver more high-quality products to customers. Achieving these goals requires companies to enhance communication and CAD collaboration across a widely dispersed supply chain.

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December 17, 2008

How and When Will Obama Approach NAFTA?

Trade and globalization policies played an enormous role in the latest presidential election. Now that Barack Obama has been elected the next president of the U.S, how and when will the president-elect address trade - particularly NAFTA - after being sworn into office next month?

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December 16, 2008

China Loses Appeal Over Car Parts Ruling

In a bit of good news to U.S. auto parts suppliers who are dreading the ripple effect of a possible Detroit Three downfall, the WTO has determined that China's auto parts tariffs to be in breach of international trade rules.

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December 15, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Detroit in Purgatory...

...U.S. Trade Deficit Grows, Cost Pressures for Manufacturers, European and UK Output Outlook, a Global Economic Recession and the Euro's 10th Birthday.

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December 12, 2008

Light Friday: Happy 40th, PC and Mouse; RIP Instant Film...

...Building Brainy Computers, Cooling with Fire, (Mis-)Predicting the Future and MORE.

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December 11, 2008

What exactly is a Car Czar?

Though we're not precisely sure what the final bailout legislation for Detroit's automakers will look like, we do know it will come with quite a few strings attached, one of those being the probable inclusion of a "car czar."

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December 10, 2008

Glimmer of Hope: Now's a Good Time to be a Buyer

From above-average compensation to an increased role in a company's business strategy, now is a good time to be a buyer — despite the credit crunch.

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December 9, 2008

Need-to-Know Pack Trends

The No. 1 development on packaging manufacturers' minds is going "green." Here we look at sustainability's impact on the packaging world, along with other notable trends.

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Packaging Machine Market to Grow Through Recession?

The packaging machinery market has seen steady growth in the past few years, but can it remain robust despite the recent economic downturn?

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Less Time to Open, More Time to Enjoy

A small but growing number of companies are introducing product packages that are not only easier to open, but manufactured more efficiently with sustainability in mind.

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Backlash against Deceptive and Excessive Packaging

Consumers are getting savvy to, and vocally critical of, manufacturers downsizing products. Meanwhile, overpackaging creates industrial waste and consumer headaches.

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Branding the Complete Package

It takes more than just a pretty package to sell a product. To differentiate themselves from the competition, companies must develop a complete brand that resonates with consumers.

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Economy's Latest Victim: The Holiday Office Party

A record number of companies have dropped holiday parties this year while others are scaling back how much they spend, what they serve and/or how many people they invite.

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5 Advanced Designs in Emergency Architecture

Natural disasters can be unpredictable and devastating, but some inventive emergency-shelter designs are proving that resourcefulness can triumph over seemingly insurmountable challenges.

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Stick to New Year's Resolutions

The time is fast approaching for New Year's resolutions. Whether you want to be more productive at work or lose weight, here are some lessons in self-discipline to help you meet your goals.

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December 8, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Detroit May Get Half its Bailout

Plus: Jobless Claims Low, Job Losses High, More Rate Cuts in EU and Asia, a Potential Global Airline and MORE.

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December 5, 2008

Light Friday: Robot Programmers Get Bored and Retention Cash Awards...

Plus: the Things Online We Looked for Most, a Crystal Ball for Your Health, and MORE.

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December 4, 2008

Steel Production Slowdowns Idle U.S. Plants

The combined drop-off in steel demand and orders has forced many steel mills to reduce production to keep prices from plummeting even more. As a result, the nation's largest steel producer has temporarily halted production at three facilities.

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December 3, 2008

The 411 on 10+2 in 2009

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection recently announced its long-awaited interim final rule on the Importer Security Filing, also known as the "10+2" rule. Here's what the new rule - with significant "enhancements" from the original proposal - means for importers and carriers.

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December 2, 2008

New Equipment Tax Incentive Ends in 29 Days

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 enables businesses to expense up $250,000 for new equipment purchases and write-off up to 50 percent of the equipment's cost, but they must act before the end of the year to take advantage of the federal government's offer.

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December 1, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Fed Announces New Intervention and Detroit Plans a New Plan...

Plus: If you didn't think the U.S. has been in a recession for a while, it has now been confirmed. . .that we've been in one for a year. Meanwhile, other developed economies also face a protracted recession and a sharp increase in unemployment. But, hey, we bought stuff on Friday, so that helps a bit.

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November 26, 2008

Wacky Wednesday: Holiday Edition...

...Behind the Scenes at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bubble-Wrap Key Chain to Keep You Sane, Dinner Liability Contract and MORE.

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November 25, 2008

4 Key Design Trends

The success of a product today is only partly due to its price or technology. To succeed, designers and producers are distinguishing their products from their competitors' by focusing on some of the following key areas.

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Modeling and Simulation Advance Aircraft Design

By integrating modeling and simulation software with computer-aided design models, aircraft design engineers are able to ramp up design, development and maintenance times.

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Thanksgiving by the Numbers

Thanksgiving - that wonderful holiday when food overindulgence is accepted, watching football is encouraged and shopping is considered a sport - is also big business. And it's just two days away.

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2009 Outlook for Architectural Pros

Reliant on the currently slumping construction sector, architecture projects and jobs slowed in 2008. For licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design, next year is not looking much better.

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Does Expertise Clog the Creative Mind?

When it comes time to do something innovative, is it better to have an expert in the task at hand or a novice? The "curse of knowledge" makes that answer notably more complicated.

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Detroit States its Case for Relief

It is the toughest road General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have ever had to travel. Once the titans of industry throughout the world, the American automakers recently resorted to pleading for a taxpayer bailout simply to stay in business.

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The Bailout Debate: For the Rescue

The Detroit executives maintain that the automotive industry is a victim of the global financial crisis. Proponents of a government rescue argue that the country's leaders must look past any mistakes made by Big Three management and focus on what's best for people.

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The Bailout Debate: Against the Rescue

Bailing out the Big Three automakers would only reward failure, preserve chronic overcapacity and harm the U.S. auto industry as a whole, critics of the government rescue argue. Besides, there's no guarantee the $25 billion cash infusion would even work.

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November 24, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Saving Another Bank...

Plus: Structural Cost Burdens Ease, Obama May Delay NAFTA Negotiations, China Battles Global Economic Slowdown, U.S. Unemployment Rises and Consumer Prices Drop, Eurozone Contracts and MORE.

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November 21, 2008

Light Friday: Ridiculous Layoff Stories...

Plus: Industrial Waste Violations, Frugal McFly Shoes, Models as Miners and No BlackBerry in the White House.

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November 20, 2008

Small Biz Owners Revisiting Age-old Tradition: Bartering

Before there was money, credit cards and loans, people relied on bartering. Today, as tight credit conditions squeeze cash-strapped businesses, many businesses are rediscovering the benefits of small-biz bartering.

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November 19, 2008

Job Quality Essential to Job Growth

While a burgeoning economy is a critical job growth enabler, it's not the "end all, be all," according to a recent report. Quality of employment plays a vital role in employment rate.

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November 18, 2008

Industrial Output Rebounds in October

The good news: industrial production perked up after operations recovered from hurricanes and the Boeing machinists' strike. The bad: overall output is still below 2007 levels.

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November 17, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Economies Continue Slipping as Leaders Pledge Teamwork...

...Unemployment in the Tech Sector, Declining Oil Prices Help Narrow U.S. Trade Deficit, the New AIG Plan, and Debate Continues Over Possible Auto Industry Bailout.

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November 14, 2008

Light Friday: Great Depression Myths and Bailout Bashes...

Plus Google Tracks the Flu and Brings Back Ancient Rome, Tanks Made for Tornadoes, Flying Cars and Unearthing an Ancient City.

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November 13, 2008

5 Strategies for Managing Employees after Layoffs

Retention of talent has become a key strategy for small, midsized and large corporations around the world. Especially in difficult economic times, when layoffs are common practice, it is important that remaining employees feel they are valued, according to a new report.

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November 12, 2008

Small Biz Shuffles Through Complex Federal Contracting

The number of contracting professionals hired by the government is on the rise, according to an annual report, with small businesses winning a record-breaking $83.2 billion in federal prime contracts.

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November 11, 2008

How to Reduce Material Waste

Reducing material waste means greater resource efficiency, less pollution and more profits. Each dollar saved on raw materials costs goes straight to the bottom line.

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Abrupt Slowdown in Steel Industry

In early 2008, global steel prices were at record highs. Since then, steel demand in the domestic U.S. market has been weak, affecting many users in a very severe way.

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5 High-Tech Advances in Materials

Invisibility cloaks and self-healing cars - such fanciful ideas may someday be a part of everyday life, as high-tech developments and processes transform materials.

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Plastic Not Going Anywhere

Despite the outcry against plastics, recent studies show that the plastics industry will continue to thrive and introduce technological advancements along the way.

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Military Targets Material Innovation

As the United States honors its military veterans today, we look at how soldiers' needs spark materials breakthroughs. Also included is the Army's materials wish list.

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Sustainable Cities

Self-sufficient, carbon-neutral cities are already underway as the following environmentally progressive urban initiatives demonstrate.

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Cashing in on Customer Complaints

Receiving complaints may be dispiriting, but they are an important resource for any business. Here are some guidelines for taking advantage of the value dissatisfied customers provide.

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M&A Complexities in a Down Economy

Despite major developments in recent months, cultural misunderstandings and the lack of available credit are making mergers and acquisitions an incredibly tough sell across the board.

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November 10, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Obama's Plans to Address Economy...

...As the Economy Continues to Tumble, European Banks Cut Key Interest Rate and Dreamliner Flight Remains Grounded.

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November 7, 2008

Light Friday: The History-Making Election and Still-Collapsing Economy Edition...

A Rube Goldberg Voting Machine, the U.S. Economy Breaks Us, "Ben Bernanke, Please Send Me Some Green," Women Have Cooties and MORE.

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November 6, 2008

New National Education Council to Shape Manufacturing Workforce

More than 25 education leaders from across the country have been named charter members of the first-ever education council focused on expanding and enhancing the manufacturing workforce.

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November 5, 2008

Manufacturing Takes Deep Dive in October

U.S. manufacturing failed to grow in October, and the rest of the world is sliding right alongside it. With the history-making Presidential election behind us, the nation's new leader faces huge challenges in revitalizing the economy and manufacturing.

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November 4, 2008

Top 10 Challenges in the Trucking Industry

The American Transportation Research Institute unveiled its list of the top 10 critical issues facing U.S. truckers.

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November 3, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Auto Giants Merger Hits the Brakes, Airline Acquisition Takes Off...

...Steel Production Dips, U.S. Economy Contracts, BPA Debate Continues and Another Round of Melamine Scares.

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October 31, 2008

Fright Friday: Candy, Costumes and Bad Puns...

...Plus Space Presidents, Smart Bees and Construction Dancing, from IMT contributor Brian Lane.

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October 30, 2008

New Durable Goods Orders Up in September

Contrary to economists' predictions, durable goods orders rose in September due to a surge in defense capital goods and transportation orders. Bar those two sectors, however, the rest of durable goods manufacturing are still on a downturn.

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October 29, 2008

Video: Chemical Safety Board Investigations

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board has made a number of videos of its investigations available online. The federal agency hopes these videos will further the cause of promoting safer workplaces.

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October 28, 2008

Reader Favorites — Best of 2008

Every year, some Industrial Market Trends coverage rises to the top. Here are your five favorite IMT articles so far this year, plus five 2008 posts we think are worth checking out. Whether you're seeing these articles for the first time or re-reading a few of your favorites, be sure to tell us what you think. Leave us a comment on the blog.

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October 27, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Oil Slides and GM/Chrysler Merger Talks Intensify...

...Steel Shipments Sink, Jobless Claims Go Up and More News from Across the Atlantic.

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October 24, 2008

Light Friday: 2008 Ig Nobel Prizes

The annual Ig Nobel Prizes — the light-hearted version of the Nobel Prizes — honor the unusual and imaginative works of scientific research. This year's winners revealed how to make potato chips seem crisper, found new uses for Coca-Cola and that plants have dignity.

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October 23, 2008

Global Economic Slowdown Expected Through 2009

Unsurprisingly, the world economic outlook remains grim, with global GDP expected to decelerate in 2009, according to recent economic reports. Recovery is not anticipated until the latter half of next year.

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October 22, 2008

Companies Address Ethics and Compliance Risks

Demand for more ethical business processes and actions continues to grow at a quick clip. Yet numerous challenges remain, a new report says.

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October 21, 2008

Keeping the Lid on Spending

Particularly during difficult financial times, companies must keep a close eye on budgets to prevent cash from draining out. As the cost of doing business increases at an unprecedented rate, and as recessionary conditions expand globally, implementing an effective p-card program can help keep budgets in line.

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October 20, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Another Economic Recovery Plan as Consumer Confidence Dwindles...

...Industrial Output Falls, General Motors Co. and Chrysler Keep Talking Merger, Tainted Milk Still Being Sold in China and Jobless Claims Continue Decline.

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October 17, 2008

Light Friday: Podcar City, Telepathy Helmet, Strummin' Through Brain Surgery...

... Plus Overpaid Executives of Underperformed Companies and MORE.

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October 16, 2008

H-1B Visa Program Fraught with Fraud

There are plenty of problems relating to the H-1B visa program, as many IMT readers have claimed. Now those who believe that companies are scamming the system have actual data to support their claims.

October 15, 2008

The State of Third-Party Logistics in 2008

A number of new studies on third-party logistics reveal sustainability, security and technology as the key, crucial areas on which 3PL providers must focus.

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October 14, 2008

Turning your Hobby into a Business

Converting your personal hobby into a profitable business can be a handy way to supplement your existing income or even embark on a whole new career.

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6 DIY Projects You Can Do

From electric motorcycles to one-person flying machines, here are six do-it-yourself projects that range from frugal and functional to flat-out just-for-fun.

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Improve Equipment through CNC Retrofitting

Rather than spend thousands of dollars on new machinery, consider CNC retrofitting, which can provide accuracy similar to new machinery at a fraction of the cost.

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How to Measure Innovation

R&D is crucial to making innovative products a reality, but it can also be elusive to measure. There are a number of reasons for this - but that doesn't mean measuring success or failure is impossible.

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Top DIY Resources

Want to get your hands dirty, but unsure how and where to start? We hope you'll discover a project or two via these resources to keep you busy for a long time.

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Inventors Hall of Fame: The New Class

Each year, a new class of inventors is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This year welcomed the 36th class of inductees, whose patented inventions have made progress possible.

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Protect Your Retirement in a Turbulent Economy

The upheaval that has engulfed financial firms and sent economies plummeting is also devastating people's savings - and the potential for a sustainable retirement, whenever that may be.

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How to Make Time (to Make Stuff)

Due to the amount of time spent juggling work, family and other top priorities, many of us have increasingly less time to enjoy our hobbies or go on vacation. Reclaim your free time with this quick guide.

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October 13, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Major Banks Slash Key Interest Rates and Iceland Melts...

...Initial Jobless Claims Fall, Vehicle Sales Continue to Slump and Revised Forecast Predicts Global Auto Market Might "Outright Collapse" in 2009.

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October 10, 2008

Light Friday: It'll Take Rocket Science to Oversee Financial Bailout...

...Taxpayers Pay for Bailed-Out Company Party, Why Pen and Pencil Trump Computer as Creativity Booster, Physics in Space and MORE.

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October 9, 2008

In Face of Weaker Demand, Steelmakers Consider Production Cuts

World steelmakers met over the past few days for their annual conference. There they discussed what recent developments in the global economy might mean to their businesses and how far to cut output before prices fall below the break-even cost of making steel.

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October 8, 2008

Different Dissections on Meeting Demand

Meeting customer demand involves much more than simply cranking up production output. In today's constantly changing global economy, meeting customer demand requires sensing and responding to shifting tastes and needs, and adjusting output and innovation efforts throughout the supply chain accordingly. Naturally, when manufacturers do this, they want to talk about it.

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October 7, 2008

How Manufacturers are Coping with Economic Turbulence

In the face of economic crisis, other manufacturers are refocusing on continuous improvement methodologies, offshoring and other supply chain management strategies to keep their businesses afloat.

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October 6, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: The Week after the Worst Week Yet

Unemployment Rises in the U.S., Factory Orders Fall, Auto Sales Hit Hard, Global Steel Industry Outlook Falters, Financial Turmoil Spreads in Europe and other bad news.

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October 3, 2008

Light Friday Turmoil: On This Week's Variant of the Apocalypse

Clearly, this week was not that great. Actually, it was pretty lousy. Epically lousy, in fact. So, it's kinda difficult to keep today light. But it wasn't all bad news. We'll just have to get through the turmoil to come out the other side absolved (with cute and furry robots).

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October 2, 2008

Nations to Challenge China at WTO

U.S. trade representatives are finalizing their decision to take action against the Chinese on their export restrictions and duties on raw materials used for steelmaking. The European Union is likely to support the American cause.

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October 1, 2008

Ford Model T Centennial: By the Numbers

Economic woes are casting a huge shadow over an already sputtering environment for U.S. automakers. Moreover, many people will soon turn some of their focus away from the mammoth $700 billion rescue plan for the financial system and toward yesterday's massive $25 billion rescue plan for U.S. automakers. Record-high gas prices this year haven't helped the automotive industry, either. All of this is coming to a head approximately 100 years after Ford introduced the Model T.

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September 30, 2008

Shoring up Supply Chain Security

Supply chain security breaches can damage brands, break down partnerships and, ultimately, hurt the bottom line. When creating a security framework, consider the following key areas to minimize supply chain risk.

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How Vulnerable are Our Ports and Cargo?

How secure is today's cargo and the ports where it's offloaded? Here we reassess two key programs meant to help protect against threats shipped to the U.S.

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8 Safety Blunders

Let's face it, we make lots of mistakes. Sometimes they're funny, sometimes they're tragic, sometimes they're downright unbelievable. Contributor Brian Lane resurfaces some of these safety/security blunders.

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U.S. Workplace Deaths Hit Historic Low

Workplace deaths in the U.S. last year fell to the lowest level on record. Still, a new federal report shows some alarming results, not the least of which is that workplace homicides rose 13 percent in 2007.

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The Poison's in the Packaging

People have long relied on packaging to protect and preserve product integrity. But what if the threat comes from the packaging itself? A chemical used in some bottles has lately been causing a stir due its link to potential health dangers.

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Where the Candidates Stand on Social Security

Forget flag lapel pins or lipstick on pigs — let's tackle one of the real issues in the run-up to the presidential elections. Here's a primer on where McCain and Obama stand on Social Security and Medicare reform.

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Safeguard Yourself Against Cyber Threats

With so many ways for people to conduct their lives on the Internet — from banking to social networking — a mass of personal information ends up online. Much of this is susceptible to pilfering by cyber criminals.

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Outsmarting Tech-Savvy Criminals

In an age of high-tech scams and identity theft, the market for biometric protection and electronic verification devices continues to expand. Will these technologies become the standard for commercial and personal safety?

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September 29, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Congressional Leaders Put Finishing Touches on $700 Billion Bailout

Huge Slowdowns Continue to Materialize: Durable Goods Orders Fall Further, Eurozone Flirts with Recession, Ike and Gustav Bump up Unemployment, Congress Approves $25 Billion Auto Industry Loans, WTO Director Warns Against Protectionism and MORE. *Updated*

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September 26, 2008

Light Friday: Exactly How Much is $700 Billion?

Here we break down the proposed $700 billion bailout of Wall Street and put that value into context with Bill Gates, Tata Nanos, Florida's GDP and Fun Dip. Also in today's Light Friday: Brilliant But Lazy Ideas, a 20,000-Year-Old Pothole, a Swiss Jetman Crosses the English Channel and MORE.

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September 25, 2008

Coal Demand Projected to Increase

Despite all the attention paid to cleaner, alternative energies, coal is still going strong. In fact, the demand for the "dark fuel" is rising faster than the supply, according to recent reports.

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September 24, 2008

China: Milk Now Safe, Reputation Still Damaged

The recent tainted milk scandal deals a crippling blow to the Chinese product safety system as its citizens and people abroad doubt the safety of Chinese goods.

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September 23, 2008

Manufacturers Strive to Keep Innovation Alive

With the current financial crisis driving the U.S. economy into a deeper hole, it's relatively comforting to see that manufacturers are still keeping their eye on the big prize: innovation.

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September 22, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: On the Big Bailout, Anti-Offshoring Backlash and the Rebuilt Minnesota Bridge...

...Plus Federal Aid to Detroit, the GM Centennial, the U.S.-Canada Trade Deficit, Jobless Claims and MORE.

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September 19, 2008

Light Friday: Head-Tilt Smileys and High-Tech Packaging...

...Water Droplets in Zero Gravity and MORE.

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September 18, 2008

U.S. Leading Economic Indicators Fall in August

The index of U.S. leading economic indicators fell more than forecast last month, reflecting a dim outlook even before this week's collapse in financial markets.

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September 17, 2008

Wall Street Disaster Shakes Small Businesses

The collapse of investment giant Lehman Brothers Holdings, Merrill Lynch & Co.'s sale and American International Group's crumbling business hits "Main Street." Small businesses are not immune to the crunch big businesses are facing.

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September 16, 2008

Manufacturing Machinery Demand Remains Strong

As technological advances continue to make machinery more efficient and productive, manufacturers continue to invest in equipment — even in a down economy.

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How Healthy is Your Shop?

Is your plant below average, above or stuck in the same boat as your competition? Gauge how "healthy" your machine shop is based on these six wellness indicators.

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8 Machines that Shaped Our World

Where would we be today without refrigeration? Or without the computer? Here we take a look at just a few machines that influenced the world as we know it.

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Arrange the Floor for Flexibility

With rising costs and demands, it is more important than ever for manufacturers to have an efficient production facility. Having the right equipment arranged properly can increase productivity and cut costs.

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CAD Tips, Tricks and Resources

The one tip that covers the wide array of today's CAD software is knowing where to look when you need an answer. Here we've listed a few places to get you started as well as some techniques and features for AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

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Explore the Hotel of Tomorrow

Imagine a hotel that can expand or collapse based on the number of guests. This may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but as contributor Susannah Nevison discusses, the H.O.T. project could make it reality.

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Dr. Robot and the Virtual Brain

New 3D brain mapping technology and automated surgery systems are distancing the doctor from the operating room. Will these advances translate into greater efficiency and more consistent results?

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Desk Rage On the Rise

Many people in today's workplace sense they are losing ground economically, socially and professionally. This compounds the feeling and impact of anxiety, stress and anger in the workplace, or "desk rage" as it's come to be called.

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September 15, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Devastating Weekend Storms...

... Hit the Gulf Coast and Wall Street. Also in this Week's Roundup of Last Week's Developments: EU Growth Forecasts, China's Industrial Output, U.S. Wholesale Prices and More.

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September 12, 2008

IMTS 2008: The "Rosetta Stone" of Interoperability and More

More than 90,000 attendees from 119 countries have assembled in Chicago to be privy to pretty much every type of manufacturing machine and technology being used on today's shop floor. Here are some highlights.

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September 11, 2008

Thursday Construction, Ignition and Destruction...

...Plus Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld Buy Shoes. It's "Light Friday" on Thursday!

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September 10, 2008

August Small Business Employment Up 20,000

In today's down economy, here's a surprise: small business owners report a positive outlook for the next six months. This optimism may be fueled by resilience against job losses in comparison to larger companies, which often turn quickly to layoffs during hard times.

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September 9, 2008

2009 Health Care Costs to Increase the Lowest in Years

Recent studies predict health care costs rising to nearly 10 percent in 2009, but employers are finding ways to facilitate the growth by passing some of the cost to employees, offering alternative health plans and adding wellness programs.

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September 8, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Drama at Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Boeing and the Detroit Three

A lot's happened in the past week: a Massive Government Bailout, Detroit's $50 Billion Request, Major Monthly Job Losses, a Labor Union Soap Opera and much more. Things are getting rough out there.

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September 5, 2008

Light Friday: 2008 Best Lemonade Stand in America...

... a Robot and its Helicopter Stunts, Store Workers on Cheeky Protest, Your Frizz Forecast and MORE.

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September 4, 2008

Cash in on Federal Year-End Spending

As the clock ticks down to the end of federal government's fiscal year 2008 — Sept. 30 — all 1,300 federal agencies will be on something of a year-end spending spree. Is your business ready to get in on the action?

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September 3, 2008

Manufacturing Sector Continued to Contract in August

The manufacturing sector in the U.S. dipped slightly in August, reaffirming the trend toward negligible growth. Manufacturers are keeping afloat through an increase of new orders, especially from abroad.

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September 2, 2008

The State of the Workforce by the Numbers

Labor Day was meant to celebrate the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of this nation. Beyond the barbeque, here's a look at the who, what, where and how of the U.S. workforce.

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How Professional Groups Can Boost Your Career

Trade associations and professional networking groups can expand your influence and gain you invaluable resources for advancing your career.

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Survival Guide: Recession-Resistant Jobs

No job may be recession-proof, yet even in uncertain times, some sectors and professions are expected to remain strong. Moreover, there are some things you can do to keep your job as safe as possible.

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Burning Question

What's been the biggest challenge of your career so far?

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Interview Mistakes on Both Sides of the Table

A job interview is a two-way road. Interviewers and interviewees should avoid committing the following mistakes to help make the hiring process a less painful experience.

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Overworked or Burned Out?

Does workweek dread begin for you early Sunday? Do visions of the upcoming weekend help you make it through Monday? These could be signs that you're overworked and overstressed — or they could be signs of a bigger problem.

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The Pay's O.K. but the Perks are Great

In lieu of giving raises, some companies faced with tighter budgets are busy figuring out alternative ways to compensate hard-working employees — from shortened workweeks and additional paid time off to more nontraditional benefits.

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When Competition Goes Too Far

Workplace competition is healthy — sometimes. When it leads to rivalry, the results can be toxic. Here we look at a few tactics for dealing with backstabbing colleagues and hostile work environments.

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Dealing with Offshoring Growing Pains

Although offshoring has evolved into a mature industry, companies continue to contend with certain aggravations, including time differences, communication barriers and high turnover rates.

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August 29, 2008

Light Friday: Workplace Pilfering, Ear Hair Science and More...

In observance of Labor Day, we'll be shuttering IMT on Monday and will return on Tuesday. Until then, we wish all of you a very happy, very productive and very safe holiday weekend. Cheers.

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August 28, 2008

Looking Overseas to Gain Domestic Competitive Advantage

How can companies remain lean and also free up innovation resources to better compete globally and meet the needs, for instance, of the rising middle class overseas?

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August 27, 2008

Tough Road Ahead for Automakers and Suppliers

Automakers and their suppliers should work together to strengthen their place in the market, a new study says.

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August 26, 2008

The Steel Situation: Production, Prices and Shipments

Here we look at what's been happening with steel — from production and prices to shipments and inventories — so far in 2008, through last month, and how it compares with this time last year.

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August 25, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Russia, Georgia and Western Markets...

...Commodities Surge, Oil Giants Producing Less, British Economy Stalls and South African Output Falls.

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August 22, 2008

Light Friday: The Worst Car Names and a Manufacturer's New Approach to Newborns...

...High-Tech Toilets, Food with Lasers and MORE.

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August 21, 2008

Manufacturers Seeing More Bang for Buck with Green Operations

The corporate mindset around environmental initiatives is changing, and the need to invest in innovative products and new technologies is growing, a new report has revealed.

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August 20, 2008

China Set to Take Top Manufacturing Spot

U.S.-based manufacturers will account for 16.9 percent of global value-added factory output for the whole of 2008, with China close behind with 15 percent. By 2009, however, the positions will be reversed with China occupying the top position in global manufacturing for the first time for nearly 170 years, according to a new report.

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August 19, 2008

Has Engineering Education Failed?

Here we look at the concerns regarding the number and quality of engineering students heading into the workforce, from the perspective of the student, the professor and even the IMT reader.

New Attention on a WWII Training Method

Although the Training Within Industry method was mostly abandoned in North America after World War II, it is currently gaining newfound attention among proponents of lean.

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Professional Development Key to Job Satisfaction

Insufficient training practices and goals often lead to inefficient work environments. Employers feel their employees lack skills while employees become de-motivated and frustrated in their jobs.

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Why Mentoring Matters

Recognizing the personal and organizational benefits associated with the knowledge shared between mentors and mentees, more organizations might consider fostering mentoring relationships.

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Managing Future Leaders

As leaders exit the workforce, companies can prepare for a more secure future through strategic onboarding programs and succession planning of skilled workers.

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Strengthening the Weakest Link

No matter the industry, underachievers are detrimental to team success. Managers must address lags in productivity as soon as they happen to ensure all parts of the team are effective.

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Are Goods Ideas Bad for Business?

Innovation and creative thinking are highly valued in many work environments, but concentration is still king. In fact, some researchers suggest that "breakthroughs" can actually hinder the problem-solving process.

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Attracting Talent Among Top Procurement Challenges

Attracting and retaining talent in the procurement space is among the top concerns for companies already dealing with today's complex pricing pressures, a new report concludes.

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August 18, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Toy Safety Bill Signed into Law

Plus, Orders and Shipments of Conveyor Equipment are Up, Economic Slowdown May be Spreading, European Manufacturing Optimism Wanes, 21 Cities to Measure and Disclose CO₂ Emissions, and MORE.

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August 15, 2008

Light Friday: Back-to-School Penny Pinching. . .

. . .Plus a DIY Batman Tumbler and a Giant Mechanical Spider (You read that right).

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August 14, 2008

Additive Fabrication Has Become a $1.1 Billion Market

The market for additive fabrication, also known as rapid manufacturing, surpassed the $1 billion mark last year — a first for this industry — according to a recent report.

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August 13, 2008

Cleantech Investment Climbs to Highest Quarter on Record

Clean technology is coming of age today, with investors and corporations setting long-term cleantech investment strategies. In the second quarter of this year, venture capital investments in U.S. cleantech companies grew to the highest total investment on record.

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August 12, 2008

Tax-Cheating Businesses Owe Billions

Many U.S. businesses may have cheated paying federal payroll taxes for more than a year, according to a GAO report that says the IRS has failed to pursue repeat offenders.

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August 11, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Jobless Claims Rise, Productivity Slows and Interest Rate Held Steady...

...$35B Tanker Contract Bidding Starts Anew, Ford Meets Job-Cutting Goal, Toyota Profits Tumble, German Factory Orders Fall and MORE.

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August 8, 2008

Light Friday: The 2008 Solar Eclipse and a Big Freakin' Particle Accelerator...

...Plus, Past Rapid Climate Cooling, a Day Worth Celebrating and MORE.

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August 7, 2008

Beverage Makers Quick to Respond to Shifting Consumer Tastes

While negative news abounds when it comes to America's decline in manufacturing prowess, it sure is refreshing to hear that beverage makers continue to respond quickly to shifting consumer tastes while reaping rewards along the way.

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August 6, 2008

Growth of Employers' Health Care Costs to Level Off

The cost for work-sponsored health plans is expected to increase 9.9 percent this year and 9.6 percent in 2009, according to recent data from the PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute.

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August 5, 2008

Is Your Workplace Making You Sick?

Despite a recent noticeable shift toward promoting healthy workplaces, there remain plenty of opportunities for your job to make you sick. Everyday workplace activities can pose unseen risks to your health.

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How to Recognize and Treat Heat Exhaustion

Summer may summon thoughts of barbecues and vacations, but safety and health concerns must not be ignored. IMT contributor Ilya Leybovich discusses some ways to identify common heat-related hazards and prevent future heat injuries.

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Energy Costs Where it Really Hurts

As if health care prices weren't high enough, today's historically high oil prices and rising inflation are having a sizable impact on medical manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and, of course, patients.

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How Safe is "Made in China?"

After last year's major product recalls, many of which led back to supply chains in China and Chinese exports, a new national study evaluates the country's medical industry and speaks to safety concerns, which IMT contributor Brian Lane addresses.

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2010 to Bring Major Changes for Medical Device Makers

If your company manufactures medical devices, particularly for the European market, a new medical-device directive could change your business dramatically 16 months from now.

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Biomedical Engineering: Better, Stronger, Faster

The spate of superhero movies this summer has some of us wondering just how close we are to achieving super-human status. We may be closer than you think, writes IMT contributor Susannah Nevison.

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Top Excuses for Missing Work

Nearly one-third of workers in a recent survey said they have called in sick when they weren't actually sick. The excuses some employees give for playing hooky are pretty darn colorful.

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Biz Outlook: The Health of the Economy

The worsening economy and its impact on businesses nationwide isn't looking much better through the year. As such, increasingly more firms are decidedly pessimistic in their outlook.

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August 4, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: President Signs on the Dotted Line for Housing...

... More Bad News for Automakers, U.S. and Eurozone Manufacturing Update, Higher Job Losses Coincide with Higher Productivity and MORE.

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August 1, 2008

Light Friday: A Rise-and-Shine-to-Bacon Alarm...

...Understanding Pain and Ancient Wit. Plus: This isn't how a jet pack is supposed to look, is it?

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July 31, 2008

China Trade Gap's Impact on American Jobs

The increasing U.S. trade deficit with China resulted in the loss of 2.3 million American jobs between 2001 and 2007, including 366,000 last year, according to a new study by the Economic Policy Institute. Manufacturing lost 200,000 scientist and engineer jobs, a 10.7 percent drop.

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July 30, 2008

Manufacturers to Compete in the 2008 Summer Games

With the 2008 Olympic Games around the corner, manufacturers are making sure their products also have what it takes to compete.

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July 29, 2008

Pay Raises Remain Steady as Economy Drops

A new survey finds U.S. employers keeping pay raises steady for the coming year. Of course, it's probably too soon for American workers to rejoice.

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July 28, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Housing Bailout Awaits President's Signature...

...Plus a whole lot more this week, including Metals Production and Shipments, U.S. and UK Factory Orders, Global Automobile and Aircraft Sales, Railroad Earnings and MORE.

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July 25, 2008

Light Friday: The Upside of High Gas Prices and Celebrating 40 Years of the Cubicle...

...Plus the Space Elevator Conference, Futuristic Windshields and MORE.

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July 24, 2008

Overhyped Nanotech Set to Fulfill Potential

We've all heard the hype and the incredible predictions over the past decade, but some high-profile failures have left manufacturers and investors skeptical of nanotechnology. A new report now contends that the growth of nanotech is turning the once-overhyped industry into reality.

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July 23, 2008

China's Machine Tool Industry Coming of Age

China's machine tool industry seems to be coming of age globally, driven in large part by the country's rapidly rising machine tool investment, output and export.

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July 22, 2008

Sweepstakes Science: Prizes for Breakthroughs

The prize-inspired breakthrough is a concept that goes back hundreds of years. Yet this notion of using prize money to spur innovation has become a particularly booming trend in recent years.

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9 Oddities in Discovery and Invention

While necessity may be the mother of invention, its paternal roots can be traced to accidents and eccentricity. IMT contributor Ilya Leybovich looks at the unexpected sources of some of today's most common inventions, plus some unusual proposals for products yet to find a niche.

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Ridiculous Government Purchases

Gambling, iPods, lingerie, Internet dating sites - if you've ever filled out an expense report, you know these just won't fly as "business transactions." Shouldn't the government be held to the same standards?

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Transportation: Did You Know?

Ever wondered when the first auto race was? Wish you had your own submarine? Here IMT contributor Susannah Nevison offers some offbeat auto facts and a few just-for-fun vehicles.

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The State of Machines Talking to Machines

Although M2M technology has seen steady growth in recent years, it hasn't been an easy journey. As more businesses look to design wireless into their processes, perhaps M2M technology will be reevaluated.

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Whatever Happened to. . . ?

In what could be called "The Future of the Past," IMT contributor Brian Lane looks into the future that never was and asks, "Whatever happened to all the cool stuff promised to us?"

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Minneapolis' New I-35 Bridge Nearly Complete

Though it won't be open by the first anniversary of the tragic collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis, Minn., a new $234 million bridge is on track to open in its predecessor's place as early as September.

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How Prepared is Your Supply Chain?

Recent studies uncover how some companies are struggling to configure their supply chains to meet and exceed global goals in the near and long term.

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July 21, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Eurozone Trade, Global Air Freight and Orders for U.S. Jets...

... The WTO Rules Against China and MORE.

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July 18, 2008

Light Friday: Indignation Within Organizations and the Next Big Bubble Burst...

...."Flat is the New Up," a "Ramen Moment" and MORE.

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July 17, 2008

U.S. Industrial Output Rebounds in June

Production at U.S. factories, mines and utilities rose in June after two straight monthly declines, according to the Federal Reserve's latest data.

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July 16, 2008

Manufacturing Tech Consumption Remains Healthy

Energy prices and commodities costs, not to mention an overall uninspiring economy, have many businesses cutting back on spending. Nonetheless, a new report suggests manufacturing industries are investing in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

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July 15, 2008

Are TVs the Real Environmental Threat?

As the manufacture of flat-screen televisions to meet consumer demand continues to rise, so too does the threat to our environment, according to a new study.

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July 14, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: French Manufacturing Falls and Aluminum Hits Record High...

... GE's Spinoff Move and Quarterly Profit, China's Trade Surplus, India's Industrial Output and MORE.

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July 11, 2008

Light Friday: Petroleum, Packaging and Spirits...

...Why Spain may take France's wine-producing crown, how tequila can make diamonds, and inkjet-printing the world's largest beer can.

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July 10, 2008

Global Energy Demand to Grow by 50 Percent

Worldwide energy consumption will grow by 50 percent between 2005 and 2030, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects. Herewith are highlights from the latest international energy outlook.

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July 9, 2008

Why (and How) to Vacation

With each passing year, more working professionals are seeing something that used to be an entitlement - vacation time - as an increasingly unavailable luxury.

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The State of the Summer Schedule

Current gas prices are prompting a number of workplaces to revisit flexible workweeks during the summer. Who doesn't love a long weekend?

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Wildfire Season: Longer and Stronger in '08

Last week, nationwide wildfire preparedness was designated the highest possible level. The challenge is much bigger than simply funding fire engines.

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Make or Buy Hot Talent?

Employers are realizing how hard it is to attract and retain the best employees. Now they're reassessing their options: promote from within or hire from outside.

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Beach Reading for Business

IMT contributor Brian Lane provides a roundup of new books that promise to offer a balanced amount of invaluable ideas and geeky fluff.

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Summer Science Camps

School is out, which means plenty of free time for kids. One way to get them away from the TV is a summer science camp, where they can have fun and maybe spark an interest in engineering.

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Grim Outlook for Steel Buyers

A number of experts have recently declared that, because steel production has not kept up with demand, steel is in short supply and will continue to drive up prices for quite some time.

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Eating Healthy on the Road

Long hours of sitting in the car, snacking on fast food and junk food can kill good nutrition faster than you can say "summer road trip." Here are a few ideas to help break the cycle.

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July 8, 2008

Concentrated Declines in U.S. Jobs Continue

Jobs in the construction industry have been hit hard recently by a lengthy slump in the housing market. They're not the only ones.

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July 7, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: The Chinese Currency Saga Continues. . .

... No Joy in June Jobs, British and German Manufacturing Output, the World's First Global Union and MORE.

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July 2, 2008

Flags and Franks: Independence Day by the Numbers

This Friday commemorates the day when, in 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always across the U.S., this most American of holidays will be marked by family and friends, fireworks and flags and, in a relatively new development, unfavorable food and fuel prices.

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July 1, 2008

2008 Priorities in Global Trade Compliance

A new study shows how global trade compliance is now being transformed from a back-office function to the focus area of strategic corporate-wide initiatives. The report highlights key challenges, improvement strategies, capabilities and technologies used to support global trade compliance processes.

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June 30, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: The Fed Holds Steady. . .

... while Oil and Inflation Rise and Consumer Confidence and Small-Biz Mood Drop.

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June 27, 2008

Light Friday: Annoying Coworkers, Not-So-Friendly Skies...

... NYC Waterfalls and MORE.

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June 26, 2008

Laying Out China's Automotive Future on the Global Stage

The impressive progress of Chinese automakers in recent years is driving the country's domestic OEMs to set ambitious global goals. Yet significant shortcomings could hinder the industry's realization of those goals, according to new analysis.

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June 25, 2008

Deconstructing a Manufacturing Misconception

Many folks still have no clue what manufacturing today really comprises, deeming the industry a "dark and dirty" place for a career. Here are just a few recent examples we can use to help shatter this myth.

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June 24, 2008

8 Things We Want from Work

Pay and perks remain important to workers, of course. Yet when it comes to what employees want most from their employer today, certain intangible priorities are center stage.

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How to Make Your Ideas Heard

We don't all have the skills of a salesperson, but it's precisely those qualities that are required to make your idea heard. Here are six factors to consider for getting someone to truly hear you.

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From the Playground to the Boardroom: Workplace Bullies

Apprehensive about going to work? Filled with anxiety once you're there? You may simply be stressed out from your workload. Or these signs could be indicative of something far more insidious.

Kill the Cube (for the Company's Sake)

While cubicles may make economical sense, they may not be in the best interest of the company as a whole. At least, not in terms of collaboration and innovation.

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We Need to Talk About Your Flair

Although "casual Friday" has become "casual Everyday" for many organizations, there are still some wardrobe guidelines. A few are especially relevant today.

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Did Life's Earliest Material Come from the Stars?

The origin of humankind is a controversial subject that crosses a multitude of theological and scientific theories. Ready for another one?

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What Your Car Color May Say About You

Ever wondered if your choice of car color reflects your personality? A recent study suggests a link between car color and personality.

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Medical Laser Basics

The intersection of technical innovation and consumer needs has changed in medical laser technology. IMT contributor Ilya Leybovich asks how this will affect the future for manufacturers and users alike.

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June 23, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: President Calls for Offshore Drilling and China Hikes Up Fuel Prices...

...State of Logistics, FedEx Fails to Deliver, Boeing Gets Second Chance at Air Force Contract and MORE.

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June 20, 2008

Light Friday: A Wheelbarrow Brainteaser

But first: Gas Prices are Making Us Crazy for Vehicles with Two Wheels Instead of Four, plus a Puzzle Mansion in Manhattan!

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June 19, 2008

N. American Manufacturers Reassess their Competitiveness Outlook

Tumultuous conditions brought on by today's flatter world have taken such a toll on domestic manufacturers that many of them are wondering if globalization will ultimately compromise their productivity, competitiveness and profitability, according to a new Deloitte report.

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June 18, 2008

2008 Growth Opportunities in Government Procurement

Unlike the bleak conditions facing the business and consumer markets, government spending activity at all levels is expected to grow throughout 2008, according to a recent panel of more than 1,400 local, state and educational purchasing officials.

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June 17, 2008

The Bottom-Line Costs of a "Perfect Storm"

Over the next few years, manufacturers of varied sizes could lose millions of dollars from their bottom lines due to looming retirements, according to a new report. Filling the talent void will be expensive, but failing to have an adequate replacement pool will be financially catastrophic.

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June 16, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: GM Sends Big Oil a "Dear John" Letter while Detroit 3 Slash Sales to Fleets. . .

...U.S. Consumer Sentiment Drops as Consumer Prices and Unemployment Jump, China's Trade Surplus and Inflation Drop while its Producer Prices and Educational Investment Rise — All this and More Came to Light Last Week.

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June 13, 2008

Road Warrior Friday: A Business Travel Guide

While returning from Managing Automation's Progressive Manufacturing Summit early this morning, this IMT blogger was ruminating on how much business travel today has become such an ordeal. Hopefully, the tricks and trends compiled herewith will help our road-warrior readers.

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June 12, 2008

Workforce Disconnects in Las Vegas

Managing Automation's fourth Progressive Manufacturing Summit continues. Disconnects both between workers' skills and companies' needs and between IT and automation teams are among some highlights and insights so far today. But first, one more thing about yesterday's agenda...

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June 11, 2008

Manufacturing Contradictions in Las Vegas

Innovation was a key theme at last year's Progressive Manufacturing Summit. So far this week, at Managing Automation's fourth annual summit (in Las Vegas, where I'm writing from), it is the contradiction of innovation investment during an economic downturn that is playing arguably a larger role.

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June 10, 2008

Building Up in a Down Economy

Construction was one of the nation's largest industries in 2006. These days, though, homebuilders are suffering. What's in store for the fields and professions associated with construction?

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Construction Materials Costs Outlook

Like virtually everything today, construction input costs seem to be permanently cemented at an extraordinarily high level.

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9 Bizarre Buildings

From very cool to totally weird, here is a collection of nine unusual houses and bizarre buildings from all around the world.

Bright Ideas for Facility Efficiency

Surging energy costs have facility engineers, managers and maintenance supervisors looking for ways to make plants more efficient. One logical place to start is lighting.

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Meeting the Triple Bottom Line: Profit, People, Planet

It has become obvious that many aspects of future operations, including facilities, will have green components. Here is one company's thinking for transforming entirely to green and lean.

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Mystery Solved? Stonehenge a Burial Site

The mystery of why Stonehenge was built has kept people guessing for millennia. New radiocarbon dating indicates one certainty: the monument stood as giant tombstones to the dead for centuries.

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Green Paint's Promise

In 2007, a mountainside in China was mysteriously covered in green paint. But the kind of green paint we're talking about is a bit more eco-friendly than that.

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Pay Raise on the Agenda?

For those on the fence about approaching bosses for a raise, fret not. It looks like there is a lot of positive momentum already in your favor.

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June 9, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Primary Season Ends, Unemployment Stunner, Exports Keep Us Afloat...

... A Car Quality Surprise, Thousands More European Truckers Protest and King Kong Fights T. Rex.

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June 6, 2008

Friday Car-Quality Question: Who's Moving?

Question marks in the headline can mean only one thing: it's time for you to weigh in! In lieu of Light Friday today, and based on some new findings, we're considering anew the better-car-quality question: Asian or American?

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June 5, 2008

Government Agency Finds Fatal Flaws in Seaport Security

Despite the introduction of new inspection and security procedures, U.S. ports are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks, a recent government report says.

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June 4, 2008

Fuel Prices Putting Globalization in Reverse?

The world seems to be becoming less flat. Shipping costs between Asia have risen so much that they have eclipsed tariffs as a barrier to global trade, according to a new report that calls the cost of moving goods "the largest barrier to global trade today."

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June 3, 2008

Corporate Marriages Heat Up in Industrial Manufacturing

Deal making in the global industrial manufacturing industry looks set to remain at high levels in the near- and longer-term future, according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers report. Both deal numbers and values of mergers and acquisitions are increasing, but does all this M&A activity pay?

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June 2, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Another Tragic Crane Collapse in NYC...

...Revisiting the Farm Bill, China Quake Danger was Well-Known, 7 percent of GM's Global Workforce Take Buyouts and MORE.

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May 30, 2008

Light Friday: Monkey Brains and Golden Fryer Grease...

...Phoenix Lander on Mars and Hope Lost with Lost Balloon.

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May 29, 2008

Domestic Manufacturing Shows Optimistic Signs

Tired of reading about bad news surrounding the U.S. economy and the manufacturing sector? There are signs throughout the country that should restore optimism.

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May 28, 2008

Global Oil Outlook: A Crude Reality

Consumers and businesses alike are suffering from higher energy costs. How did we get here? There is no short answer, as a number of factors together have led to today's prices.

How Are High Gas Prices Affecting You?

Record-high gas prices affect more than just the family vacation. As gas prices rise, so does stress on the job.

Investing in Energy Innovation

Many reasons have been cited for the world's huge energy challenges. How innovative will our response be? And what role will R&D have in a proposed innovation revolution?

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Old Sources for New Savings

In combating high energy costs, efficiency and conservation seem to offer the best payback. That's why increasingly more businesses are investing in efficiency measures.

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Food and Fuel Compete: The Downside to Biofuels

Not long ago, ethanol was being billed as a solution to the world's energy crisis. Now the alternative fuel is being blamed for higher food prices and even today's struggling economy as a whole.

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2008 Fuel Efficiency Guide

As car buyers' preferences change, automakers strive to increase fuel economy and cut fuel inefficiencies. Some manufacturers are already ahead of the curve.

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The Home Energy Savings Checklist

Energy and utility prices continue to rise and suck up ever more of our income. Cutting energy costs in the home requires minor changes, commitment and a shift in thinking.

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Understanding and Coping with Procrastination

Understanding procrastination's root cause can help employees better manage it in the workplace. Consider these procrastination-busting tips to improve your productivity.

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May 27, 2008

10 Green Heresies to Accept

Global warming is promoted with a ferocity and intensity that is similar to a religious fervor. Skeptics are treated as heretics, and believers are considered lunatics. In preparation for tomorrow's biweekly IMT e-mail on energy, here are 10 recently proposed "inconvenient truths."

May 23, 2008

Light Friday: It's Baaaaack!

OK, so maybe it never went away, but the relationship between God and Science is again gaining traction as new arguments from a diverse set of voices attempt to answer the question, "Does science make belief in God obsolete?"

Heavy. Yet it's still Light Friday, so herein we also have barbershop policing and LEGO brick boulders — Indiana Jones-style!

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May 22, 2008

Pain and Comfort in the Eurozone

Eurozone factory orders have recently slumped, according to official EU data released today. Yet some comfort can be found in the fact that unemployment continues to fall and that the euro-area economy should avoid a full-blown recession in 2008-2009.

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May 21, 2008

Meetings: Do I Really Have to Look at You?

The time and money spent for business travel does not always result in a high return. With travel costs edging ever higher, another look at virtual meetings could yield significant savings in time and expenses.

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May 20, 2008

Feeling the Heat of Sourcing in Emerging Markets

Public scrutiny due to recalls has made product safety, product quality and environmental standards in emerging markets a hot-button issue. The manufacturers that can "move quickly and intelligently to propagate higher standards" throughout the supply chain are likely to use them to derive new benefits, says a new Deloitte report.

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May 19, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Consumers Remain Fickle on Economy. . .

. . . Small-Biz Loans Remain Elusive, a Bright Spot for Builders, plus the Latest on Unemployment, Earnings, Retail Sales and MORE.

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May 16, 2008

Light Friday: Help Eliminate Bad Movie Science...

... I, Lawn Mower and MORE.

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May 15, 2008

How Business Applications Waste Our Time

Enterprise usability issues are most common in big companies, but they're an issue for smaller businesses as well. Are user-inefficient business applications wasting your time?

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May 14, 2008

Devastating China Quake's Economic Ripple Effect

The earthquake that wreaked havoc in China this week has killed nearly 15,000 people and dislocated thousands more, has crumpled roads, destroyed factories and disrupted the power and communication infrastructure in the area. Yet many analysts are predicting the disaster will be a "transitory jolt" to China's booming economy.

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May 13, 2008

A Modest Proposal: 6 Supply Chain Improvements

There is no silver bullet for the challenges in today's global supply chain. Yet a higher degree of awareness and a prudent approach can go a long way in most areas of the supply chain.

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Managing Spiking Metals Prices

Scarce metals have become so expensive that thieves are literally dying to get their hands on them. To combat the effects of these prices, supply chain managers and purchasers should reassess their risk strategies.

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Panic at the Pump

With fuel prices remaining at historical highs, truckers are faced with unprecedented challenges. Should the government intervene to bring some relief to truckers and the overall economy?

How to Protect Intellectual Property in China

Intellectual property theft has skyrocketed in the past decade, and counterfeiting continues to grow rapidly. Here are some preventative tips learned by those who have gone before.

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Tips for a Greener Supply Chain

There's no getting around it: The global supply chain is headed toward a more sustainable and more responsible future. The trick for business is to approach this inevitability as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

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Working for Employers Who Work with You

Supporting employees' work/life balance goes a long way in creating a culture of flexibility. For employers of choice, job flexibility is more than a perk; it is a way to retain top talent by keeping them healthy and committed.

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The Costs of Weight on Business

Epidemic or not, the rate of obesity in the U.S. has skyrocketed in recent decades. Those extra pounds can be as bad for an employer's bottom line as they are for a person's health and waistline.

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How Much Anxiety is Too Much?

Some anxiety is normal — a typical reaction to stress that helps us cope with tense situations. But excessive worrying may be a sign of anxiety disorder. When is it a problem?

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May 12, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: How Gas Prices Are Affecting Employees. . .

. . . Dollar Sees Gains (Briefly), Container Traffic Declines; Consumers Borrowing More; N.J. May Build Wind Farm; Automotive Strikes, Buyouts and "Buy-Downs"; and MORE.

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May 9, 2008

Light Friday: Mother's Day by the Numbers

It's that time of year again, when many of us buy Mom a mixed bouquet in the supermarket and extend an invitation to a mediocre brunch - and maybe even foot the bill - hoping it makes up for the other 364 days of the year when we fail to return her calls. Ungrateful progeny . . .

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May 8, 2008

Airbus to Review A380 Delivery Schedule

Airbus customers are braced for more A380 delays. In a letter to customers this week, Airbus highlighted the "challenging" production schedule of its A380 and hinted at new delays. Meanwhile, labor unrest continues to jeopardize both Europe's troubled aircraft maker and rival Boeing's efforts to keep current production and delivery schedules.

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May 7, 2008

A Brief History of Starting Up in a Down Economy

No doubt, things are gloomy and it's a lot easier to get down about an unstable economy and its job opportunities. Yet, as Inc.com recently pointed out, some of America's iconic companies began and flourished in gloomy times.

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May 6, 2008

The Spring 2008 State of U.S. Manufacturing

Even though the real bears just awoke from hibernation, the United States economy has been what you'd expect of a bear going into hibernation — falling heartbeat rate and metabolism. So too for manufacturers, today's situation seems more like an indefinitely long sleep with no way of knowing when spring will come.

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May 5, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Stimulus Rebates, Patent Legislation, Oil Prices and Auto Sales ...

... March New Orders, Disposable Income, Consumer Confidence, Photovoltaic Cell Advancement and MORE.

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May 2, 2008

Light Friday: Talking to Ourselves, Chaos in the Print Shop, Patently Improving Marriage Proposals...

Also, this week the IRS began transferring economic stimulus payments to millions of Americans. Here is a straight-to-the-point explanation and some off-the-top-of-the-head spending ideas (Hint: Convert it to another currency. . . maybe dolphin teeth).

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May 1, 2008

Tips for Collecting Payment

Living on the edge of bankruptcy creates too much stress. But a real problem for many businesses, small companies in particular, is getting paid by customers on time. Learn some basic tips and tricks to get your customers to pay you on time.

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April 30, 2008

There May be a Problem, but is There Really a War?

Manpower Inc. just announced that engineering is the No. 1 most difficult position for U.S. employers to fill in 2008. Last year, engineers weren't even on the list. Let's put this in perspective with what we've been hearing about the "war for talent."

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April 29, 2008

6 Approaches to Better Procurement

The pressure to reduce cost puts tremendous stress on procurement officers. But procurement isn't simply about getting more for less. Consider these six points to improve your purchasing team's competitiveness.

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Does Federal Red Tape Deter Small Business?

Current thinking by some, including the former federal procurement administrator, is that the complexity of government contracting is simply too discouraging to small businesses.

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Tracking Down Obsolete Parts

The challenge of parts obsolescence has tested purchasers and engineers for years. And the dilemma won't end anytime soon. Here we address how to find the right parts, which may seem impossible to track down.

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4 Trends in China Sourcing

China's role in the global supply chain is changing faster than ever. Companies that procure goods from China must keep up with the country's evolving challenges to take full advantage of the opportunities.

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How to Shorten the Order-to-Cash Cycle

Most consumers expect the turnaround time between order and delivery to be quick. Companies that focus on shortening the order-to-invoice period are better positioned to provide that nearly instant gratification.

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Less Paper in a Few Easy Steps

You don't have to be a pack rat with overstuffed file cabinets to realize the benefits of a paperless office. The paperless office may be a pipe dream, but minimizing paper in the office is easily achievable.

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Odds Are High for Big Calif. Quakes

A first-of-its-kind model shows statewide probabilities of earthquakes in California. For the first time, consensus of the scientific community allows for meaningful comparisons of the hazards in L.A. and San Francisco.

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Innovate Through the Downturn

Even in prosperous times, focus on innovation can get bogged down in bureaucracy and resistance to change. Yet recent thinking is that recessionary times provide ripe opportunities for product innovation.

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April 28, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: A Longer but Less Severe Downturn...

...Oil Prices Today and Tomorrow, Engineers Wanted, Boeing Boom and MORE.

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April 25, 2008

Light Friday: Are You Changing Your Vacation Plans Because of Gas Prices?

Plus 5 Things to Do When Your Flight is Canceled, This Week in Invention History, Hubble Turns 18, This Week in Invention Disputes and MORE.

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April 24, 2008

Best Practices and Bad Practices: Reviewing the Supply Chain

A lean supply chain demands continuously seeking ways to eliminate waste and become more efficient. While not all professionals agree on universal best practices, many concur that there are "bad practices" to avoid.

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April 23, 2008

China Already Surpassed U.S. as World's Top Polluter

China's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are growing much faster than anticipated and are on pace to double during this decade. In fact, according to a recent report, China has already overtaken the United States as the world's largest carbon polluter.

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April 22, 2008

How Green Now Pleases Hippies and Suits

Earth Day is no longer simply about feeling good about Mother Earth, as the "holiday" has taken on a more practical meaning. Why shouldn't companies take advantage of the green buzz as a means to improve business operations and reduce supply chain costs?

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April 21, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Bulldozer Sales Up Overseas, China Cracks Down on IP Infringers...

...Chrysler and Nissan to Co-manufacture, HR Pros Support Family Leave Act and MORE.

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April 18, 2008

Light Friday: The Smallest Jet Plane, Barcode Art, Wealth Through Testosterone...

...and MORE.

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April 17, 2008

This Country Is Falling Apart. Literally

While many of the booming industrial countries today are investing unprecedented amounts of money into building new structures and restoring old ones, much of this nation's brittle framework seems to be failing. Where do we even begin?

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April 16, 2008

Unexpected Growth in U.S. Trade Deficit

You might think that with U.S. consumers buying less, the deficit would fall. Yet the trade gap in U.S. unexpectedly widened for the month of February, according to the latest numbers from the Commerce Department.

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April 15, 2008

8 Mistakes Start-ups Make

As the global economy expands, there is reason to believe that small businesses may have some competitive advantage. That is, if entrepreneurs don't fall prey to these common start-up pitfalls.

How to Find Good Money

Finding any funding for a new business is hard enough for any entrepreneur. Finding funding that is best for his or her company's specific needs is even harder.

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Small Biz: By the Numbers

Do you know the average survival rate of start-ups? Or how much money has been loaned to U.S. veterans interested in starting or expanding a business? Some of the figures herein may surprise you.

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Making the Right Hire

Employees can make or break a small business. Unfortunately, a common problem busin

December 23, 2008

Riding out the Tail-end of an Unpredictable 2008

December 22, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Bailed-Out Automakers to Idle Factories...

December 19, 2008

Light Friday: Office Gift Giving and DIY Gadgets

December 18, 2008

2008 Advances and Challenges in CAD

December 17, 2008

How and When Will Obama Approach NAFTA?

December 16, 2008

China Loses Appeal Over Car Parts Ruling

December 15, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Detroit in Purgatory...

December 12, 2008

Light Friday: Happy 40th, PC and Mouse; RIP Instant Film...

December 11, 2008

What exactly is a Car Czar?

December 10, 2008

Glimmer of Hope: Now's a Good Time to be a Buyer

December 9, 2008

Need-to-Know Pack Trends

Packaging Machine Market to Grow Through Recession?

Less Time to Open, More Time to Enjoy

Backlash against Deceptive and Excessive Packaging

Branding the Complete Package

Economy's Latest Victim: The Holiday Office Party

5 Advanced Designs in Emergency Architecture

Stick to New Year's Resolutions

Recommended Reading

December 8, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Detroit May Get Half its Bailout

December 5, 2008

Light Friday: Robot Programmers Get Bored and Retention Cash Awards...

December 4, 2008

Steel Production Slowdowns Idle U.S. Plants

December 3, 2008

The 411 on 10+2 in 2009

December 2, 2008

New Equipment Tax Incentive Ends in 29 Days

December 1, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Fed Announces New Intervention and Detroit Plans a New Plan...

November 26, 2008

Wacky Wednesday: Holiday Edition...

November 25, 2008

4 Key Design Trends

Modeling and Simulation Advance Aircraft Design

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

2009 Outlook for Architectural Pros

Does Expertise Clog the Creative Mind?

Detroit States its Case for Relief

The Bailout Debate: For the Rescue

The Bailout Debate: Against the Rescue

Recommended Reading

November 24, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Saving Another Bank...

November 21, 2008

Light Friday: Ridiculous Layoff Stories...

November 20, 2008

Small Biz Owners Revisiting Age-old Tradition: Bartering

November 19, 2008

Job Quality Essential to Job Growth

November 18, 2008

Industrial Output Rebounds in October

November 17, 2008

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Economies Continue Slipping as Leaders Pledge Teamwork...

November 14, 2008

Light Friday: Great Depression Myths and Bailout Bashes...

November 13, 2008

5 Strategies for Managing Employees after Layoffs

November 12, 2008

Small Biz Shuffles Through Complex Federal Contracting

November 11, 2008

How to Reduce Material Waste

Abrupt Slowdown in Steel Industry

5 High-Tech Advances in Materials

Plastic Not Going Anywhere

Military Targets Material Innovation

Sustainable Cities

Cashing in on Customer Complaints