They say productivity (output per worker hour) is once again peaking in the US. The question is it robotics and automation (and artificial intelligence) that’s been replacing the lack of employees during the pandemic? Or the fact that, during the pandemic, many folks are working longer hours (since they aren’t commuting) or happier working at home (and happier employees are far more productive)?
Continue reading Productivity Gains?
So, last week I was having a discussion with a potential new client. The firm liked our expertise in taxation and finance, as well as management, but…
Continue reading Hire the Engineer- or the Scientist!
The life blood of a small business is cash. (Bigger firms also need solvency, but their ability to garner credit is far simpler than for smaller entities.) And, for startups, it’s not only the lifeblood, it’s the air that it breathes.
Continue reading Stocking Levels?
Just because our government seemingly has no clue that infrastructure is critical, does not mean that business doesn’t. And, they are getting fed up with the inaction. Because, despite the hoopla from the last election, business knows that they don’t do it alone. Their profits rely upon telephones that work, roads that let trucks move, electric power transmission lines that can’t be hacked by terrorists- or just plain crazies.
Continue reading Business knows we need infrastructure
Is this another case of government overreach? Or, should we consider this a valid concept? I can argue the case both ways (yes, I was on debate teams for many years)- but I really am torn over this issue. Oh, yeah, that’s right. You can’t read my mind. So, let me explain the issues.
Continue reading Change 1 definition. Overnight, we create 2 million new manufacturing jobs?
So, yesterday, I spoke about how taxes make a difference to the various folks in America. From the working poor to the middle class, to the rich and super-rich.
Continue reading Living Wages- redux
I’ve been remiss keeping you apprised of the developments in 3D Printing. As, I wrote last Wednesday, when I reported about the pop-up shop in Baltimore. And, as I repeatedly have said, 3D printing (aka additive manufacturing) is going to change what and how we do things. I’ve discussed what the aviation industry has already adopted, how medical innovations are affected, among others. But, now…
Continue reading A 3D Update (part 1)
I’ve written that the military is researching alternative fuels. (Here and here, for starters.) Primarily because the logistics of getting fuel to the front is problematic- not only is the journey often difficult, but troops are put at risk defending that transport. Well, that’s also why the military is examining the use of 3-D printing- so that critical components can be at the front. Not only can they be made available quickly- the need to inventory various parts is moot, since they can be printed on demand. Unfortunately, the CAD (computer-aided design) software and CNC (computer numerical control) machining technologies are still complex- so we won’t be seeing this technology on every forward base just yet.
Continue reading 3D printing coming to the military
We began working with smaller companies almost 40 years ago. But, back then, our efforts were exclusively aimed at developing new products these companies could manufacture, market, and sell. (We also worked with much larger firms, developing new products, processes and manufacturing schema.) But, many of our smaller clients ran into problems. Not with the technical matters, but with their management and financial affairs. So, we decided to begin working with these firms to help shore up their capabilities in these areas so their great products wouldn’t wither and die because the other parts of the company were sick.
Obviously, if you are just starting out, you need to determine the legal form under which you want to operate. Should you remain a sole proprietor or partnership? Or become incorporated/form an LLC? Each has their own tax situation- some pay corporate taxes (and then you must pay taxes on the money you take out of the company), others pass along profits to you directly, and still others let you allocate profits and losses among partners. Choosing the right entity is a critical consideration.
We’ve already discussed why employment is in trouble in the US. But, there are other facts- forgetting the politics- that really tell the story. Many are angry that the US bailed out the banks. Given how the banks have acted since that effort, one would be hard pressed to not feel that same way. But, many are annoyed that the US bailed out the auto industry. Given how that effort has turned out, one is hard pressed to understand those thoughts.
Continue reading Whither Manufacturing? Wither?
