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December 11, 2000
Make Sure it Works: Testing 1-2-3
Developing new products or materials? Looking for someone to validate your findings or ensure continued quality control? You don't need to look far for solutions to your testing and inspection needs.
December 8, 2000
Featured Industry Tradeshows/Seminars/Events
Check out which Inspection and Testing events are headed your way. If you're looking to e-commerce enable your business, let a Thomas Regional Representative demonstrate how you can effortlessly and affordably e-commerce enable your web site.
December 7, 2000
What Comes Next: A Look at Future Trends
What if you could predict today which industries are fated to flourish or fail in the 21st century? What if, a decade past, you could have imagined the impact of the Internet? And what if, five years ago, you had foreseen today's supertight labor market or soaring health-care costs? Then maybe you could hang out your shingle as a futurist and charge corporate clients or the federal government big bucks to help them prepare for the vagaries that lie ahead.
Introducing the Latest in Inspection Fixture Technology
For years, metal product manufacturers have been waiting for the development of flexible inspection fixtures. Recently, several companies have come up with breakthrough designs that are changing the testing and inspection of prototypes from inception through final production.
Scheduled Testing: A Steam Leak's Worst Enemy
When dealing with steam heating systems, leaks are inevitable. By pretesting problem areas, companies can identify leaks early, saving both time and money.
Reincarnated Hard Drives
Thanks to IBM and their computer recycling program, companies now have an environmentally safe option when they need to get rid of the old to make room for the new.
Electronic Collaborative Design: The Blueprint of the Future
Electronic collaborative design promises to streamline the production process, making it faster and cheaper. The aircraft and automotive industries have already begun to utilize collaborative technology with benefits quickly becoming apparent.
Unbeatable Inspection: AOI and X-ray Technology Together
With integrated X-ray and automated optical inspection technology, manufacturers can now better inspect the most complicated printed circuit board components and ensure a higher level of quality.
Digital Signatures: John Hancocks of the 21st Century
Federal legislation has been passed guaranteeing the legality of digital signatures for online transactions, further enhancing e-commerce. But first, people have to trust this new technology.
Seamless Integration: The Key to e-CRM
Recent steps in technology have made electronic customer relationship management, or e-CRM, the ideal for online customer satisfaction. Essential to its achievement is the integration of customer "touch points".
November 28, 2000
Small Biz Girds for the Gridlock
The uncertain Presidency and close congressional margins spell trouble for reforms entrepreneurs want to see enacted. But staying with the status quo beats going on the defensive.
November 27, 2000
Material Handling Suppliers Make it Easy to Keep You Moving -- 24/7
Whether you need bins, hoppers, filling machines, pallets or lift trucks, it's imperative that your materials can be moved, processed and delivered with little to no downtime. So, when you need it fast, consider using an online supplier -- it makes perfect sense.
November 24, 2000
Featured Industry Tradeshows/Seminars/Events
Check out which material handling industry events are headed your way. And, if you'd like to learn more about making developments in e-commerce work for your business, attend one of Thomas Regional's free upcoming seminars.
XML: Buyers and Sellers Speaking the Same Language
By providing a common vocabulary for sharing and searching business data over the web, Extensible Markup Language (XML) promises to become an increasingly popular application for fostering business over the Internet. However, despite its many benefits, there are still some kinks that need to be worked out.
A Cure for Common Cold Storage
The cold storage industry has reached a new plateau in the design of its doors. The latest cold storage technologies remedy some age-old temperature concerns.
Works Well with Others: Collaborative Robots Interacting on the Assembly Line
By combining human coordination and reaction speed with robotic precision, cobots are carving their own niche in the automotive industry and will soon be adopted by other industries.
Moving Materials? How to Choose the Right Fixed Path
Conveyors, monorails and guided vehicles each present unique advantages to manufacturers who need to move materials along a fixed path. Which one works for your business?
E-Business Fulfillment: Out With the Old and in With the New?
The rise of e-commerce has afforded buyers the ability to change the when, where and how they purchase. Striving to maintain current customers, web-based businesses are now being forced to evaluate both their supply-chain management and fulfillment practices.
One-Stop Distribution: The Clear Route to a Long-Term Customer
With the emergence of e-commerce, the material handling industry has experienced an evolving customer preference for distributors that satisfy all of their needs. Making the jump to being a one-stop provider may not be easy, but ultimately it can prove to be the most financially rewarding.
Visa Sets Security Compliance Deadline for Online Merchants
Fueled by recent assaults on high-profile e-commerce sites, Visa has imposed a May 1, 2001 deadline for merchant compliance to new security standards. Early compliance can help your business avoid the withdrawal of the company's services.
When to Tax: A Closer Look at the Internet Tax Freedom Act
Did you know that the Internet Tax Freedom Act does not implicitly prohibit an Internet sales tax? Perhaps the confusion stems from state and federal governments' lack of consensus on the Act's provisions.
November 13, 2000
Click and Ship
Trusted names in the package delivery industry are taking note of the changes e-commerce has brought to their marketplace and are responding in kind.
The Internet: You Can Take it With You
Changes are quickly taking place that will soon expand the limited functionality of Internet applications currently available on a wide variety of hand-held devices. New wireless technology promises to change where and how we do business.
Featured Industry Tradeshows/Seminars/Events
Check out which chemical and processing industry events are headed your way. And, if you'd like to learn more about making developments in e-commerce work for your business, attend one of Thomas Regional's free upcoming seminars.
EPA Pats Industrial Do-Gooders on the Back
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the creation of a new Performance Track Program to reward environmentally responsible companies. Do you qualify?
B2B Buying: The Raw Deal
Everything that people shop for has been manufactured by some company - but where do manufacturers shop? Preferably, nearby. But when they can't find it locally, knowing "the lay of the land" can be a real help.
Taking Metal Coating to New Lengths
A variety of industrial consumers, including the construction, appliance and automotive industries, are discovering the advantages of the coil coating process, primarily how it unites quality and environmental safety.
Getting a Bird's Eye View of the Supply Market
What does it take for supply managers to understand today's supply market? In a nutshell: the ability to plan ahead by conducting research and communicating with suppliers in an increasingly global economy. NAPM provides an in-depth look at the necessary skills required to maintain control over supply management.
Changing the Image of the Chemical Industry
In June of 2000, the Chemical Manufacturers Association changed its name to the American Chemistry Council (ACC). With a new name, and an environmentally-conscious vision, the 128 year-old international association is in the midst of a makeover.
Setting the Stage for Miniature Chemical Plants
The utilization of microfluidics, encompassing the phenomena of zero turbulence and electrokinetics, is pointing towards the development of miniature chemical processing plants.
Serving Up Enough Energy to Meet the Internet's Appetite
While the popularity of the Internet has spurred the construction of legions of data centers, utility companies are grappling with the massive amounts of energy they require.
October 30, 2000
Cost-Saving Outsourcing Alternatives
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, most of us are either preparing for, or nearly finished with, our budgetary tasks for the coming year. As you're considering your implementation plans, consider some of the many ways outsourcing may fulfill some of your needs.
Featured Industry Tradeshows/Events
Motorcoach Expo 2001, the event many in the industry believe provides the best in education and networking opportunities, is right around the corner.
Association Point of View - The NITL on E-Commerce
The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) has been a lobbyist for shippers since its inception in 1907. As an educational resource, the NITL is helping its members navigate the changes e-commerce has brought to the shipping industry.
Online Business Transactions: Beyond the Simple Payment
A fully automated online payment system is something that many businesses lack, leaving them to rely on the postal system and manual processing. With this in mind, several financial institutions and software vendors have formed alliances to help provide solutions for businesses in need of a more comprehensive online payment system.
Trucking on the Web: Matching Demand with Supply
The transportation industry has been revolutionized by the advent of electronic brokering. Aware of the Internet's growing importance, one segment of the industry is in the process of widely expanding their services to attract buyers on the web.
October 27, 2000
XML and Java: A Winning Combination
When combined with Java, Extensible Markup Language (XML) is proving to be a powerful tool for integrating data from diverse applications.
Two-Dimensional Bar Codes: The Next Link in Supply Chain Management
Many of the functions one-dimensional bar codes serve would be enhanced if they could store greater amounts of data than their current capacity. Ready to take up the slack, two-dimensional bar codes, which can store entire databases, are growing in popularity.
Megaships: The "Berth" of Girth
As ocean vessels increase in size, the shipping industry prepares for the unique challenges the "megaships" of the future will present.
Purchasing Departments: The New Engines of Change
Purchasing departments are becoming increasingly vital to company success as new technology becomes available. With the emergence of e-commerce and online buying, purchasing departments are making the decisions that can save their companies millions.
Logistics Spending at its Lowest Rate Since 1993.
Logistics industry expert Robert Delaney reports that the advantages the Internet offers in the areas of inventory and supply chain management have contributed significantly to trimming costs. As a result, spending is now less than 10% of the GDP.
October 12, 2000
The IRS Gears Up to Help
The IRS´ small business unit aims to offer assistance to companies less likely to have in-house lawyers and accountants.
Featured Industry Tradeshows/Events
The world's largest packaging event is just around the corner.
Association Point of View: I.D.A. on E-Commerce
Learn what the Industrial Distribution Association is doing to keep its members up to speed on all aspects of business, including e-commerce.
70 Year-Old Industrial Distributor Meets E-Commerce Head On
C.H. Bull Co. experienced the typical misgivings companies have in the face of change, but overcame its fears and confidently embraced what e-commerce has to offer.
The Internet Can Help Suppliers Find the Right Angle
Consultants at the University of Michigan Management Briefing Seminar are advising automakers' suppliers to get on the Internet. Using the Internet as a tool for communication and research will give these suppliers some leverage in the design stage.
Government Encourages Online Contracting
The Internet is reducing the amount of time, energy and money manufacturers and contractors are spending in accessing and reviewing government specifications. As a result, government contractors are realizing that they can't afford not to be online.
NAPM Study Forecasts the Future of Purchasing and Supply
A study by the National Association of Purchasing Management forecasts five and ten-year scenarios regarding the future of purchasing and supply. The results paint an optimistic picture for parties seeking facts in the negotiation process and a dire one for negotiators unable to navigate the changes that technological advances have brought to 21st century commerce.
Thixomolding: Fabricating for the 21st Century
A new process for manufacturing plastic and magnesium parts, thixomolding, is rapidly being adopted by a diverse group of industries. Behind its popularity is the array of advantages it offers over more traditional thermoplastic methods.
Compliance Labeling - Don't Get Stuck Without It
Compliance labeling allows suppliers to track, verify and receive goods with greater ease. Companies that choose to ignore this logical step risk losing money and business.
Flexible Packaging Materials "Stretch" Their Growth Rates
According to a recent report by the Flexible Packaging Association, the sales of flexible packaging materials are continuing to rise steadily. Fueling this increase is the current industry trend of switching from rigid to flexible packaging.
September 27, 2000
Procurement Cards: Both Buyers and Sellers Benefit
Procurement cards are rapidly becoming the leading payment tool for online purchasing. Significant cost savings, increased control and greater security are just some of the pluses that are making procurement cards the preferred option.
September 25, 2000
Working the Lines
Do-it-yourself phone systems are getting more sophisticated--and the prices are dropping all the time.
Featured Industry Tradeshows/Events
See what fabricating and metal forming events are headed your way.
Association Point of View: FMA on E-Commerce
The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) has been a pivotal educational force in metal forming and fabricating technologies. Along with the Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA) and its publications constituent, The Croydon Group, the FMA has spent the last 30 years providing its 3,000 members with practical technical information.
September 22, 2000
The New Business- to- Business Salesperson
The increasing demands of e-commerce are requiring new approaches to all aspects of business, and a revised sales strategy is certainly integral to success.
Putting Process Simulation to Work
Many manufacturers have started creating processes and prototypes with the aid of simulation software. Implementing this "soft" process not only saves them time and money, but results in even more precisely crafted products.
Getting a Perspective on Rubber Hydroforming
The use of rubber for hydroforming has demonstrated widespread use and an enduring popularity.
CNC Machining: Is it Time to Automate?
Machine shops seeking a more cost-effective method of CNC-machining should look to automation as a potential solution - and timing is everything.
Visa Combating Online Fraud
With e-business growing rapidly, concerns about security are increasing right along with it. With that in mind, Visa U.S.A. is implementing 10 new security rules for internet transactions involving their cards.
Successful E-Procurement at Work
As with any new technology, once you've navigated the initial bumps in the road, the end result is well worth the journey. Read more about selecting a vendor that will integrate best with your company's procurement system to assure the smoothest trip possible.
September 15, 2000
How to Outsource Your High-Tech Headaches
If managing your computers is a constant headache, here's a thought: Forget about it. Let someone else fiddle with memory and fuss with bandwidth while you and your staff focus on something you actually understand--your business. Believe it or not, it just may be possible.
August 30, 2000
Featured Industry Tradeshows/Events
See what MRO and plant engineering events are headed your way.
Benefits of Maximizing Supply Chain Communication
Both buyers and suppliers are working to change existing practices to improve the supply chain. Read what improvements are being made to strengthen existing links.
Be Ready: All Companies Need an Equipment Maintenance Action Plan
Preventive maintenance can substantially lower costs by being proactive rather than reactive.
Putting Business Automation in Context
As companies increasingly focus on bringing their business online, hardware and software vendors are creating applications that integrate the data with the computing systems.
Keeping Machinery Maintained For Safe Work Environments
Minimize equipment failure by adhering to simple prealignment preparations.
Association Point of View: AFE on E-Commerce
The Association for Facilities Engineering has been using innovations in e-commerce to provide benefits and services to its members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some members have adapted to these advances better than others.
The Buyer's Side: Perspectives from Burlington Industries
Advances in e-commerce are bringing purchasing to the next level by bridging the gap between buyers and sellers. Find out how one company is pooling its resources together.
New Technologies Accelerating E-Commerce Capabilities
As the technology behind the internet evolves, businesses find themselves able to provide more to their customers at a reduced cost.
Establishing Buyer/Supplier Trust on the Internet
With so many companies doing business on the web today, how can you be sure the company you're dealing with has reliable security?
