Manufacturing stays steady
The pace of manufacturing growth was little changed in November, according to a closely watched survey of executives in the sector released Monday that showed a pick-up in production even as manufacturers trimmed hiring plans. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/194439739/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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Iran nuclear crisis puts India at risk
A former American diplomat warns that a U.S. attack on Iran could make Mumbai and Delhi prime targets for nuclear attacks. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/194439743/ Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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GM Switches Materials to Cut Costs
Soaring materials prices are triggering a new design approach at General Motors that allows substitutions once a vehicle moves into production. Example: Use of steel gas tanks. http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6505407.html?nid=2878 Source: Design News - Materials/Fastening Top Stories |
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Manufacturing Grew at Slightly Slower Rates Says ISM
Production and new orders grew. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/194443115/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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India Most Attractive for Japan Inc.
Survey says India will be desirable manufacturing base in 10 years. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/194201790/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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After TomorrowNow: SAP appears to be retreating from Oracle consulting business
The mass defections of senior executives from its TomorrowNow business—and an accompanying announcement that the unit might soon go up for sale—is an indication that SAP’s strategy of making money by offering service contracts to Oracle customers wasn’t such a good idea after all. http://www.mbtmag.com/article/CA6506100.html?nid=3677 Source: Manufacturing Business Technology - IT Solutions News |
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AMA benefits on tap for APICS members
APICS The Association for Operations Management says a new agreement with the American Management Association (AMA) gives APICS members access to new business education products, services, and resources—including special pricing on all AMA seminars, customized programs, Webcasts, executive forums and books, and AMA research. http://www.mbtmag.com/article/CA6501585.html?nid=3677 Source: Manufacturing Business Technology - IT Solutions News |
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Office Depot Debuts Latest Catalog Offering Products for a Greener Office
Fourth edition of catalog of environmentally preferable products includes nearly 3,000 items, updated green office tips and guidance on green office purchasing http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/SourcingProcurement-News/O... Source: SDCExec.com: Sourcing/Procurement News |
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Roquette Installs OMP Planner to Optimize Factories Worldwide
Starch derivatives company integrates planning system from OM Partners into its existing enterprise technology platform for use in S&OP process http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/Demand-Management-News/Roq... Source: SDCExec.com: Demand Management News |
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Office Depot Debuts Latest Catalog Offering Products for a Greener Office
Fourth edition of catalog of environmentally preferable products includes nearly 3,000 items, updated green office tips and guidance on green office purchasing http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/SourcingProcurement-News/O... Source: SDCExec.com: Sourcing/Procurement News |
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Chinese Man Dies From H5N1 Virus
A man died of bird flu in China's Jiangsu province, becoming the country's 17th official fatality from the disease and prompting the WHO to urge stronger surveillance measures. http://feeds.wsjonline.com/~r/wsj/xml/rss/3_7013/~3/19434300... Source: WSJ.com: What's News Asia |
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India Growth View Moderates
India's GDP grew 8.9% year to year in the July-September quarter, slower than the previous period's 9.3% pace. http://feeds.wsjonline.com/~r/wsj/xml/rss/3_7013/~3/19407378... Source: WSJ.com: What's News Asia |
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The Three Things You Need to Get Right in Your Extended Value Chain
As companies increasingly rely on extended supply chains, focusing on these critical operational resources can ensure top performance http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/Demand-Management-Trends/T... Source: SDCExec.com: Sourcing/Procurement Trends |
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BSA Targets Small Business for Software Piracy
Michael Gaertner worried he could lose his company. A group called the Business Software Alliance had written him to claim that his 10-person architectural firm in Galveston, Texas, was using unlicensed software. The letter demanded $67,000 -- most of one year's profit -- or else the BSA would seek more in court. "It just scared the hell out of me," Gaertner said. An analysis by The Associated Press reveals that targeting small businesses is a lucrative strategy for the Business Software Alliance, the main global copyright-enforcement watchdog for such companies as Microsoft Corp., Adobe Systems Inc. and Symantec Corp. Of the $13 million that the BSA reaped in software violation settlements with North American companies last year, almost 90 percent came from small businesses, the AP found. The BSA is well within its rights to wring expensive punishments aimed at stopping the willful, blatant software copying that undoubtedly happens in many businesses. And its leaders say they concentrate on small businesses because that's where illegitimate use of software is rampant. But technology managers and software consultants say the picture has more shades of gray than the BSA acknowledges. Companies of all sizes say they inadvertently run afoul of licensing rules because of problems the software industry itself has created. Unable or unwilling to create technological blocks against copying, the industry has saddled its customers with complex licensing agreements that are hard to master. In that view, the BSA amasses most of its bounties from small businesses because they have fewer technological, organizational and legal resources to avoid a run-in. In Gaertner's case, some employees had been unable to open files with the firm's drafting software, so they worked around it by installing programs they found on their own, breaking company rules, he said. And receipts for legitimate software had been lost in the hubbub of running his company. "It... http://www.bpm-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=56876 Source: BPM Today |
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Foreclosure filings: No slowdown
Three states, California, Florida and Ohio, continue to dominate new foreclosure filings, as most of the nation saw increases in the third quarter, according to a new survey. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/184589438/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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Union fight puts France in gridlock
Traffic gridlock gripped the French capital today as President Nicolas Sarkozy's promised labor reforms went head to head with transport and utility unions who have launched an open-ended strike. Polls say a majority of French people are not behind the unions. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_topstories/~3/184605726/index.... Source: CNN.com |
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China's Foreign Direct Investment Up 13.2%
Foreign enterprises invested $6.8 billion in China last month. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/183943989/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Higher Product Costs Lead to Prices Increased for Great Lakes Manufacturing
70% of plants increased pricing http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/184493522/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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India's Manufacturing Increases 6.4%
Down from 12% last year http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/183943988/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Supply Chain Executive Briefing
A quick-read update on supply chain enablement projects and solutions for the busy executive http://www.sdcexec.com/print/Supply-and-Demand-Chain-Executi... Source: SDCExec.com: Demand Management News |
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Existing home sales may hit 5-year low
Read full story for latest details. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/184307792/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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October retail sales spooked
Warmer weather, combined with ongoing housing market problems and higher gas prices, eroded retail sales for a second consecutive month in October - a trend that's likely to spread jitters about this year's holiday shopping season. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/181617221/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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Materials Innovations from K 2007
At K 2007, more than 3,100 exhibitors filled 19 halls in the Messe Center in Düsseldorf, Germany. Contributing Editor Doug Smock has been to all K Fairs except one since 1986. Read through his coverage of this year's fair for the scoop on materials innovations straight from the show floor. http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6496181.html?nid=2878 Source: Design News - Materials/Fastening Top Stories |
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Tool-less Process Creates Fast, Economic Housings
A fast, cost-effective route to rapid prototypes of electronics enclosures is a process developed in Europe that combines CAD with CNC machining and fabrication of sheets of shielded plastic. http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6490741.html?nid=2878 Source: Design News - Materials/Fastening Top Stories |
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Innovation engine: ILOG upgrade could spawn new generation of supply chain applications
Supply chain management software users may soon find themselves fielding pitches from vendors offering new applications that promise to solve more complex problems much faster. http://www.mbtmag.com/article/CA6497521.html?nid=3677 Source: Manufacturing Business Technology - IT Solutions News |
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Intel will cut prices 50%
Intel, the world’s largest chipmaker, will slash its prices even further in its ongoing market share battle with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Intel will cut prices of its Core 2 Quad processor by 50% on July 22, according to an Intel document given to clients and reported on Bloomberg. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6451637.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Nickel prices drop on demand slump
Nickel prices fell to a three-month low this week on the London Metal Exchange after data showed inventories are building fast on slowing demand. “Prices probably will drop further as supplies grow,” said Andrew Silver, a trader at Natixis Commodity Markets. “Current prices are still too high.” http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6451624.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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25 housing markets poised to fall
http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/181180464/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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NAM Leads Trade Delegation For Doha Round
National Association of Manufacturers stresses the importance of cuts in industrial tariff barriers for success in trade negotiations.
http://www.manufacturing.net/article.aspx?id=152280 Source: Manufacturing.net Headline News |
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UPS Freight Launches Reliability Guarantee
On-time performance at no additional cost; technology enhancements also coming in 2008 http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/FulfillmentLogistics-News/... Source: SDCExec.com: Top Headlines |
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Oil sets new record above $93
Read full story for latest details. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/176595829/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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An India-US nuclear deal may be close
This could lift a 30-year ban on India's access to nuclear power and other sensitive technologies, reports Fortune's John Elliott. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/176660064/ Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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FedEx Express to increase rates 4.9% in 2008
FedEx Express announced today it would raise its 2008 shipping rates by 4.9% on average, after accounting for a reduction in its fuel surcharge. That’s a significant jump from FedEx’s 3.5% increase a year ago. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6494682.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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PCA says containerboard prices up
Paul Stecko, CEO of Packaging Corp. of America (PCA), said the company’s third quarter earnings were boosted by its $40/ton containerboard price increase in August and that buyers can expect more price increases in the fourth quarter. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6494414.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Airfares expected to jump again in 2008
Demand for corporate travel services will continue to outpace supply—driving prices up for air, hotel, car rental and corporate meetings and events in 2008, according to the American Express Global Business Travel Forecast. Expected to experience the biggest of the increases are airfares worldwide and hotel room rates. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6493899.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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World's Leading Corporate Innovators Stepped Up R&D Spending in 2006
The top 10 global R&D spenders in 2006 were: Toyota, Pfizer, Ford, Johnson & Johnson, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Microsoft, GlaxoSmithKline, Siemens and IBM. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/173639270/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Ethiopia Unveils First Locally Made Sedan
The four-cylinder Abay with five-speed manual transmission will cost $16,000. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/173143484/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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SIA lowers semiconductor forecast
The Semiconductor Industry Association says declining chip prices mean that the industry will only grow 1.8% in 2007. The association had earlier forecast 1.8% growth for the industry. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6452001.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Competition Heats Up Again for Free Shipping
The majority of online retailers hope to entice shoppers this holiday season by offering free shipping, and almost half will offer it without conditions, a National Retail Federation study out today shows. "It almost has become a cost of doing business for the holiday season," says Scott Silverman, executive director of NRF's Shop.org, which released the study with Shopzilla.com. "And it's not a real popular promotion with retailers, because it's expensive." With consumer confidence at a two-year low, shoppers are looking for deals. For online shoppers, that's especially true of no-strings-attached free shipping, which 41% of Web retailers say they plan to offer. The share has been steadily increasing, from 36% last year and 25% two years ago. Two-thirds of online shoppers surveyed said it's their favorite holiday promotion. Retailers are "treating (free shipping) as the next step in price competition," says retail strategist Chad Doiron of consulting firm Kurt Salmon Associates. Some retailers offer free shipping only on certain items or numbers of items or after consumers spend a certain amount, often $50. The question for retailers who still attach strings to free shipping is, "How long will they be able to hold those conditions?" says Kurt Peters of Internet Retailer magazine. "With the economy being what it is, it comes down to who blinks first -- the retailer or the consumer?" Promotions aside, consumers said the most important qualities in online shopping are good value and clear product descriptions. Web retailers know promotions are effective only if the site works. Wal-Mart and Amazon had outages last holiday season, which Peters says sent a chill through retailers. "Every retailer is looking at performance problems and taking steps to avoid having problems themselves," he says. "They've added servers or other hardware." Among online retailers responding to the survey who also have bricks-and-mortar stores, the most common promotion they'll... http://www.bpm-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=56221 Source: BPM Today |
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Reduce Communications Spend
By Matt Miller The communications market has witnessed a consistent and constant decrease in prices for voice and data services; industry analysts say rates for wireless services will fall another 15%, voice services will drop 20-25%, and data services will slide 7-10% in the foreseeable future. But despite these dramatic declines in service rates, many business enterprises continue to experience either flat or rising costs for communications. The right tools and strategies are required to reduce costs. Contact K2 Sourcing for more information. |
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Housing starts, permits plunge
Builders continued to slam the brakes on new homes in September, as the government's latest reading on the battered market out Wednesday showed housing starts and permits were weaker than expected and at levels not seen for more than a decade. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/171111931/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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Housing outlook: Price drops, layoffs
For those in the real estate industry and for those looking to buy or sell a home, it could take until 2009 to catch a break. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/171056495/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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Oil eases from highs after inventories
Oil prices eased from their highs Wednesday after the government reported a gain in crude oil inventories and gasoline in addition to an unexpected increase in supplies of distillates including heating oil. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/171155703/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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China's biggest bank to open U.S. branch
Read full story for latest details. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/171155709/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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U.S. Consumer Prices up 0.3%
Higher than expected http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/171139486/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Owners of Small Manufacturing Companies are Worried
Lower revenue predictions drive Small Business Confidence Index down http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/170964734/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Strikes Hits Factories in Southern Vietnam
Workers have gone on strike at 38 foreign and locally owned companies http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/170964736/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Industry Experts Tout Response Management as Critical to Success
Analyst firms advocate Response Management capability as a strategic move in to managing volatile global supply networks http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/Decision-Support-News/Indu... Source: SDCExec.com: Top Headlines |
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China's Hu: 'Spread the fruits' of boom
Read full story for latest details. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/170221427/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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How the Internet Changed Sourcing
The move away from using personal introductions to find suppliers has greatly reduced front-end costs, while creating a need for greater attention at the back end. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/169968070/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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China's Forex Reserves Top $1.43 Trillion
Increase of 45% from last year http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/168928170/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Report: India to Challenge China As World Manufacturing Hub
It was bound to happen, China becoming saturated with foreign companies starting up operations, leading to the corporate tide to turn to another country, such as India, waiting in the wings. This survey suggests that may happen in five years or less. http://www.scmr.com/article/CA6491467.html?nid=3934 Source: Supply Chain Management Review - Software & Technology |
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K2 Sourcing, Inc Reduces Cost of eRFI (x) System
By K2 Sourcing, Inc To create improved value to procurement professionals, K2 Sourcing has released a special very low cost version of it's software. Not only does this generate more value for experienced large sourcing organizations, it allows small and medium sized businesses an opportunity to test technology that has been cost-wise byond there reach. Right now a fre 90 day trial is being offered. View eRFI page from K2 Sourcing for more. |
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Tool-less Process Creates Fast, Economic Housings
A plastics fabrication process, developed in Europe, works well for production runs of 50 to 200 and avoids the high expense of building injection molds and fixtures. http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6477457.html?nid=2878 Source: Design News - Materials/Fastening Top Stories |
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'Made in India' Rising to Challenge China
Within 5 years India could pose a challenge to China, says Capgemini. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/167264693/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Supply Management as Business Performance Driver
In the final analysis, the head of a supply chain function must be willing to step up and make a commitment http://www.sdcexec.com/print/Supply-and-Demand-Chain-Executi... Source: SDCExec.com: Executive Movement News |
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Guest Column: Russia Trade Environment
Navigating the complex relationship of government and the federal customs service http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/FulfillmentLogistics-Trend... Source: SDCExec.com: Sourcing/Procurement Trends |
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But I Thought Everyone Saved Money in China
Saving on labor isn't always enough to move production to China. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/163536863/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Manufacturing Still Expanding in U.S.
Petroleum & coal, electrical equipment, appliances & components sectors grew inSept. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/163740559/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Manufacturing Sees Moderate, Mixed Growth In September
 Institute for Supply Management report suggests sector is doing well overall, despite a slip in new orders and production.http://www.manufacturing.net/article.aspx?id=150986 Source: Manufacturing.net Headline News |
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Electronics outsourcing to grow in Southeast Asia
The electronics manufacturing services industry in Southeast Asia will grow from $20.7 billion in 2006 to $49.4 billion in 2013, according to a new Frost & Sullivan report. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6485945.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Flat-rolled steel prices remain anemic
Key flat-rolled steel transaction prices appeared to have bottomed out in August since the September transaction price averages for hot-rolled sheet and cold-rolled sheet both increased by $5/ton. According to calculations by Purchasingdata.com, hot-rolled coil averaged $513 on sales for September deliveries while cold-rolled coil averaged $598. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6482989.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Orders for durable goods take a big tumble
Demand for big-ticket manufactured goods plunged in August by the largest amount in seven months, with widespread weakness signaling a slowdown in the nation's industrial sector. The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that orders for durable goods, items expected to last three or more years, fell by 4.9% in August, the biggest decline since a 6.1% fall in January. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6482988.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Best for business: Singapore
Read full story for latest details. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/161486547/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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Mattel Recalls More than 700,000 More Toys
Late yesterday, Mattel Inc. announced it was recalling more than 700,000 more toys made in China that have excessive amounts of lead paint. http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6475187.html?nid=2878 Source: Design News - Materials/Fastening Top Stories |
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LTL rates to drop further
In a recent note to clients, Bear Stearns analysts said less-than-truckload rates should drop in the second half. The LTL market remains increasingly competitive, and we expect based on pricing in the first half, for pricing on average to weaken over the next 6-18 months as more contracts are priced in this weakened state. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6451672.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Nickel prices drop on demand slump
Nickel prices fell to a three-month low this week on the London Metal Exchange after data showed inventories are building fast on slowing demand. “Prices probably will drop further as supplies grow,” said Andrew Silver, a trader at Natixis Commodity Markets. “Current prices are still too high.” http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6451624.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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India Outsources Its Own Outsourcing
From across India, thousands of recruits report to the Infosys Technologies campus here in the deep south of India. Amid the manicured lawns and modern buildings, they learn the finer points of software programming. But lately, packs of foreigners have been strolling the campus. Many are Americans, recently graduated from college. Some had been pursued by coveted employers like Google. Instead, they accepted a novel assignment from Infosys, the Indian technology giant: Fly here to learn programming from scratch, then return to the United States to work in the Indian company's back office. Now India is outsourcing outsourcing. One of the constants of the global economy has been companies moving tasks -- and jobs -- to India, where they could be done at lower cost. But rising wages for programmers here, a strengthening currency and companies' need for workers in their clients' time zones or for workers who speak languages other than English are challenging that model. India is facing increased competition from countries seeking to emulate its success as a back office for wealthier neighbors: China for Japan, Morocco for France and Mexico for the United States, for instance. Looking to beat back these new rivals, leading Indian companies are opening back offices in those countries, outsourcing work to them before their current clients do. Many executives in India now concede that outsourcing, having rained most heavily on India, will increasingly sprinkle tasks across the planet. The future of outsourcing, said Ashok Vemuri, an Infosys senior vice president, is "to take the work from any part of the world and do it in any part of the world." In May, an Infosys rival, Tata Consultancy Services, announced a new back office in Guadalajara, Mexico; it already has 5,000 employees in Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. Cognizant Technology Solutions, with most of... http://www.bpm-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=55581 Source: BPM Today |
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Socially Responsible Sourcing
TradeCard partners with Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production to identify socially compliant manufacturers, promote code of ethical conduct http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/SourcingProcurement-News/S... Source: SDCExec.com: Sourcing/Procurement News |
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Companies to Become More Involved in Energy Decisions
Climate changes and prices are forcing utility companies to meet customer demand for renewable energy sources. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/154431523/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Building a Strategic Supply Management Team
Skills development helps the sourcing group become a strategic asset for Kimball International http://www.sdcexec.com/print/Supply-and-Demand-Chain-Executi... Source: SDCExec.com: Executive Movement News |
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Supply Management as Business Performance Driver
In the final analysis, the head of a supply chain function must be willing to step up and make a commitment http://www.sdcexec.com/print/Supply-and-Demand-Chain-Executi... Source: SDCExec.com: Executive Movement News |
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WTO Accepts U.S., Mexico Trade Complaint Against China
China says actions driven by politics. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/152034522/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Strategic Spot Trading Benefits Supply Chains
Supply chain participants can create greater efficiencies. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/IWNews/~3/151889012/ReadArtic... Source: IndustryWeek |
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Gasoline inventory plunge may affect gas prices
The Energy Information Administration’s latest “Week in Petroleum” report shows that while retail gas prices have dropped recently, gasoline inventories are “very low, especially in terms of days of supply (calculated by taking total gasoline inventories and dividing by the latest four-week average of product supplied). And that news may delay the traditional post-Labor Day drop in retail gas prices. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6473199.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Asian steelmakers to cut steel output next month
Asia’s third-largest steelmaker Posco of Korea said it will be reducing output of stainless steel by 25,000 tons in September due to declining orders.Posco’s decision follows those of other Asian steelmakers cutting output including Nippon Steel, Hyundai and Sumikin Stainless Steel Corp., according to Bloomberg. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6473009.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Iron ore prices could spike 35%
A new report from RBC Capital Markets says that iron ore prices could rise as much as 35% in the next year due to booming demand from steelmaking regions in Asia. “Demand, particularly from China, has continued unabated, while supply from almost every producer remains constrained,” the RBC analysts said in the report, which was reported by Bloomberg. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6472575.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Steel prices won’t see new highs
Independent steel industry analyst Michelle Applebaum told the Reuters news service that after declining by about $80/ton in the last nine months due to high inventories, steel prices won’t regain all of that ground. "I see prices going back maybe $50, but I don't think there will be new highs," she said. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6472572.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Ocean freight rates stay on peak
While market watchers debate the impact of slowing global markets on commodity prices, most analysts agree that ocean shipping rates show no signs of decline. The Associated Press reports that this week, the Baltic Dry Index, which covers drybulk shipping rates, jumped 104 points to close at 7,381, surpassing an all-time high of 7,319 set just two weeks ago. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6472565.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Considering Business Process Offshoring
The topic of business process offshoring is an important one for management teams to evaluate -- particularly in the current market environment. It is also a significant topic to discuss in the context of creating and building value for a company. This column is based primarily on a Deloitte Consulting LLP study entitled Business Process Offshoring in the Mortgage Industry: A Tale of Two Opportunities, which discusses business process offshoring in the mortgage industry. Business process offshoring continues to gain adoption in financial services; its long-term effect on the mortgage banking business will likely be substantial. While considered a late-entry to business process offshoring versus other financial services industry participants, the mortgage banking industry is rapidly accepting this strategy, which is destined to have a sizable long-term impact on how lenders do business both externally and internally. According to analysis done by Deloitte Consulting, approximately half of the nation's top 40 lenders are offshoring. An effective business process offshoring strategy becomes a critical element in enhancing profitability, given the current competitive landscape. Those that do not implement some sort of business process offshoring may be poorly positioned in tight, volatile markets as pressures on margins continue. An effective offshoring strategy could mean the difference between profit or loss, achieving or not achieving specific objectives and, perhaps most important, independence or acquisition. Further, greater profitability resulting from a well-implemented offshoring strategy may enhance the value of a company in a sale or an initial public offering (IPO). The U.S. residential mortgage market represents an incredible opportunity for the effective utilization of business process offshoring. The Outlook for the Real Estate Finance Industry report, prepared by the Council to Shape Change -- an independent group of mortgage industry leaders, of which this author was a member -- concluded that the mortgage market's correction... http://www.bpm-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=55080 Source: BPM Today |
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WTO Launches Probe Of Chinese Illegal Subsidies
World Trade Organization to investigate U.S. and Mexican allegations that China is providing illegal subsidies for a range of industries.
http://www.manufacturing.net/article.aspx?id=148394 Source: Manufacturing.net Headline News |
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Supply Chain Collaboration Remains Ad Hoc and Fragmented: CAPS Study
Most companies missing opportunity to drive real competitive advantage, CAPS researchers find; three-step plan for collaborative progress proposed http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/SourcingProcurement-News/S... Source: SDCExec.com: Top Headlines |
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China's top 100 companies
A rush of listings on the Hong Kong and Shanghai exchanges added a dozen newcomers to Fortune's annual list of China's 100 largest publicly traded companies. One of them had the largest share offering in the world: Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, which raised $21.9 billion last October. As China's biggest bank by revenue and Asia's most profitable bank, with profits of $6.2 billion last year, it grabbed the No. 4 spot on this year's list. http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/149155487/inde... Source: Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com |
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LTL rates to drop further
In a recent note to clients, Bear Stearns analysts said less-than-truckload rates should drop in the second half. The LTL market remains increasingly competitive, and we expect based on pricing in the first half, for pricing on average to weaken over the next 6-18 months as more contracts are priced in this weakened state. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6451672.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Sourcing.The Profession
What a Chief Sourcing Officer can do for your company http://www.sdcexec.com/web/online/In-Depth/SourcingThe-Profe... Source: SDCExec.com: Sourcing/Procurement Trends |
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Ethylene prices jump 4¢ this month
Spot prices of ethylene being purchased this month from Gulf Coast producers are averaging 45¢, an increase of 4¢ above the national average in July because of higher energy costs, healthy demand from polyethylene producers and a robust export market. Some other analysts also suggest that ethylene inventories remain very low, further boosting spot pricing. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6469005.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Rebar prices are falling
The collapse in new-housing construction (reduced demand) and tons of low-priced imports (expanded supply) appear to have caught up with the concrete steel reinforcing bar market—belying recent mill comments about generally healthy sales and relatively stable prices. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6466603.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Wood pallet prices inch upward
Hardwood lumber markets have been lethargic for the past year because of the housing malaise, which has reduced sawmill production of construction-grade and pallet-grade products—and kept pricing from rising very much. The national price for new 48x20-inch pallets increased to an average $8.67/each in August—as compared with $8.65 for the previous 13 months and $8.64 for the 8 months before that. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6466602.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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Ocean container rates will continue rising
Continuing demand for ocean container shipping will push rates even further, says ocean container shipping firm Neptune Orient, which expects container rates will rise as demand remains strong. “Rates are coming back; our ships are full," says NOL’s CEO, Thomas Held, in a briefing reported by the Reuters News Service. http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6466600.html?title=Artic... Source: Purchasing - General Articles |
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A WISCONSIN-BASED SOFTWARE COMPANY NAMED AS ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTION PROVIDERS
2 Sourcing Adds Innovation to Strategic Sourcing and the Negotiation Process; Highly Automated Solution Increases Customer Productivity, Profitability MILWAUKEE -- (July 19, 2007) – Organizations seeking to streamline their purchasing department, while improving profitability, should look no further than Belgium, Wisconsin, according to Supply Chain and Demand Executive Magazine. |
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K2 Sourcing Named Top 100 Solution Providers
By Matt Miller This year's "Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100" feature focuses on how supply chain solution and service providers are helping their customers meet the challenges of today's marketplace. We sought to identify the leading providers of supply chain services and technologies who are at the forefront of enabling the supply chain. But more than that, we sought to uncover the best practices and processes that leading companies are putting in place around these services and technologies to bring new competitive advantage to their supply chains. http://www.sdcexec.com/print/Supply-and-Demand-Chain-Executi... Source: Supply and Demand Chain Executive, 2007) |
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E-Sourcing Reverse Auction The Latest
In 2 weeks, K2 Sourcing is releasing a new version of its popular “Lean Source” web based e-sourcing application. With enhanced project management features, greater eRFI capabilities, and streamlined interfaces, K2 Sourcing continues to be the value leader in e- sourcing, making e-sourcing easier to use and implement. As a side note, we did not change our unique reverse auction process that leads to greater supplier participation and improved more implementable results. To see the new system in action, please email info@k2sourcing.com. |
