Feature Article

Undo the Catch-22: Why manufacturers need marketing automation

Getting budget approved for marketing automation is tough because executives normally don't want to invest more in a department they perceive to be a cost center. But as tradeshows and mass advertising lose their effectiveness, marketers must put dollars into technology that will drive more results. The trick is to fund the project out of the existing marketing budget—bypassing a lengthy approval process—to demonstrate results that justify continued investment.
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Instant snapshot: Inventory "rightsizing" program softens impact of the credit crunch

Rightsizing inventory can generate a good source of short-term working capital and improved free cash flow. ToolGroup says its new rightsizing program is well suited for companies with large inventories not being put to optimal use. The program targets CEOs and CFOs looking for increased liquidity, and supply chain executives trying to balance corporate mandates to reduce inventory costs while keeping customer-service metrics steady.
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Green fields: Key associations honor remote-service specialist Axeda

Real revenue gains are made on superior service. That's why Axeda recently received honors for reshaping the way manufacturers generate revenue despite today's economic woes: by using remote service as a driver to cut costs, maximize field service team resources, and keep customers coming back for more.
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Human capital: Mercer issues compensation module for manufacturing industry

The Mercer Manufacturing module includes responses from more than 730 organizations reporting on compensation for more than 80,390 employees in 202 positions. The positions range from top-level executives to assemblers and technicians.
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