Tech Trends eNewsletter Archives

July 2007
Common Ground
Foreign-born workers offer a solution to the looming labor crunch. While working with them can be a challenging task, it offers potentially significant rewards. Here are some tips on how to do it right.

June 2007
Gray Skies Ahead?
What factors contribute to a healthy business climate? The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis offers a succinct list on its Web site. In no particular order, the Fed notes that "tax structure, availability and quality of public services, environmental regulations, employment regulations, education/quality of labor force, physical infrastructure (highways, utilities, etc.) quality of life (crime, health, etc.) all affect the ease and profitability of doing business in a particular region."

April 2007
Untangling the Web
Ten years ago, it didn't matter if a company's Web site was easy to navigate, fun to look at, or quick to download. "Back then, anything was awesome," says Jan Hepola, an MTI business services consultant. "If you just had a site, that was impressive. But now, the benchmark has really changed."

March 2007
On the Map
Value-stream mapping can help you identify and eliminate wasteful practices and improve quality. How can you put it to work for your company?

February 2007
The (New) Golden Age of Wireless
Hot new trends are reshaping the wireless and mobile computing realms. How can you take advantage of them?

January 2007
Cue the Review
What is a Business Process Review? And what can it do for you?

2006

December 2006
The Science of Compliance
Compliance is a hot topic these days. How can you keep your company in line?

November 2006
Warp Speed
Rapid manufacturing offers efficiencies and product-development techniques that were unheard of a decade ago. Will it prove itself as a truly disruptive technology?

October 2006
Under Control
Plant management systems promise a bevy of potential benefits. How can you tell if one is right for you?

September 2006
What’s New in RFID?
As the technology continues to mature, the market continues to expand. What’s driving the growth?

August 2006
Under Pressure
Employee stress can kill your company’s productivity and profits. Here are some strategies to keep it under control.

July 2006
Go Global
10 things to consider before your company makes the international business leap.

June 2006
Top Secret
Eight tips for protecting your company's trade secrets.

May 2006
The New Mainstream
With oil prices going through the roof, it‘s time to take a new look at alternative energy.

April 2006
Building Blocks
After years of big promise, nanotechnology is starting to live up to its potential. And this is only the start.

March 2006
BPM Decoded
An introduction to software-based business process management.

February 2006
Found Money
Valuable dollars tend to hide in unexpected places. Here are some tips for finding funds you didn't know you had.

January 2006
The Finer Points of Partnerships
Strategic partnerships allow you to share risk and reap the rewards. Here's how to do it right.

2005

December 2005
Motivating the Masses
Eight simple tips to keep your employees working hard and feeling good about their jobs.

November 2005
What's in Storage?
A look at some of the emerging new data-storage and management solutions available to small and mid-sized businesses.

October 2005
What's Your Plan?
Continuity planning can help you protect your firm against business-disrupting emergencies.

September 2005
High Energy
Need a break from rising energy expenses? Here are some ways to take the sting out of your monthly bills.

August 2005
Wireless Potential
Progressive-minded manufacturers are starting to use wireless solutions to boost operating efficiency. Is it time to get in on the act?

July 2005
Look Before You Leap
Looking to build a cohesive Internet strategy? Consider these six steps before you start.

June 2005
The Lean Way to Expand Your Business
Big news: Lean manufacturing is more than a waste-reduction tool. Here's how to get started.

May 2005
To Market, To Market
Companies must innovate and bring new products to market as quickly as possible. Can your product development process keep up?

April 2005
Blogging for Dollars
Blogs have quickly become a smart marketing tool for small businesses. What can they do for yours?

March 2005
RFID: What’s the Frequency?
You’ve probably seen the headlines: Starting this year, Wal-Mart will require its top 100 suppliers to slip RFID tags into every case and pallet sent to the mammoth retailer. Target Corp. and the U.S. Department of Defense have followed suit with similar mandates.

February 2005
Manufacturing Trends 2005
As a whole, manufacturing sector leaders seem to be optimistic this year about their chances for growth. In October 2004, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) polled the small- and mid-sized manufacturers who serve on its board of directors about their outlook for 2005.

January 2005
RFID: What’s the Frequency?
You’ve probably seen the headlines: Starting this year, Wal-Mart will require its top 100 suppliers to slip RFID tags into every case and pallet sent to the mammoth retailer. Target Corp. and the U.S. Department of Defense have followed suit with similar mandates.