SYDNEY — Avnet Technology Solutions, the global IT solutions distribution leader and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), has launched its HP Financial Services (HPFS) offering within Australia. With this offering, Avnet aims to be the financial partner of choice, serving as the connection between technology and finance solutions that enhance customer profitability.…
Sweden's design flair and innovative mindset have earned the country a new accolade. Sweden's recently been named the best country in the EU when it comes to getting new ideas to reach the market, according to a new innovation indicator launched by the European Commission. Innovation — developing it, using it, and harnessing it to…
The financial accrual calculation process stymies manufacturers of all shapes and sizes. Let's look at why it's so difficult to calculate accruals, how an organization can smooth out the process, and what types of return it should expect. I've spoken with customers in the pharmaceutical, consumer goods, electronics, and even beverage manufacturing industries. Each administers…
I spent a few days recently at a conference listening to how some world-class companies are investing and improving their supply chain visibility and analytics. It's not only limited to hi-tech products, but also across-the-board from beauty products to grocery stores. Projects in this area kicked off more than a year ago when the economic…
If you follow business news, you will occasionally notice stories about mergers and acquisitions in the technology industry. Odds are you've read about big stories like BlackBerry looking for a buyer, Cisco’s latest acquisitions, or Dell’s latest negotiation with bidders to go private. However, unless you are an electronics M&A junkie like I am, you…
Before you finalize your budget, take inventory. What do you really need? A friend recently shared a story with me. Her company had been subject to budget cuts over the past several years. Each year the question wasn't if there would be cuts, but rather how much would be shaved off an already tight budget.…
To increase your profits, look at your financials on a granular level, rather than in aggregate. Your business probably has more than one product, more than one service, and more than one revenue stream. However, if you are like most people, you typically look at your financials in aggregate. You are shown a snapshot —…
Manufacturers are upbeat about the United States' economic prospects for the next 12 months, despite ongoing concerns about global economic growth, legislative pressure, and lack of demand. The attitude has notably improved compared to last year, and optimism for economic outlook among US industrial manufacturers is at its highest level in five quarters, according to…
Most high-tech distribution and service supply chains are built around a small number of clients. These clients typically generate 80 percent (or more) of revenue — the classic 80/20 rule. Rather than ignore the elephant in the room, it is important to be open about this, and to build a culture that acknowledges and addresses…
It's hard to believe, but there were nearly 200 electronics industry acquisitions in 2012. That's almost an acquisition per business day. Here's a rundown, courtesy of Silicon Expert Technologies, of what went down in the M&A scene last year, including some highlighted tie-ups. (Source: Silicon Expert Technologies) Related posts: Infographic: E-Waste – Where Does it…