5S Provides Organized Approach for Continuous Improvement

5S, which stands for Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize and Sustain, is one of the core principles used as a tool for implementing either a lean manufacturing or distribution process.

As noted in previous newsletters, lean is a philosophy that can be applied to all areas, departments, or processes in any organization from the front office to the shop floor to the shipping dock. The primary objectives of lean are to both eliminate waste and create value for the customer.

5S is an organized approach to housekeeping that ensures tools, parts and other objects are in known optimum locations. 5S is also a process that organizes individual workstations or departments to increase efficiency at the micro-level by keeping the workplace neat, orderly and accessible. [More]

* Gary Kerslake is a Supply Chain Consultant with SVA Consulting, LLC, and Suby, Von Haden & Associates, S.C.

Buying or Selling a Manufacturing Business: Avoiding the Pitfalls

Jim Lindell, CPA, president of Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc., will examine the “tricks, traps and terrors” that confront businesses when they acquire or sell existing businesses. Please join us Wednesday, May 14, at the Sheraton Milwaukee for this Excellence in Manufacturing & Distribution Seminar.

While there is no charge for the seminar, to ensure that we have enough materials and space for everyone, please register by Monday, May 5, by contacting Amy Qualmann, (608) 826-2430, qualmanna@sva.com.

New Law Allows Faster Write-Off of Business Assets

The new 2008 Economic Stimulus Act includes several provisions that will benefit businesses by providing enhanced expensing and depreciation provisions for equipment purchased and placed into service in 2008. This tax relief will encourage businesses to make investments that will enable them to keep growing, and the requirement for investment in 2008 will achieve the stimulus bill’s goal of injecting money into the economy right away. [More]

• Section 179 Expensing
• Bonus Depreciation is Back
• Vehicle Depreciation Limits Increased