Distributors always seem to think they are somewhat short of the desired level of cash. In reality, they probably have more than enough cash to operate successfully even in a slow-growth economy. The challenge is that if another serious economic downturn takes place, their cash balances could disintegrate.

Because of this lack of cash, many firms made significant moves over the last decade in an attempt to generate cash. Those moves were only occasionally geared towards improving profitability to increase cash. Instead, they were more likely centered on reducing inventory and accounts receivable at the existing profit level. Such actions have created as many problems as they have solved. Click here to read full article. This is a members-only article. Don't forget to log in. 

The US economy, as measured by Real GDP, is growing. US Real GDP was up 2.2% in the second quarter of 2017. Accelerating growth in the Manufacturing sector (up 1.0% year over year) and the Mining sector (up 1.6%) are contributing to the accelerating growth in US Industrial Production (up 0.8%). However, US Electric and Gas Utilities Production is contracting (down 0.6%) and will decline during the next two quarters. Year-over-year rise in Utilities Production will return by early 2018.

North America Robotics New Orders during the 12 months through March (units, most recent data) was up 15.6% compared to the year ago level. The ITR Checking Points™ system indicates that Phase B, Accelerating Growth, will extend through at least the next quarter. Expanding New Orders signal rise in the automation industry and bode well for AHTD members.  Click  here  to read full article. This is a members-only article. Don't forget to log in. 

Macon, GA (August 15, 2017) - It began as a $9,000 investment by John D. Nations in 1947, and 70 years later, the company has grown into a $100 million success story. Headquartered in Macon, Georgia since 1950, B&D Industrial supports three divisions-B&D Technologies, B&D Service and Scale Systems-while serving a broad industry and customer base across the U.S. While the corporate footprint has expanded, the company still remains a stalwart of traditional values and indomitable work ethic. Click here to read full article. 

August 28, 2017 - Buffalo Grove, IL - CARLO GAVAZZI is proud to announce the addition of their latest three phase monitoring relays, the DPA52 and DPB52. These devices provide critical protection against phase loss and improper phase sequence, with DPB52 adding additional protection against under-voltage and over-voltage.  Click here to read full article. 

PATLITE announces the LR Series of Signal Towers - its first fully modular line of signal towers, available in four industry standard sizes. The LR series is a complete offering composed of redesigned LED lighting and body base, a re-engineered, fully-enclosed IP65 buzzer, and a modular "twist and lock" system. Click here to read full article.

TROY, MI and LONDON, ON -- TR Electronic is proud to announce a renewed focus on on-site application analysis and troubleshooting services for our customers. We are custom-tailoring training programs for maintenance staff that will give them in-depth product knowledge and troubleshooting techniques for motion feedback systems. We believe this will bring increased value for customers, complementing our innovative products and reliable services.

With that renewed focus in mind, TR is happy to announce the promotion of Kevin Condorato to the position of Manager of Engineering and Technical Services. Click here to read full article. 

By: Raj Batra, President, Siemens Digital Factory Division, U.S.

A decade ago, the phrases "digital twin" and "virtual reality" might have seemed more like hype than reality. Today, as Chief Executive recently reported, manufacturers are leveraging digitalization to get to market faster and reduce engineering costs.
Now, as digital tools and data become the new currency, companies without a long-term digitalization strategy are worried about being left behind. This was the clear message conveyed by a new study conducted by Longitude Research on behalf of Siemens. Click here to read full article. 

CYBER WEBINAR: Check out this free webinar on Cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT) Networks on Wed. Nov 1st at 1:30 pm ET. Learn how you can help your customers prevent cyber-attacks that preserve and protect operations using high-efficiency approaches to securely implement true end-to-end embedded security. These strategies work with current operational systems and secure all devices connected to a network without sacrificing productivity and safety standards. Register now.