Ideas & Insights

We expect Biden to be more supportive of free trade, even though Biden’s “Buy American” proposal does reflect protectionism.

Companies should assess Biden’s pledge to invest $1.7 trillion over the next 10 years toward the goal of achieving 100% clean energy.

To deal with the economic fallout, auto manufacturers and suppliers have been forced to develop resilience and agility in real time.

The political and social landscape in the oil and gas industry is changing, and companies without an ESG strategy will fall behind.

Misconceptions about the federal research and development tax credit leave many companies paying more tax than required.

With the election approaching, RSM is looking at the economic stakes and the key issues for the manufacturing industry.

Environmental regulations and the use of federal lands for drilling activity are among the top issues for the industry.

Amid pandemic uncertainty, investment in digital technologies will lead the way for middle market manufacturing businesses.

The unprecedented imbalance the oil market has seen in 2020 has garnered extraordinary responses from both oil producers and policymakers.

Auto suppliers have grappled with how to attract and retain talent, but talent management has taken on a new form since the pandemic began.

Q2 2020 insights on what suppliers should focus on with regard to alternative sourcing and supply chain visibility.

Manufacturers changing over operations in order to create personal protective equipment may be exposed to new state tax liabilities.

Here are some safety and regulatory factors manufacturing business leaders should address as local economies start reopening.

Industrial companies deal with complicated cash flow scenarios every day. Here’s a look at cash flow considerations during the crisis.

The AICPA released the SOC for Supply Chain report to aid organizations with relevant controls to address business risk.

Middle market industrial companies are starting to see a decline in sales and are preparing to face a potential liquidity crunch.

State tax cash-flow maximization and risk minimization are available for private equity groups and their portfolio companies.

Bringing stability to your supply chain and maximizing liquidity is critical to maximize your organization’s financial results.

State and local tax strategies may alleviate some of the economic consequences of COVID-19 on the manufacturing industry.

The grid is being modernized to work smarter and be more resilient. However, the infrastructure of a smart grid remains the same.

From tariffs to coronavirus to shifting consumer tastes, auto suppliers confront an era of uncertainty as they look ahead to 2020 and 2021.

What is the US energy industry doing to make electricity "smarter" in 2020 and beyond? Find out the most important considerations.

The Wayfair decision goes beyond just retail and can impact manufacturers that sell exempt to resellers or distributors.

The accelerating pace of change in the industry leaves executives with little choice but to adapt in order to remain competitive.

Favorable classification available for retailers selling private label products and consumer products companies using contract manufacturing

Three states have prescriptions for opioid taxes on manufacturers and distributors. Here’s what you need to know.

Equipment-as-a-service could aid manufacturers looking to support ongoing, new or experimental projects, while keeping a lid on costs.

The rising use of innovative technology and the uncertainty created by trade policies are among the trends worth watching this year.

The American automotive industry is experiencing a profound a period of change and auto suppliers need to act survive.

Data is a critical asset for oil and gas companies. Timely data access allows companies to be efficient, mitigate risk and be profitable.

How can middle market manufacturers thrive amid an economic slowdown? Get key planning ideas to address this challenge.

Automaker industry changes and challenges are explored along with the resulting economic impact on its vast network of suppliers.

The surplus of natural gas has helped the U.S. become a net exporter of natural gas and may have a role in the future of the LNG industry.

When there are signs of an economic slow-down in your business, the best approach is to pay attention—and plan for what may come.

Many manufacturers are noting the costs of tariffs for the first time. Beyond exemptions, there are other options to keep costs down.

In a volatile trade environment, one manufacturer is encouraging his peers to learn more about their options and prepare for uncertainty.

Skepticism regarding artificial intelligence is understandable, but it’s often based on a misunderstanding of what AI really is.

Logistics costs are rising for manufacturers. Find out why and learn strategies to help improve your company’s logistics efficiency.

Research implies that U.S. consumers and firms are paying a $3 billion-per-month increase in costs due to current trade policies.

This article dispels myths about the new UNICAP rules and discusses the impact of the new rules on manufacturers.

What’s the impact to the middle market from a multifront series of trade conflicts? We explore the risks and possible outcomes.

Middle market companies face a host of warehousing challenges that can limit growth and potentially hamper sustainability.

What can automotive manufacturers and suppliers learn from companies that have already implemented the new lease accounting standard?

The challenges and opportunities in technology, cybersecurity, regulations, commodities and alternative energy to watch in the coming year.

Technology continues to have an impact on the industry, but regulatory and cost issues are affecting operations as well.

Challenges and opportunities in growth, technology, the workforce, trade and logistics to watch in the coming year.

Entering a new market requires planning, patience and attention to detail. Manufacturers have a few candid insights to share.

The ability of automakers and suppliers to include tooling expenses in their R&D credit can create a tremendous benefit.

The tight labor market and increasing wages will continue to put a strain on middle market manufacturing profitability in 2019.

Disruptive change is here to stay, and financial planning and analysis in the automotive industry needs to transform along with it.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Trade agreement (USMCA) includes an important chapter on small and medium-size enterprises.

Tariffs are presenting challenges and opportunities for consumer and industrial products companies. Learn how they're responding.

What’s the early impact of tariffs? Commentary on economic conditions reveals evidence of rising input costs and general trade anxiety.

The elimination of the sales and use tax physical presence could have a profound impact on the tax compliance obligations of auto suppliers.

Some automotive parts entities have encountered accounting and operational challenges in applying the new revenue recognition standard.

Uncertainty around tariffs will impact middle market businesses looking at narrower profit margins. Will costs get passed to customers?

Due to the disconnect between buyer and seller expectations, the market has recently experienced more broken deals than in prior quarters.

There is a way for auto industry OEMs to accelerate depreciation into 2017 to take advantage of that period’s more favorable tax rates.

Multinational automakers and suppliers may be able to reduce their tax rate by capitalizing on their foreign-derived income.

There are a number of compelling cases that could be made for using blockchain technology in the auto sector. But the key is the network.

With a shift in attention to technology advances, private equity investors increased their focus on digitally focused services business.

Forward-looking production and new orders subindexes are pointing to a sustained period of strength into the final two months of the year.

There is little accounting guidance regarding how to treat cores. Remanufacturers should ensure the methodologies they use are supportable.

With dealer inventories remaining high and new car production continuing to rise, is there cause for concern for the auto industry.

In addition to displacing people and claiming lives, Hurricane Harvey has caused significant economic damage to the region.

Automotive manufacturers and suppliers have opportunities to increase their R&D credit thanks to some misunderstood R&D credit provisions.

Understanding how your company utilizes temporary staffing agencies could lead to significant tax savings and risk mitigation.

For middle market firms the renegotiation and modernization of NAFTA represents a major opportunity to take advantage of trade innovations.

RSM's chief economist breaks down the latest U.S. labor market data and what it means for middle market companies.

While 2019 may seem far off, planning should begin now in order to ensure an effective and efficient implementation of the new standard.

Understand the critical role of a financial expert in oil and gas litigation and identify the questions to consider before retaining one.

With insolvency proceedings on the rise, it’s important to understand the critical oil and gas questions to be addressed and evaluated.

Phone systems are not just for taking phone calls. A unified system can provide a platform for communications, data and service.

Many proposed tax law changes will not only affect federal and international tax positions, they will also impact on state and local taxes.

Rising revenues do not always mean increased profits. Margin analytics can help manufacturers prioritize opportunities and identify risks.

The use of wireless technology in manufacturing is growing, but it requires well-defined objectives, scope and maintenance to be effective.

Implementing applications and systems has never been more affordable, but success is based on aligning people, processes and technologies.

Mexico issues provisions protecting US companies with shelter maquiladora contracts from permanent establishment taxation.

In a quickly changing world, multiple factors are making it difficult for manufacturers to hit their target profit margins.

Manufacturers must understand how changes in markets, countries and regulations may create new opportunities or risks.

Addressing headwinds early and planning for a slow-growth environment remains the focus of business products and services companies.

Automotive manufacturers leverage innovation, R&D and the right partnerships to achieve long-term success while shaping the future of automobiles.

The 2014 Monitor report takes an in-depth look at the reasons behind the success of thriving and innovative companies in the industry.

The Simplicity Trap - Proper IT due diligence prior to a deal close could lead to a more favorable purchase agreement.

Transfer pricing risks facing the automotive industry.

The Manufacturing Monitor survey takes an in-depth look at the growth, technology, profitability and risk issues affecting the industry.