Production planning is “the administrative process that takes place within a manufacturing business and that involves making sure that sufficient raw materials, staff and other necessary items are procured and ready to create finished products according to the schedule specified”, as defined by the Business Dictionary. Are you a manufacturing firm? If so, you will need a production plan to ensure that you have all the inputs for production ready at the right time to meet your product demand. Learn why production planning is important and the main steps involved in the production planning and controlling process.

Since 1969, the SABS Design Institute has been dedicated to human-centered design, which has the potential to stimulate growth in South Africa’s manufacturing industry. Focusing on the country’s design capabilities, it has become an agent for change and facilitated valuable socio-economic development. The Institute translates research & development and invention into sustainable economic opportunities, while creating a general awareness of design.

Simply put, inventory management refers to the act or process of keeping track of or managing the stock in your small business. It is a crucial aspect of running a profitable business because the inventory you keep is essentially potential profit in the form material goods such as food, clothes, etc. Holding on to inventory should therefore be something to avoid as it will tie up your cash flow.

Mobile working is now firmly entrenched into the fabric of our socio-economy. Here is why mobile and wireless technology continues to serve as the foundation for many a sector within the South African economy.

You will need a production plan to ensure that you have all the inputs for production-ready at the right time to meet your product demand. Learn why production planning is important and the main steps involved in the production planning and controlling process.

The purpose of this article is to help you as a business owner to understand your clients better, so you can approach them in a way that will be beneficial for both of you. The model I am using is the Social Styles model. In essence, there are 4 thinking styles: Analytical, Driver, Amiable, and Expressive. Let’s explore each of them in more detail and then talk about how you should approach each style.

Buying a truck for your business is no negligible expense, never mind buying a whole fleet of trucks. Therefore you want to make sure you get the best truck for the job. Here are the most important pieces of information to talk to your truck dealer about.

For a small business like yours, financing the acquisition of equipment rather than using the business’ cash offers significant benefits and mitigates risk. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider equipment finance.

The high crime rate is a reality of doing business in South Africa. It is because of this that security is one of the most important aspects of running a business - it's not an area where you can afford to cut corners. This article looks at various ways of assuring your company and your employees' safety.