As manufacturers and distributors know all too well, running a successful operation isn’t just about the production floor anymore. That’s why we gathered some of the sharpest minds in finance, tax, cybersecurity, and technology to share practical wisdom our clients can put to work immediately. Here’s what you missed if you couldn’t join us on March 13.
Mastering Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Manufacturing
Presented by: Ryan Brickwood and Mindy Gallman
Cash flow management remains fundamental for manufacturing businesses. The presentation highlighted the importance of clearly defining operating, investing, and financing activities while emphasizing regular monitoring of receivables and payables to prevent cash flow shortages.
For manufacturers working with progress billings, planning for unexpected expenses is particularly crucial. Tracking total liquidity, including both available cash and line of credit availability, provides a more comprehensive picture of your financial position.
One practical tip: Compare your forecasts to actual results regularly. This practice allows you to find potential issues before they become critical problems and make necessary adjustments to your operations or financial planning.
Tax Legislation: Preparing for Change
Presented by: Kaitlyn Robison
The upcoming tax landscape presents significant considerations for manufacturers. Current discussions in Washington center around the expiring provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), with ongoing debate between a “one big bill” versus “two bills” approach to reform.
Several key areas likely to see changes include the State and Local Tax (SALT) cap, Research and Development (R&D) amortization, and the 199A pass-through deduction. The federal fiscal outlook has shifted dramatically since 2017, with the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio now reaching 101 percent.
Manufacturers and Distributors should also be aware of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requirements, which have experienced shifting deadlines and enforcement parameters. Staying informed about these changes through your trusted Rea advisors can help you prepare effectively for any tax reform impacts.
Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business
Presented by: Panel Discussion including Travis Strong
The cybersecurity panel offered sobering insights into current threats facing manufacturers and distributors. Business email compromise leading to redirected payments has become increasingly common, while intellectual property theft poses a significant risk to manufacturing operations.
Industry-specific scams now include fraudulent product orders with altered shipping instructions, a direct threat to your bottom line. Third-party vendor risk requires attention, as it represents a shared responsibility rather than a simple risk transfer.
The financial impact is substantial, with typical breach costs having doubled since 2010, from $2.34 million to nearly $5 million. Companies of all sizes are targets, with smaller businesses often more vulnerable due to limited security investments.
Preventative measures include:
- Creating and testing incident response plans that remain accessible offline
- Implementing regular employee training on cyber hygiene
- Developing systematic approaches to manage third-party vendor risks
Leveraging Analytics and Automation
Presented by: Chris Holmes
The implementation of analytics and automation tools offers significant opportunities for manufacturing & distribution efficiency. As noted during the presentation, finance teams typically spend a significant amount of their time creating reports, when they would prefer to focus on analysis and client interaction.
Solutions like Power BI integrate with existing Microsoft ecosystems and connect to various data sources, including QuickBooks. These tools create a “single source of truth” that cuts reconciliation time and ensures consistent communication across departments.
The impact can be substantial. One manufacturing client increased on-time delivery by 20 percent using custom Power BI dashboards. Analytics tools can help track job status across different manufacturing processes, from cutting and painting to shipping, offering real-time insights into operations.
Taking Action for Your Manufacturing Business
The insights shared during Manufacturing Day highlight the interconnected nature of financial management, tax planning, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency for manufacturing & distribution today. By addressing these areas proactively, you can position your business for growth while protecting against emerging threats.
At Rea, our experienced advisors understand the unique challenges facing businesses in Ohio. Whether you’re looking to improve cash flow management, prepare for tax changes, strengthen your cybersecurity posture, or implement analytics solutions, we’re here to help.
Contact our Manufacturing team today to discuss how we can support your business goals and help you implement these valuable insights. Together, we can build a more resilient, efficient, and profitable manufacturing operation. We hope you will join us in person for our next Manufacturing Day event in October 2025!
