February - Chicago Business Barometer™
02/29/2024
The Chicago Business Barometer™ softened -0.2 points to 44.0 in February. This is the third consecutive monthly decline, pushing the index deeper into contractionary territory, and marking the lowest print since July 2023. We also note that this print is -1.4 points below the 2023 average.
Production fell to its lowest level since May 2023. The decline was driven by a greater number of respondents reporting lower production.
Employment dropped to its lowest level since July 2023. The smallest proportion of respondents, since May 2020, reported that they had increased employment. The largest proportion of respondents reported lower levels of employment since July 2023.
A special question in February asked: How have changes in financial conditions affected your access to borrowing? 55.2% expected "No impact", while 10.3% were winding down borrowing due to higher costs.
8 benefits of automating supply chain processes
03/01/2024
The supply chain has grown too complex for manual processes to handle the growing influx of data, and automation can help increase visibility and reduce delays and disruptions. Matt McLarty of Boomi writes. McLarty outlines eight areas where supply chain automation can make a marked difference.
Full Story: Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine
Digitize Your Onboarding - Tami Trout
03/01/2024
It's time for a digital workforce transformation. Modern manufacurers have to juggle evolving expectations for workplace flexibility, pay, career paths and benefits. They also have to take into account the changes in the ways employee learn and access information.
Full Story: CERM Risk Insights