eNews Archive

As conflict in the Middle East intensifies, the agricultural sector is bracing for added strain as disruptions to key resources push costs higher. Why it matters: Rising global tensions are adding to existing challenges, including higher input costs and thinning profit margins. A surge in crop production in 2025 driving prices down combined with ongoing tariff pressure, has left the agricultural economy in a difficult position. “If we look at the crop side of the equation, it’s clear the agricultural industry has been struggling with low prices for the past couple years and that has l…

Remember sitting in grade school, staring at a math problem that made absolutely no sense until your teacher turned it into a word problem? Suddenly, numbers that once seemed abstract had context, and everything clicked. Similarly, for people outside the credit department, data can be equally confusing—until it is not. Why it matters: When data points are difficult to interpret, important insights can be overlooked, misunderstood or dismissed altogether. With data dashboards, like Microsoft Power BI, credit teams can present data in a way that is easier to understand. Almost every maj…

As more credit department functions transition to online platforms, credit professionals may find themselves working with customers to find the best way to transition away from traditional payment methods towards more streamlined online platforms. Why it matters: While the advantages of electronic payments may be clear from a credit manager’s perspective, with more efficient payment methods cutting down on delayed payments, customers accustomed to paying a certain way may require a bit of convincing before making the switch. By the numbers: Only 11% of credit managers have all of thei…

Acquisitions bring about significant changes for companies, often involving major shifts in ownership, leadership and culture. Companies may experience restructuring to increase efficiency, integrating technology or talent, changing reporting structures and altering customer services. Typically, there is no disruption to the order-to-cash cycle. However, contacts may change, making it more challenging for credit managers to stay in communication and collect payment. Why it matters: In learning that a customer has been acquired or has acquired a company, it is important that credit profes…

For many credit professionals, bankruptcy can be one of the most stress-inducing business experiences. It is often a costly and lengthy process, testing a company’s financial resilience and the emotional bandwidth of everyone involved. Important deadlines arise quickly, notices are frequently sent by ordinary mail and failure to act on certain notices before deadlines can result in the loss of your company’s rights and claims. Why it matters: Credit professionals play a critical role in protecting the financial interests of their companies. With the right resources and guidance, they can…

Mechanic’s lien laws are the bedrock of the construction credit field, offering credit managers protection as they await payment during long projects. As credit managers work in multiple states, they will encounter two distinct types of liens: full price liens and unpaid balance liens. While both offer protection, it is critical that credit managers understand what type of lien they are filing. Full price liens secure money for the total amount of work that has been provided by the lien claimant. Liens are not limited to the unpaid funds between the owner and prime contractor. An unpaid …

Payment delinquency is a common but costly reality for credit professionals. Although cash flow issues are the primary cause of payment delays, sometimes the fault lies with internal inefficiencies on the servicing company’s end. Distinguishing between the two causes can help determine who is responsible for the delay and how to respond.  Why it matters: Without this distinction, companies risk penalizing good customers for their own processing failures while simultaneously overlooking bottlenecks that require corrective action….

In a field as vast and dynamic as business credit, building a strong professional network is critical to staying afloat in an ever-changing industry. Career changes, whether it be a promotion to a new position or a new company, may present new challenges for credit professionals, but having a network of peers in the field to lean on can help them rise to new challenges.    Why it matters: Regardless of where you are in your credit career, a professional network is a valuable asset that can improve every facet&nbsp…