eNews Archive

The supply chain, consisting of individuals and companies involved in the production and delivery of products to customers, can be very delicate. A single disruption has the ability to trigger a ripple effect, significantly impacting various industries worldwide. Material shortages, such as those affecting lumber, metals and food, are among the factors influencing the supply chain. 

Credit managers working in construction know all too well the importance of securing their lien rights. They also know how different these rules can be from state to state, making it all the more important that credit managers take the time to learn the ins and outs of these statutes and how they can vary depending on where you are operating.  

Imagine leading an elite force of credit managers who don’t just react to challenges—they predict them. Picture a world where risks are identified before they escalate, where credit decisions are proactive rather than reactive, and where financial stability is achieved through calculated, strategic moves. These professionals navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence, ensuring that businesses can grow without being burdened by inefficient processes or unforeseen risks.

The last few decades have seen large waves of women entering the credit profession. Women are entering into male-dominated offices and paving the way for other women to not only excel in credit positions but climb the ladder into leadership roles previously only allotted to men.   

Over the past decade, technology has transformed how credit professionals conduct business. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) have streamlined tedious, manual processes, allowing credit professionals to focus more on strategic, value-added tasks. However, technological advances have also led to an increase in fraudulent activity within business-to-business (B2B) credit. 

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping a professional’s career by providing the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. Beyond that, education also fosters personal growth, boosts confidence and builds a strong network that can support career advancement. By continuously learning, you not only improve your current role but also position yourself for long-term success.

Regardless of the industry you work in, or whether you’ve been in the credit field for decades or only a matter of months, it is vital that you know and understand the federal laws that regulate a credit managers’ activity. Credit managers across industries are beholden to the regulations set by the Equal Opportunity Credit Act (ECOA), which prohibits discrimination in the extension of credit. ECOA forbids discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, age or marital status in the extension of credit.  

Whether you are conducting an initial credit investigation on a potential customer or reviewing the credit line for a long-held account, commercial credit reports play an important part in the decision to extend credit to a customer. Despite their usefulness, many companies are hesitant to share their accounts receivable data to commercial credit reporting companies.