Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering was incorporated as a “C” corporation in the state of Freedonia in 1992. Becket Nilpferd is the founder, owner, and sole stockholder. The company is not publicly traded at the time of this writing.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering presently operates from two large offices located in Fezzaewyg, Freedonia. All manufacturing is out-sourced to contract manufacturers.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s products are off-the-shelf ready platforms containing all the necessary infrastructure for Technology 1, so that appliance makers can immediately focus just on their own specific product applications.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering occupies an important segment of the “Technology 2 system” market. A Technology 2 system is any system that is physically incorporated into a product that performs a dedicated function or specific application. Consumer examples include kitchen appliances and home entertainment systems, whereas commercial examples are point-of-sale terminals, industrial process controls, etc. The button you press which toggles back and forth between total miles travelled and the trip mileage is an example of the many Technology 2 systems found in new cars.
RNSE makes these Technology 1 devices. The basic device (here called Product Wrasse), about the size of a credit card, is comprised of:
The Product Wrasse, described above, would be bought by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to incorporate into their appliance (such as an odometer). The unit might also be bought by an “integrator” who takes a basic odometer, plus the Product Wrasse, and adds some software to end up with a “smart” odometer which the market integrator then tries to sell to companies with fleets of vehicles that might have good need for this specialized product. RNSE would configure the Product Wrasse so that it is compatible with the operating system used in the appliance, and would build in whatever FLASH and SDRAM capacity are needed for the designed purpose of the smart odometer.
RNSE’s third product is an add-on to the basic Product Wrasse and is called the Product Damselfish. Going back to the odometer example: If the company with the fleet of vehicles would like to be able, once a certain mileage had been reached, to tell the driver: “Time for an oil change,” then the Technology 2 device would need to have audio capability. Some applications might even need a video screen and a keyboard (like an ATM) for user interface. These capabilities are available through Product Damselfish.
OEMs who want to benefit from the trend toward Product Category One their products, typically outsource their needs. This allows the OEMs to concentrate on the design and application of their specific appliance without having to worry about the Product Category One aspect. Outsourcing this part saves the OEM in development costs, and more importantly, saves time in getting the appliance to the market.
The attached table is a schematic of the main recipients of this outsourcing and the major features of the Product Category One devices offered by each.
Chip Type and Speed | Max. Flash Memory | Max. SDRAM | Size | COM Speed | I/O Cards | Price | |
OP 1 | Technology Manufacturer 2 800 | 32 MB | 64 MB | 3.55″ X 3.775″ | 100 MB per sec | Y | $350-$565 |
OP 2 | Fast 206 mhz Technology Manufacturer 1 | 32 MB | 32 MB | 4″ X 6″ | 10 MB per sec | N | $325 |
OP 3 | Slow Technology Manufacturer 3 | 1 MB | 256 KB | 1.54″ X 1.93″ | 10 MB per sec | N | $149 |
OP 4 | Fast 206 mhz Technology Manufacturer 1 | 32 MB | 32 MB | 2.5″ X 2.25″ | 100 MB per sec | Y | $350 |
OP 5 | Technology Manufacturer 2 800 | 8 MB | 64 MB | 2.13″ X 3.94″ | 100 MB per sec | Y | $440 |
RNSE | Fast 206 mhz Technology Manufacturer 1 | 32 MB | 64 MB | 1.4″ X 2.4″ | 100 MB per sec | Y | $350-$650 |
See the appendices for product data sheets.
** Appendix materials omitted in this sample plan.
The chips and other basic building blocks used in Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s Product Category One platforms can be purchased from a number of large distributors. Sourcing is not a problem, but order scheduling must be given careful attention. Shortages can occur, making it necessary to order well in advance and to stockpile in order to make certain that sales does not outstrip production.
Technology is moving at a rapid pace. The first commercial computer in the early 1970’s had a speed, measured in megahertz, of only 0.1 Mhz. Now computers are on the market that race at 1,000 Mhz. Although the speed may still increase, a bigger area for growth involves Technology 2 systems, (rather than personal computers) and especially the Technology 1 use of those Technology 2 systems. In a speech by Hewlett Packard CEO, Carly Fiolani, aired on television 4/18/2000, in the future nearly….”every appliance, yes, even the toaster, will be connected to the Internet.” Ms. Fiolani’s vision includes an “Information Utility” which, in her opinion, would work in a similar manner to the gas company, the electric or the water and sewer utility. For all of the 20th century, manufacturers have produced their appliances under a certain protocol of “assumed power.” They have taken it for granted that every consumer has a Power Service Provider (PSP) that supplies 110 AC to wall sockets all through the house. The appliance makers simply include a power cord and an appropriately sized plug. The consumer merely plugs the unit in and pays for whatever power he actually uses. The emerging technology now refers to another protocol of “assumed communication.”
Product Category One appliances are not going to be reserved for simple on/off features. Now available on the market are many very sophisticated appliances such as a printer, a sewing machine with computerized embroidery capability, or data stream music. At the moment these are PC-dependent. Take a high-tech sewing machine like a Pfaff Model 7570. This machine with its Technology 2 system can perform complex sequences of operations including executing pre-programmed patterns and monograms and fonts. The difficult operations which are very user-interface intensive can be performed by the general-purpose PC into which the sewing machine (like a printer peripheral) is plugged instead of by the sewing machine’s Technology 2 system. If this user-interface capability had to be built into the Technology 2 system of the sewing machine, the cost of that machine would skyrocket. Likewise, the MP3 player (data stream music) is extremely CPU-intensive. At the moment the encoding takes place on the general-purpose PC which allows the music player to have much lower requirements for CPU and memory. These devices are essentially one step removed from the Internet. Technology is moving quickly to remove the PC intermediary thus making the devices able to communicate directly with a content provider. Those capabilities of the general-purpose PC will be replaced by the Internet itself thus making the appliances more flexible, more portable, and less expensive. PCs themselves will metamorphose into very light-weight, very inexpensive units without hard disks and without extensive memory. All these aspects will be provided by the Internet itself.
Need to use “Winword”? Just log onto the Internet and download the program or any other software you want. And, it will always be the latest version.
Need file capacity? That too, can be provided by the Internet. A user can move around the globe and access his/her files from a very portable laptop. If the laptop is lost or damaged there will not be a crisis. Simply buy another (for maybe $100). All your files are safe, located elsewhere.
Forrester Research predicts that by 2002 43% of all “smart” products will be non-PC devices. According to International Data Corporation of Framingham, MA. by the year 2004 such appliances will exceed PCs.
The market for Product Category One devices is keyed to the production of Technology 2 microprocessors. Over 180 million 32-bit microprocessors are being delivered annually. Conservative estimates have the market growing at 22% annually. Some estimates are much higher. Market trends indicate that most, if not all, of these microprocessors will be wanting Technology 1. At the present time, the number of makers of off-the-shelf Product Category One devices is limited and unlikely to be able to fill the demand.
Statistics related to Product Category One devices are very difficult to find, and when found, usually outdated. A number of industry newsletters (Technology 2 Processor Watch, Microprocessor Report, Technology 2 Systems Programming) will give dollar figures from time to time for the total embedded market. In 1999 the market was quoted to be $3.5 billion and expected to grow to $9 billion by 2003. The Product Category One devices sold by RNSE are connected to this total Technology 2 product market. The more products that are produced, the greater the demand for Technology 1. According to Jim Turley, Editor-in-chief of Technology 2 Processor Watch… “in 1997, more than 180 million Technology 2 32-bit microprocessors were shipped. This does not include the 32-bit microprocessors placed in the 80 million PCs, the three million MACs, or the approximately one million work stations.” Mr. Turley’s article goes on to state that if the low-end 4-bit and 8-bit microprocessors were included, the totals would be more than doubled. He estimates that there now exist about 35 low-end microprocessors in every middle-class North American home. It is, however, the 32-bit sector that is growing fastest. It is this sector that is most meaningful in projecting the market for RNSE’s products. Of this total of 180 million 32-bit microprocessor units, the market research firm of Information Architects, claims that the market is broken up roughly into thirds:
Since the total dollar market is predicted to grow from $3.5 billion to $9 billion in the five years 1999-2003, we will assume a 22% annual growth rate over the next three years. Although the 180 million shipped 32-bit microprocessor data was for 1997, we have not made any growth assumptions for the period 1997-1999, but will apply the 22% annual growth during the next three years to the 1997 data. It is however highly likely that the market has grown substantially over that period 1997-1999.
In addition to the new Technology 2 microprocessors, there are hundreds of millions of older 4-bit, 8-bit and 16-bit boards that have already been sold. These too, although ignored in the market study, represent a potential demand for Product Category One devices retrofitted into many of those microprocessors.
The 33% consumer share of the market is characterized by high production runs and price-sensitivity. VCRs and MP3 players are good examples of products in this consumer market segment. Similar comments can be made concerning the office automation market segment as well.
The third large sector of the market, telecommunications (28%) does not appear to be as price sensitive nor are production runs as large. It is this sector that has so far accounted for the majority of Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s sales.
The other category, representing only 1% of the total, probably includes various industrial automation products as well as testing and instrumentation. These fields, although small in relation to the three major categories, still accounts for over two million microprocessors placed in high-ticket equipment, nearly all of which will need Internet connectivity.
The chart and table below summarize estimated domestic market potential for the RNSE’s products. As stated above, RNSE will selectively focus on the telecommunications and other customer segments.
Market Analysis | |||||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | |||
Potential Customers | Growth | CAGR | |||||
Office Automation | 22% | 61 | 75 | 92 | 112 | 137 | 22.32% |
Consumer | 22% | 59 | 72 | 88 | 107 | 131 | 21.86% |
Telecommunications | 22% | 50 | 61 | 74 | 90 | 110 | 21.55% |
Automotive | 22% | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 24.56% |
Military | 22% | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.67% |
Other | 22% | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.67% |
Total | 21.71% | 180 | 219 | 267 | 324 | 395 | 21.71% |
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering plans to concentrate on the telecommunications segment of the market (28% of total market) as well as the industrial automation and testing and instrumentation segments (1% of total) as these sectors are most likely to have more demanding requirements which are suited to RNSE’s premier, cutting-edge of technology architecture. These sectors are most likely to be installing the Product Category 1 devices into high-ticket item instruments and appliances, thus making these clients less price-sensitive in relation to the high-volume consumer (MP3 players, Palm Pilots, etc). VARs and OEMs (Fortune 500 as well as venture capital start-ups) connected with these market sectors are the most attractive target customers for RNSE.
4.2.2 market trends.
The market trend is to add Technology 1 to just about everything, leading eventually to a view of the future well-expressed by the CEO of Hewlett-Packard (see the section on Technology). The trend is moving so quickly that the market is having problems keeping pace with the demand. Reports of component shortages among chip makers have been in the business news. For the foreseeable future, we can expect Technology 1 products to be a sellers’ market.
The market for 32-bit microprocessors totalled $3.5 billion in 1999 and is expected to grow to $9 billion by 2003. This amounts to a 22% annual growth rate (see the section on Market Segmentation). In 1997 180 million 32-bit microprocessors were delivered, not counting those that were used in computers and work stations. A 22% growth rate comes to an additional 40 million annually. Nearly all of these (180 million plus 40 million annually) will need Technology 1. The total unit sales projected for Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering in the third year will amount to only .00014 of that. In the absence of more specific market data, we have projected market growth at 22% for every segment of the Technology 1 market, although it is likely that some segments will grow faster than 22% annually and others perhaps less.
The industry encompassing Technology 2 microprocessors, the operating systems housed in them, the makers of components used to build them, and the people developing software to make special applications possible is quickly mushrooming into one of the world’s largest industries. To be successful in marketing a Product Category One device it is essential to understand the patterns and major players in the industry.
Currently, demand for the Product Category One devices outstrips supply. With the trend of adding Technology 1 to almost any appliance, demand will continue to grow. The variety of offered platforms and configurations of such devices lead to the market fragmentation where no incumbent company holds a major market share. For low-end devices, pricing is one of the major factors. However, for high-end devices, such as the products supplied by Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering, high technical specification and flexibility with major operation systems are more important.
The main competitors for Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s products are listed in the section on Competitive Comparison. The listed competition is unlikely to even come close to satisfying a small portion of the demand for Product Category One devices indicated by market research. One hundred, eighty million 32-bit microprocessors being delivered annually with a projected growth rate of 22% is a huge market for Technology 1, not to mention the billions of microprocessors already delivered in stock configuration. Obviously, much of the Technology 1 will be done by internal engineering. But this option has serious drawbacks for the company trying to develop this feature on its own. First, its engineers have to examine hardware and software options, which, given the number to choose from, could take months.
After months of evaluation, and spending $25,000 on a leading real-time operating system (plus another $10,000-$20,000 buying and building hardware), more months will pass building, debugging, and integrating the operating system with the software. More time is spent writing the application. An engineer (who is an expert in the chosen operating system) will need to be hired, and each year another $5,000 will need to be spent in O/S upgrades and software. Keeping up with protocols and standards will also take time away from development efforts. In the end, hundreds of thousands of dollars can easily have been spent just on the task of adding Technology 1 to the product internally. The end product, now including Technology 1, will have been delayed getting to market by six to nine months. This delay to market aspect is the strongest deterrent to attempting to engineer one’s own Product Category One device.
There are several major components in the industry:
Microprocessor Manufacturers The sheer variety and quantity of microprocessors is huge in relation to desktop computers. There are only a few choices with desktop computers as Technology Manufacturer 1’s MMMM architecture increasingly dominates. But with microprocessors there are NNNN, PPPP, QQQQ, MMMM, and RRRR which represent only a tiny fraction of the total volume of microprocessors shipped each year. Even if we restrict the count to only 32-bit chips, there are more than 100 different microprocessors currently on sale. This does not take count of the all the different speed grades or packaging options. These 100 different microprocessors represent more than a dozen instruction-set architectures and more than 30 different vendors worldwide. Some of these manufacturers have large sales forces and large marketing budgets. The ability to attract the attention of one of these large manufacturers is key to marketing Product Category One devices. If the Product Category One device uses an Technology Manufacturer 1 chip, Technology Manufacturer 1 has a vested interest in pushing its CPU customers to use that particular device.
Operating Systems Microprocessors must have an operating system in order to function. Again, unlike the desktop market where DDDD dominates, there are many competing operating systems. So many in fact that they are graded as “First Tier,” “Second Tier,” etc. When a manufacturer of an automated milling machine chooses an Product Category One device, he will want one that is compatible with his chosen Technology 2’s operating system. In fact, the first time he hears about a particular Product Category One device it is likely to be through the salesman who sold him his operating system. If the operating system is GGGG, marketed by Software Manufacturer 2, for example, the salesman will recommend only Technology 1 devices that are compatible with GGGG.
Market Integrators Market Integrators are often referred to as value added resellers (VARs). There are countless VARs who develop special applications which are usually industry-specific. For example, Reseller 1 is a VAR engaged in software related to building maintenance. This involves Product Category One thermostats and other building maintenance connected equipment in large office buildings. These VARs are heavy users of Product Category One devices.
OEMs Original Equipment Manufacturers have quickly recognized the importance of adding the power of the Internet to their equipment, for example, the manufacturer of an automatic scale for use in a production line. The scale will weigh every packet of tea passing along the belt to check that the weight is within certain tolerances. If not, the packet is removed from the line by compressed air. By adding Technology 1 to the scale, the scale’s activity no longer needs to be visually monitored by a human in the production hall, but can be remotely monitored from a central location. This is especially interesting for a factory with a dozen production lines. The same evolution is having an impact on almost every type of equipment. The OEMs are important customers for Product Category One devices as the device adds very little cost relative to the ticket price of the equipment.
There are large established distributors of microprocessor chips, and other components. It is possible that one, or all, of these distributors may consider offering an Product Category One device soon with a few limited configurations. However, the main distribution channel for RNSE’s products is direct. The buyer may have heard about RNSE through an Technology Manufacturer 1 salesman, or through an operating system salesperson, but the sale would be handled directly. Most inquiries come initially via telephone or email over RNSE’s website.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s marketing strategy will be to concentrate on the large telecommunication sector of the market (28% of 180 million units annually), as well as the smaller industrial automation, and the instrumentation sectors. In keeping with RNSE’s trim organizational structure, growth in sales will be closely keyed to success in its partnering relationships with Technology Manufacturer 1 (its main component maker), developers of operating systems, as well as with suitable VARs. It will be necessary to augment sales staff. This “push” marketing will be supported by some “pull” marketing in the form of advertising in specialized trade publications. At the moment supplying Product Category One devices is a sellers’ market, however, with demand projected to outstrip supply, more makers of these devices are likely to spring up. It is important for RNSE to leverage its present ground-floor position in the supply of Technology 1 devices by building a market image that will make it difficult for later entrants to make in-roads into RNSE’s target market sectors.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s competitive edge stems from the high technical specifications of its products. The company develops top-of-the-line Product Category One devices that can work with all the major operating systems available in the market. Further, RNSE has developed a very favorable partnership with Technology Manufacturer 1, who not only provides the chips but is also interested in promoting RNSE’s products. Moreover, RNSE’s compatibility with all the first- and second-tier operating systems provides a unique opportunity to capture the market share.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering will concentrate on the more demanding sectors of the market and, in doing so, build an image for the highest cutting-edge technology among the various makers of Product Category One devices. Pricing on the high side is consistent with that image, and alignment with Technology Manufacturer 1 (the premier CPU maker), and the first-tier developers of operating systems will further enlarge that image. In addition, an investment should be made in image-bolstering advertising in targeted trade publications serving the chosen market segments.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s positioning statement is to stay on the cutting edge of Product Category One device technology by constantly improving its products ahead of the competition with such features as the Product Blennie for Technology Manufacturer 1’s product. RNSE will target customers in the demanding telecommunications, industrial automation, and instrumentation sectors rather than to market-segment a narrower field with lower Technology 1 requirements which tend to be more price-sensitive.
For projection purposes, pricing has been based on production costs at 40% of sales price, which is in line with the historical COGS of 38% for the first quarter 2000. This pricing scheme seems to put Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s products on the high end of the ball park with the competition (see the section on Competitive Comparison), which is consistent with the image RNSE wants to build for its products. Product Category One devices are not yet perceived as “all-the-same” commodities, with price being the only deciding feature. In line with RNSE’s positioning statement, RNSE’s market sectors are the more demanding ones (telecommunications, industrial automation, and instrumentation). These customers are installing RNSE’s devices into sophisticated, expensive equipment, and are more likely to make a choice based on which Product Category One device has the highest technical specifications and flexibility in respect to operating system compatibility, choices in configuration, etc., rather than price.
Although Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering does have sales positions in the personnel plan, RNSE’s promotion strategy will stress “partnering” as its main means of getting the word out concerning its products. The importance of partnering with major industry players (see the section on Industry Participants) is explained below:
Partnering with Technology Manufacturer 1 Technology Manufacturer 1 has a large sales force and is the industry leader with its CPU chips. All of RNSE’s products contain this chip, which is a good foundation for Technology Manufacturer 1 wanting to promote RNSE’s products wherever possible over other Technology 1 devices that use Technology Manufacturer 2’s chip. RNSE is already working directly with several direct-sales people from Technology Manufacturer 1 who are referring high volume Fortune 100 customer’s to RNSE. In addition, RNSE is receiving calls from Technology Manufacturer 1 reps who have lower volume opportunities. RNSE will be placed on Technology Manufacturer 1’s website as a member of its third party program. This is expected to result in increased volume of inquiries to RNSE’s website, and help build the desired image.
RNSE has awakened a great deal of special interest in Technology Manufacturer 1 by developing a Product Blennie for their product. Technology Manufacturer 1 visited RNSE recently and expressed interest in using some of RNSE’s products internally, or in some sort of joint-venture.
Partnering with Real Time Operating System (RTOS) Developers As mentioned elsewhere in this plan, compatibility with existing operating systems is key to Product Category One device sales. The following is a list of most of the first- and second-tier operating systems:
O/S Vendor Compatibility with RNSE Products
Some of these top echelon O/S developers have hundreds of salespersons which translates into sizeable promotional activity, as virtually all customers for operating systems have Technology 1 in their plans. Partnering with the first tier O/S developers will also serve to build that all-important image for RNSE products.
Partnering with Market Integrators Market Integrators are heavy users of Product Category One devices. Hundreds of these VARs have sprung up who have developed software, and attached hardware designed to address problems, or save time and money for a specific industry. Most, if not all, of these VARs utilize Technology 1 as part of their value added offering. Special instrumentation or monitoring devices which attach to hospital beds that can sense wet sheets or patient body temperature are good examples. These devices all require satellites units located at each bed have a Technology 1 device like RNSE’s Product Wrasse. Considering the number of hospital beds alone, it is easy to see why the VARs represent prime customers for Product Category One devices. These VARs may first hear about RNSE’s products through one of the operating system developers or via a search through the Web. In addition, RNSE plans to get out a direct mailing to a list of 300 VARs.
There are no immediate plans to wholesale Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s products. There might be opportunities to distribute some Technology 1 devices to one of the major component wholesalers, but this could only be possible in limited configurations. All sales are expected to be direct sales. This should be qualified as many major customers out-source their manufacturing. XYXY, for example, is a customer of RNSE, but they subcontract to SRSR who actually purchases the enabling devices from RNSE. In the case of VARs, they would purchase from RNSE and install them in the equipment being sold to someone else. The target market customers addressed in RNSE’s positioning statement should have unit requirements of 100-10,000. With annual sales volume projected reaching 30,000 in the third year, direct sales should not be a problem logistically.
The most important element in Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s marketing game plan is to complete programming of its products to be compatible with the top tier operating systems (see the section on Promotion Strategy). Completion is planned for the end of May 2000. As soon as this has been done, partnering activity with those operating systems developers can begin in earnest. Informational releases via email to O/S sales forces containing data specifications should be encouraged. Opportunities to speak at O/S developers’ sales meetings should be sought. This will be coordinated by the new sales manager position.
In conjunction with the above activities, a direct mailing to VARs should be undertaken. An up-to-date list of 300 VARs can be obtained through Software Manufacturer 1. A budget of $1,000 has been provided for in the cash flow projections.
Since many first impressions of RNSE’s products are made by a visit to its website, it is important to give RNSE’s website a face lift. The Cyber Design Group as well as other professional website designers are being considered. A budget of $15,000 has been provided for in the projections. This is the shop window first seen by potential Technology 1 device customers. The website design must put the desired image at the top of its priorities. Included in this budget are some ad agency costs, as most Web designers are really technicians who have little knowledge of the art of image building. The website technician and the advertising specialist need to work together to get the right result.
To help increase awareness of and build the desired image for RNSE’s products, advertising should be done in targeted trade publications. A media specialist should be consulted to help in selection. In keeping with RNSE’s positioning statement, trade publications which reach OEMs in the telecommunication, industrial automation, and testing and instrumentation sectors of the market should be favored. It is important to provide an adequate budget to make certain of attracting notice. A media specialist can examine the “noise level” (the amount of competing ads) to suggest how much needs to be spent to break through the noise level and be heard. Until a proper media analysis can be done, a budget will be initially set for year 2000 at $50,000 growing to $250,000 in year 2002.
The general sales strategy is to concentrate efforts on those sectors of the more demanding 32-bit microprocessor market that have volume needs of 100 to several thousand. Despite the dramatic increase in visits to Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s website, a more proactive policy needs to be taken by directly approaching heavy users of Product Category One devices. Calls must be made on selected VARs, and OEMs who fit the parameters set by RNSE’s marketing strategy. Referrals from RNSE’s partnering program (operating system partners, Technology Manufacturer 1, and other industry players) will be stressed. RNSE plans to add a sales manager as well as other sales personnel (see the section on Personnel Plan).
Over 400 units of Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s first generation product were sold in the first quarter of 2000 without any dedicated sales staff other than the owner and an administrative assistant. In keeping with RNSE’s need to stay on the cutting edge of technology, a faster, smarter, smaller improved product is now ready which should easily succeed in reaching the company’s sales goal of 1040 units by the end of the year, increasing to 3000 and 9000 in the second and third year respectively. This is not an unrealistic achievement considering the market demand for this product, as evidenced by RNSE’s actual sales growth in the past year and the growth in visits to RNSE’s website which have grown from a few thousand a year ago to over 30,000 website visits monthly as of May 2000. With sales prices set at 2.5 times variable costs, gross profits are expected to reach nearly $1 million in the first year and nearly $9 million in the third year.
The sales projections forecast three RNSE products, made up of a main product (Product Wrasse) and two other products (Product Parrotfish and Product Damselfish) each of which constitute the main product with several add-ons (see the section on Product Description).
Within these three products, customers have several choices in the configuration in respect to the amount of FLASH (from 1 Mb up to 32 Mb) as well as SDRAM (8 Mb up to 64 Mb). Depending on the configuration options, the costs of materials range as follows:
To simplify projections, we will assume only one configuration for all three products. This configuration is with 32 MB DRAM and 4 MB of FLASH. The costing then will have the following breakdown for the basic product, the Product Wrasse:
The Product Parrotfish starts with the basic Product Wrasse ($165.85) and adds Technology 1 components ($27.00), a modem module ($35.00) and several other minor parts ($16.50), bringing the cost up to $244.35.
The Product Damselfish starts with the basic Product Wrasse ($165.85) and adds an audio interface ($10.00), Technology 2 components and connectors ($10.00), bringing the cost up to $183.85.
See the section on Pricing Strategy for explanation of pricing policy.
Sales Forecast | |||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
Unit Sales | |||
Product Wrasse | 1,040 | 3,000 | 10,000 |
Product Parrotfish | 1,040 | 3,000 | 10,000 |
Product Damselfish | 1,040 | 3,000 | 10,000 |
Other | 38 | 0 | 0 |
Total Unit Sales | 3,158 | 9,000 | 30,000 |
Unit Prices | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
Product Wrasse | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 |
Product Parrotfish | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 |
Product Damselfish | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 |
Other | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 |
Sales | |||
Product Wrasse | $428,480 | $1,236,000 | $4,120,000 |
Product Parrotfish | $634,400 | $1,830,000 | $6,100,000 |
Product Damselfish | $475,280 | $1,371,000 | $4,570,000 |
Other | $75,810 | $0 | $0 |
Total Sales | $1,613,970 | $4,437,000 | $14,790,000 |
Direct Unit Costs | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
Product Wrasse | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 |
Product Parrotfish | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 |
Product Damselfish | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 |
Other | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 |
Direct Cost of Sales | |||
Product Wrasse | $172,484 | $497,550 | $1,658,500 |
Product Parrotfish | $254,124 | $733,050 | $2,443,500 |
Product Damselfish | $191,204 | $551,550 | $1,838,500 |
Other | $23,940 | $0 | $0 |
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales | $641,752 | $1,782,150 | $5,940,500 |
The most important sales program is the program based on “partnering” (see the section on Promotion Strategy). By constantly being in touch with the activities of Technology Manufacturer 1, and the operating system developers, and by developing relationships with their extensive sales teams, referrals can be expected to VARs and OEMs who fit the parameters set in the marketing strategy.
Once a solid sales prospect has been identified in this manner, more specific action can be taken directly with the prospect. This action would include more technical discussions between Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering and the prospect’s engineers. “Starter Kits” can be arranged which make it very easy for the prospect to integrate hardware and software between the Technology 1 devices and the appliance. Once a starter kit has been sold, telephone follow-up is necessary to convert the original opening into a substantial sale of 100 or more units.
As already explained (see the section on Promotion Strategy), strategic alliances between Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering and Technology Manufacturer 1, the chip manufacturer, and the top tier operating system developers like WWWW, XXXX, or LLLL are essential to success in selling large quantities of enabling devices. Partnering leads to referrals which can be filtered as to needs, and many referrals can be expected to transform into completed sales.
The prospects for a deeper strategic alliance with Technology Manufacturer 1 is possible as a result of Technology Manufacturer 1’s recent visit to RNSE. Technology Manufacturer 1 is especially interested in RNSE’s development of a Product Blennie for the Technology Manufacturer 1 product. Technology Manufacturer 1 expressed an interest in working together to exploit the product.
The attached table lists the major milestones in the first year that are key to the success of the company’s overall market strategy.
Milestones | |||||
Milestone | Start Date | End Date | Budget | Manager | Department |
Mailing to 300 VARs | 7/1/2000 | 7/1/2000 | $1,000 | B. Nilpferd | Admin |
Website Design | 8/1/2000 | 8/1/2000 | $15,000 | B.Nilpferd | Marketing |
Trade Journal Ads | 9/1/2000 | 9/1/2000 | $50,000 | B.Nilpferd | Marketing |
Five Major O/S Programming | 6/1/2000 | 6/1/2000 | $0 | B.Nilpferd | Technical |
Second Tier O/S Programming | 12/31/2000 | 12/31/2000 | $0 | B.Nilpferd | Technical |
Partnering Banners/Links | 12/31/2000 | 12/31/2000 | $0 | B. Nilpferd | Marketing |
Totals | $66,000 |
The management of Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering is led by the owner/founder, Becket Nilpferd, who has extensive technical experience in consulting to the industry. A profitable track record indicates the presence of business acumen. Important additions to sales and marketing staff should round out the needs of the company to achieve the projected goals set by the sales and marketing strategy.
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering plans to increase the number of employees to five in the second year and to ten by the third year. Half of these with be sales staff reporting to a sales manager who reports to the owner, Becket Nilpferd. Two relatively low-level technicians will be included to deal with repairs and testing of returns. Rather than depend completely on outside consultants for software engineering, an engineer will be hired by 2002. The technicians will report to Becket Nilpferd, but there will be a good deal of interaction with the administration manager as well as with the sales manager. The software engineer will, like the outside consultants, report directly to Mr. Nilpferd.
The major members of the management team are Becket Nilpferd, owner and founder, his administrative assistant, Ms. Beda Fomm, and two independent consultant-engineers, who, as is common in the industry, prefer to remain independent rather than become full-time employees. This team will be augmented by a sales manager who will coordinate the activities of those responding to telephone and website inquiries with direct sales efforts to VARs and OEMs referred through the partnering program, and a full-time software engineer.
It is vital that a more proactive approach to selling be initiated to take full advantage of the partnering program which leverages the connections with operating system developers. There are about 300 VARs which certainly justifies a dedicated sales person. The number of original equipment manufacturers is also high enough to warrant employing someone with experience in dealing with large OEMs. A sales manager should first be employed to oversee these sales efforts and to coordinate the involvement of media specialists and ad agency work.
The Personnel Plan projects the addition of this staff.
The founder and owner, Becket Nilpferd, during his years spent as a consultant to the industry, has many contacts among software and hardware engineers. He has utilized them on a contractual basis for much of the software engineering during the development of Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s product line. He will still use them and their cost can be seen on the income statement under the heading “Contract Consultants” rather than in the Personnel Plan.
In addition to the owner/founder (Becket Nilpferd) and the office manager (Beda Fomm), it will be necessary to add this year:
Sales Manager The primary duties of the sales manager will be to coordinate the activity of media people to make certain the correct amount of advertising is spent in the most suitable trade publications and that the campaign adequately meets the goals of RNSE’s positioning statement. The sales manager should be engaged as soon as possible. A starting salary of $60,000 is budgeted with increases to reward sales growth.
Sales Staff Reporting to the sales manager will be salespersons who will work primarily via telephone and email. One to concentrate on VARs and another to concentrate on OEMs. One each will be added by the end of 2000 after the sales manager is in place. Starting salary projected at $40,000 annually with increases connected to sales success.
Two more will be added in the third year.
Technicians Beginning in year 2002 two low-level technicians need to be added to deal with returns, repairs, testing, etc. Salary of each is projected at $45,000.
Software Engineer Despite the excellent success that RNSE has had with independent consulting engineers, it will be advisable by 2002 to hire a permanent in-house software engineer at a salary of $80,000.
Personnel Plan | |||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
President | $100,348 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
Sales Manager | $30,000 | $75,000 | $90,000 |
Office Manager | $25,500 | $38,400 | $38,400 |
Salesperson (VAR’s) | $0 | $50,000 | $110,000 |
Salesperson (OEM’s) | $0 | $50,000 | $110,000 |
Technicians | $0 | $0 | $90,000 |
In-house Software Engineer | $0 | $0 | $80,000 |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total People | 2 | 5 | 10 |
Total Payroll | $155,848 | $313,400 | $618,400 |
Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s dramatic growth in sales poses substantial financing needs for receivables as well as inventory. In 2001 and 2002 virtually all of this need can be supported by accumulated earnings. RNSE will need a line of credit to provide cash in the first year until accounts receivables begin to turn over into cash. Projections indicate a need for a line of approximately $135,000 which could stretch to $200,000. As the receivables are projected to be high in the first year, and stem from prime quality customers, commercial banking lines of credit (or A/R factoring) should be easily obtainable supported by this current asset without a need for reliance on inventory.
Interest rate is assumed to be 10% if a commercial line of credit is obtained. Should it be necessary to arrange for factoring of the receivables, interest expense would increase. In the first year, factoring would add an additional cost of $10,000-$12,000.
The federal tax rate on corporate profits is graduated, beginning at 15% on profits up to $50,000. The average weighted federal tax rate on profits up to $335,000 works out to 34%. On profits in excess of $335,000 the federal tax rate is 34%. To this an additional 9.5% has been added for Freedonia state corporate taxes.
The period of 45 days for receivables is not unusual, but the inventory turn-over is projected to be slow due to a need to keep higher levels than was necessary only a few years ago. The growth in demand for components has put pressure on suppliers to keep up with the demand. The risk of maintaining inadequate stocks of certain key components must be minimized by larger than normal forward purchasing.
General Assumptions | |||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
Plan Month | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Current Interest Rate | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% |
Long-term Interest Rate | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% |
Tax Rate | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% |
Other | 0 | 0 | 0 |
In the first quarter of year 2000 the first generation of Technology 1 devices sold an average of 133 units monthly. The second generation (smaller, faster, smarter) will be ready by early June. Many customers for Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering’s products are holding back their orders awaiting the newer version. The break-even analysis, below, indicates monthly sales needed to break even.
Break-even Analysis | |
Monthly Units Break-even | 89 |
Monthly Revenue Break-even | $45,431 |
Assumptions: | |
Average Per-Unit Revenue | $511.07 |
Average Per-Unit Variable Cost | $203.21 |
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost | $27,366 |
Projected gross profits for year 2000 will be strong and will climb even further in the second and third year. Despite substantial investments in marketing (primarily advertising and sales staff), net profits before taxes are projected to be high.
Explanations for projected expenses are outlined below:
Advertising The actual expenditures were used for January, February and March. This expense averaged $817 for 1999. An additional $50,000 is budgeted for advertising during 2000, $150,000 in 2001, and $250,000 in year 2002.
Documentation Printing This relates to the specification sheets and manuals that are included with sold products. We project this expense in year 2000 at the same rate ($96 monthly) as 1999. In years 2001 and 2002 we have increased this expense to reflect the projected increased sales. We have assumed, with increased volume of sales, some efficiencies can be had in per unit printing costs.
Electronic Testing Equipment The actual expenditures were recorded for the first quarter of 2000. This is a significant expense which came to $1,430 in 1999, but will increase to $500 monthly in 2000 and to $650 monthly in 2001 and $750 monthly in year 2002.
Merchant Services These services relate to fees paid to credit card companies when credit cards are accepted as cash payment for a sale. These fees are about 3% (some more, some less) of the sales price. Actual figures were used for the first quarter, thereafter, we’ll assume fees to be 3% of cash sales.
Computer Parts Actual figures are given for the first quarter. Thereafter, the historical monthly average of $542 is used for projection purposes.
Professional Fees These include accounting ($95/month), legal and miscellaneous outside services such as photography, etc. Actual figures are given for the first quarter, then $500 monthly is projected, increasing in years 2001 and 2002 to reflect increased sales.
Computer Software Actual expenditure is given for the first quarter 2000. Thereafter, an average monthly figure of $200 is projected.
Office Supplies The actual figures are given for the first quarter, and $350 monthly is projected thereafter.
Travel Travel is kept at historical levels for 2000 but will double in years 2001 and 2002.
Miscellaneous Included here are professional books, minor bank charges, Massachusetts annual report, etc. Projected at $200 monthly, increasing in years 2001 and 2002.
Leased Equipment These expenses relate to a computer that is on lease. They are expected to continue at the same rate.
Online Services Kept at historical levels.
Telephone Actual figures are given for the first quarter. Thereafter at $250/month increasing in years 2001 and 2002.
Utilities Averaging $100 per month. Are expected to increase as new space is acquired to accommodate staff hires. Includes gas and electricity.
Insurance Insurance related to a business policy which is expected to increase as additional office space is acquired.
Depreciation Fixed assets are represented by such items as a printer and an iMAC computer plus some software. Net capital assets are a bit over $4,000 as of 12/31/99. Assume depreciation at $1,000 annually.
Rent Currently two offices are rented. With the increase in staff, additional space will be acquired.
Health Care This relates to the health care plan for the two current members and is projected at present actual cost. It will increase proportionally as new employees are hired.
Contract/Consultants These expenses are paid to independent computer technicians who regularly perform services for the company. They charge $45/hr. The actual costs for the first quarter are given. The costs are projected at $2,200 per month, increasing as sales increase.
Pro Forma Profit and Loss | |||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
Sales | $1,613,970 | $4,437,000 | $14,790,000 |
Direct Cost of Sales | $641,752 | $1,782,150 | $5,940,500 |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Cost of Sales | $641,752 | $1,782,150 | $5,940,500 |
Gross Margin | $972,218 | $2,654,850 | $8,849,500 |
Gross Margin % | 60.24% | 59.83% | 59.83% |
Expenses | |||
Payroll | $155,848 | $313,400 | $618,400 |
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses | $125,793 | $249,966 | $438,955 |
Depreciation | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Leased Equipment | $2,628 | $2,628 | $2,628 |
Healthcare | $10,272 | $25,650 | $51,360 |
On-line Services | $1,225 | $1,225 | $1,225 |
Telephone | $2,964 | $3,500 | $4,500 |
Utilities | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Insurance | $1,440 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
Rent | $12,000 | $18,000 | $21,000 |
Payroll Taxes | $14,026 | $28,206 | $55,656 |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Operating Expenses | $328,396 | $646,375 | $1,197,924 |
Profit Before Interest and Taxes | $643,822 | $2,008,475 | $7,651,576 |
EBITDA | $644,822 | $2,009,475 | $7,652,576 |
Interest Expense | $7,030 | $10,450 | $3,700 |
Taxes Incurred | $277,004 | $869,141 | $3,326,826 |
Net Profit | $359,787 | $1,128,884 | $4,321,050 |
Net Profit/Sales | 22.29% | 25.44% | 29.22% |
The current borrowing of $14,866 outstanding at the end of 1999 was fully repaid in the first quarter 2000.
The cash flow reflects success in obtaining a line of credit in the range of $150,000-$200,000 which is drawn down and repaid in accordance with need during 2000 leaving a balance of $135,000 at the end of 2000 which is then repaid over the next two years.
Pro Forma Cash Flow | |||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
Cash Received | |||
Cash from Operations | |||
Cash Sales | $403,493 | $1,109,250 | $3,697,500 |
Cash from Receivables | $829,439 | $2,622,159 | $8,504,861 |
Subtotal Cash from Operations | $1,232,932 | $3,731,409 | $12,202,361 |
Additional Cash Received | |||
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received | $0 | $0 | $0 |
New Current Borrowing | $0 | $0 | $0 |
New Other Liabilities (interest-free) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
New Long-term Liabilities | $245,000 | $0 | $0 |
Sales of Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Sales of Long-term Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
New Investment Received | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Subtotal Cash Received | $1,477,932 | $3,731,409 | $12,202,361 |
Expenditures | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
Expenditures from Operations | |||
Cash Spending | $155,848 | $313,400 | $618,400 |
Bill Payments | $962,508 | $3,108,271 | $10,002,746 |
Subtotal Spent on Operations | $1,118,356 | $3,421,671 | $10,621,146 |
Additional Cash Spent | |||
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing | $14,866 | $0 | $0 |
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment | $110,000 | $85,000 | $50,000 |
Purchase Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Purchase Long-term Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Dividends | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Subtotal Cash Spent | $1,243,222 | $3,506,671 | $10,671,146 |
Net Cash Flow | $234,709 | $224,738 | $1,531,215 |
Cash Balance | $233,429 | $458,168 | $1,989,382 |
Of the long-term liabilities, $12,000 relates to a family loan with no specific repayment schedule. It carries an interest rate of 7%, although in the projections all LTD has been calculated at 10%.
Pro Forma Balance Sheet | |||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
Assets | |||
Current Assets | |||
Cash | $233,429 | $458,168 | $1,989,382 |
Accounts Receivable | $403,397 | $1,108,988 | $3,696,627 |
Inventory | $117,622 | $326,637 | $1,088,790 |
Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Current Assets | $754,449 | $1,893,793 | $6,774,799 |
Long-term Assets | |||
Long-term Assets | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 |
Accumulated Depreciation | $14,478 | $15,478 | $16,478 |
Total Long-term Assets | $3,826 | $2,826 | $1,826 |
Total Assets | $758,275 | $1,896,619 | $6,776,625 |
Liabilities and Capital | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
Current Liabilities | |||
Accounts Payable | $168,778 | $263,238 | $872,195 |
Current Borrowing | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Other Current Liabilities | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 |
Subtotal Current Liabilities | $186,303 | $280,763 | $889,720 |
Long-term Liabilities | $147,000 | $62,000 | $12,000 |
Total Liabilities | $333,303 | $342,763 | $901,720 |
Paid-in Capital | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 |
Retained Earnings | $62,274 | $422,061 | $1,550,945 |
Earnings | $359,787 | $1,128,884 | $4,321,050 |
Total Capital | $424,971 | $1,553,855 | $5,874,905 |
Total Liabilities and Capital | $758,275 | $1,896,619 | $6,776,625 |
Net Worth | $424,971 | $1,553,855 | $5,874,905 |
The following table outlines important business ratios for the electrical and electronic engineering industry, as described by the standard industry classification (SIC) index 8711.9905.
Ratio Analysis | ||||
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Industry Profile | |
Sales Growth | 385.03% | 174.91% | 233.33% | 1.74% |
Percent of Total Assets | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 53.20% | 58.47% | 54.55% | 32.00% |
Inventory | 15.51% | 17.22% | 16.07% | 2.11% |
Other Current Assets | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 37.08% |
Total Current Assets | 99.50% | 99.85% | 99.97% | 71.19% |
Long-term Assets | 0.50% | 0.15% | 0.03% | 28.81% |
Total Assets | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Current Liabilities | 24.57% | 14.80% | 13.13% | 36.30% |
Long-term Liabilities | 19.39% | 3.27% | 0.18% | 16.15% |
Total Liabilities | 43.96% | 18.07% | 13.31% | 52.45% |
Net Worth | 56.04% | 81.93% | 86.69% | 47.55% |
Percent of Sales | ||||
Sales | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Gross Margin | 60.24% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 100.00% |
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses | 37.37% | 33.91% | 30.36% | 77.75% |
Advertising Expenses | 3.20% | 3.38% | 1.69% | 0.33% |
Profit Before Interest and Taxes | 39.89% | 45.27% | 51.73% | 3.13% |
Main Ratios | ||||
Current | 4.05 | 6.75 | 7.61 | 1.55 |
Quick | 3.42 | 5.58 | 6.39 | 1.32 |
Total Debt to Total Assets | 43.96% | 18.07% | 13.31% | 56.41% |
Pre-tax Return on Net Worth | 149.84% | 128.58% | 130.18% | 7.23% |
Pre-tax Return on Assets | 83.98% | 105.35% | 112.86% | 16.60% |
Additional Ratios | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
Net Profit Margin | 22.29% | 25.44% | 29.22% | n.a |
Return on Equity | 84.66% | 72.65% | 73.55% | n.a |
Activity Ratios | ||||
Accounts Receivable Turnover | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | n.a |
Collection Days | 55 | 83 | 79 | n.a |
Inventory Turnover | 10.83 | 8.02 | 8.39 | n.a |
Accounts Payable Turnover | 6.61 | 12.17 | 12.17 | n.a |
Payment Days | 28 | 25 | 20 | n.a |
Total Asset Turnover | 2.13 | 2.34 | 2.18 | n.a |
Debt Ratios | ||||
Debt to Net Worth | 0.78 | 0.22 | 0.15 | n.a |
Current Liab. to Liab. | 0.56 | 0.82 | 0.99 | n.a |
Liquidity Ratios | ||||
Net Working Capital | $568,145 | $1,613,029 | $5,885,079 | n.a |
Interest Coverage | 91.58 | 192.20 | 2,067.99 | n.a |
Additional Ratios | ||||
Assets to Sales | 0.47 | 0.43 | 0.46 | n.a |
Current Debt/Total Assets | 25% | 15% | 13% | n.a |
Acid Test | 1.25 | 1.63 | 2.24 | n.a |
Sales/Net Worth | 3.80 | 2.86 | 2.52 | n.a |
Dividend Payout | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | n.a |
Sales Forecast | |||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
Unit Sales | |||||||||||||
Product Wrasse | 0% | 78 | 40 | 22 | 30 | 45 | 65 | 80 | 95 | 105 | 110 | 190 | 180 |
Product Parrotfish | 0% | 78 | 40 | 22 | 30 | 45 | 65 | 80 | 95 | 105 | 110 | 190 | 180 |
Product Damselfish | 0% | 78 | 40 | 22 | 30 | 45 | 65 | 80 | 95 | 105 | 110 | 190 | 180 |
Other | 0% | 20 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Unit Sales | 254 | 135 | 69 | 90 | 135 | 195 | 240 | 285 | 315 | 330 | 570 | 540 | |
Unit Prices | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Product Wrasse | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | $412.00 | |
Product Parrotfish | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | $610.00 | |
Product Damselfish | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | $457.00 | |
Other | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | $1,995.00 | |
Sales | |||||||||||||
Product Wrasse | $32,136 | $16,480 | $9,064 | $12,360 | $18,540 | $26,780 | $32,960 | $39,140 | $43,260 | $45,320 | $78,280 | $74,160 | |
Product Parrotfish | $47,580 | $24,400 | $13,420 | $18,300 | $27,450 | $39,650 | $48,800 | $57,950 | $64,050 | $67,100 | $115,900 | $109,800 | |
Product Damselfish | $35,646 | $18,280 | $10,054 | $13,710 | $20,565 | $29,705 | $36,560 | $43,415 | $47,985 | $50,270 | $86,830 | $82,260 | |
Other | $39,900 | $29,925 | $5,985 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Total Sales | $155,262 | $89,085 | $38,523 | $44,370 | $66,555 | $96,135 | $118,320 | $140,505 | $155,295 | $162,690 | $281,010 | $266,220 | |
Direct Unit Costs | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Product Wrasse | 0.00% | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 | $165.85 |
Product Parrotfish | 0.00% | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 | $244.35 |
Product Damselfish | 0.00% | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 | $183.85 |
Other | 0.00% | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 | $630.00 |
Direct Cost of Sales | |||||||||||||
Product Wrasse | $12,936 | $6,634 | $3,649 | $4,976 | $7,463 | $10,780 | $13,268 | $15,756 | $17,414 | $18,244 | $31,512 | $29,853 | |
Product Parrotfish | $19,059 | $9,774 | $5,376 | $7,331 | $10,996 | $15,883 | $19,548 | $23,213 | $25,657 | $26,879 | $46,427 | $43,983 | |
Product Damselfish | $14,340 | $7,354 | $4,045 | $5,516 | $8,273 | $11,950 | $14,708 | $17,466 | $19,304 | $20,224 | $34,932 | $33,093 | |
Other | $12,600 | $9,450 | $1,890 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales | $58,936 | $33,212 | $14,959 | $17,822 | $26,732 | $38,613 | $47,524 | $56,435 | $62,375 | $65,346 | $112,870 | $106,929 |
Personnel Plan | |||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
President | 0% | $0 | $8,450 | $16,901 | $8,333 | $8,333 | $8,333 | $8,333 | $8,333 | $8,333 | $8,333 | $8,333 | $8,333 |
Sales Manager | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Office Manager | 0% | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Salesperson (VAR’s) | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Salesperson (OEM’s) | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Technicians | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
In-house Software Engineer | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Other | 0% | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total People | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
Total Payroll | $1,000 | $9,450 | $17,901 | $10,333 | $10,333 | $10,333 | $15,833 | $15,833 | $15,833 | $16,333 | $16,333 | $16,333 |
General Assumptions | |||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
Plan Month | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
Current Interest Rate | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | |
Long-term Interest Rate | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | |
Tax Rate | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | 43.50% | |
Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pro Forma Profit and Loss | |||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
Sales | $155,262 | $89,085 | $38,523 | $44,370 | $66,555 | $96,135 | $118,320 | $140,505 | $155,295 | $162,690 | $281,010 | $266,220 | |
Direct Cost of Sales | $58,936 | $33,212 | $14,959 | $17,822 | $26,732 | $38,613 | $47,524 | $56,435 | $62,375 | $65,346 | $112,870 | $106,929 | |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Total Cost of Sales | $58,936 | $33,212 | $14,959 | $17,822 | $26,732 | $38,613 | $47,524 | $56,435 | $62,375 | $65,346 | $112,870 | $106,929 | |
Gross Margin | $96,326 | $55,873 | $23,564 | $26,549 | $39,823 | $57,522 | $70,796 | $84,070 | $92,920 | $97,345 | $168,141 | $159,291 | |
Gross Margin % | 62.04% | 62.72% | 61.17% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 59.83% | 59.83% | |
Expenses | |||||||||||||
Payroll | $1,000 | $9,450 | $17,901 | $10,333 | $10,333 | $10,333 | $15,833 | $15,833 | $15,833 | $16,333 | $16,333 | $16,333 | |
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses | $5,380 | $1,340 | $4,991 | $4,988 | $5,087 | $20,221 | $5,320 | $15,420 | $15,487 | $15,520 | $16,053 | $15,986 | |
Depreciation | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $83 | $87 | |
Leased Equipment | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | $219 | |
Healthcare | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | $856 | |
On-line Services | $50 | $25 | $160 | $110 | $110 | $110 | $110 | $110 | $110 | $110 | $110 | $110 | |
Telephone | $151 | $361 | $202 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 | |
Utilities | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | |
Insurance | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $120 | |
Rent | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
Payroll Taxes | 9% | $90 | $851 | $1,611 | $930 | $930 | $930 | $1,425 | $1,425 | $1,425 | $1,470 | $1,470 | $1,470 |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Total Operating Expenses | $9,049 | $14,405 | $27,243 | $18,989 | $19,088 | $34,222 | $25,316 | $35,416 | $35,483 | $36,061 | $36,594 | $36,531 | |
Profit Before Interest and Taxes | $87,277 | $41,469 | ($3,679) | $7,560 | $20,735 | $23,300 | $45,480 | $48,654 | $57,437 | $61,284 | $131,547 | $122,760 | |
EBITDA | $87,360 | $41,552 | ($3,596) | $7,643 | $20,818 | $23,383 | $45,563 | $48,737 | $57,520 | $61,367 | $131,630 | $122,847 | |
Interest Expense | $724 | $1,141 | $224 | $100 | $183 | $350 | $517 | $642 | $642 | $642 | $642 | $1,225 | |
Taxes Incurred | $37,651 | $17,543 | ($1,698) | $3,245 | $8,940 | $9,983 | $19,559 | $20,885 | $24,706 | $26,379 | $56,944 | $52,868 | |
Net Profit | $48,903 | $22,785 | ($2,205) | $4,215 | $11,612 | $12,967 | $25,404 | $27,127 | $32,089 | $34,263 | $73,961 | $68,667 | |
Net Profit/Sales | 31.50% | 25.58% | -5.72% | 9.50% | 17.45% | 13.49% | 21.47% | 19.31% | 20.66% | 21.06% | 26.32% | 25.79% |
Pro Forma Cash Flow | |||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
Cash Received | |||||||||||||
Cash from Operations | |||||||||||||
Cash Sales | $38,816 | $22,271 | $9,631 | $11,093 | $16,639 | $24,034 | $29,580 | $35,126 | $38,824 | $40,673 | $70,253 | $66,555 | |
Cash from Receivables | $11,180 | $15,061 | $114,792 | $65,550 | $29,038 | $33,832 | $50,656 | $72,656 | $89,295 | $105,749 | $116,656 | $124,976 | |
Subtotal Cash from Operations | $49,995 | $37,332 | $124,423 | $76,642 | $45,677 | $57,866 | $80,236 | $107,782 | $128,118 | $146,421 | $186,909 | $191,531 | |
Additional Cash Received | |||||||||||||
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received | 0.00% | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
New Current Borrowing | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
New Other Liabilities (interest-free) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
New Long-term Liabilities | $60,000 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 | $10,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $70,000 | |
Sales of Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Sales of Long-term Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
New Investment Received | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Subtotal Cash Received | $109,995 | $87,332 | $124,423 | $76,642 | $55,677 | $77,866 | $100,236 | $122,782 | $128,118 | $146,421 | $186,909 | $261,531 | |
Expenditures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Expenditures from Operations | |||||||||||||
Cash Spending | $1,000 | $9,450 | $17,901 | $10,333 | $10,333 | $10,333 | $15,833 | $15,833 | $15,833 | $16,333 | $16,333 | $16,333 | |
Bill Payments | $18,132 | $69,253 | $27,781 | $8,451 | $28,654 | $55,379 | $85,854 | $87,484 | $107,482 | $113,873 | $119,533 | $240,632 | |
Subtotal Spent on Operations | $19,132 | $78,703 | $45,682 | $18,784 | $38,987 | $65,712 | $101,687 | $103,317 | $123,315 | $130,206 | $135,866 | $256,965 | |
Additional Cash Spent | |||||||||||||
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing | $0 | $0 | $0 | $14,866 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment | $0 | $0 | $110,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Purchase Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Purchase Long-term Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Dividends | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Subtotal Cash Spent | $19,132 | $78,703 | $155,682 | $33,650 | $38,987 | $65,712 | $101,687 | $103,317 | $123,315 | $130,206 | $135,866 | $256,965 | |
Net Cash Flow | $90,863 | $8,630 | ($31,259) | $42,992 | $16,690 | $12,154 | ($1,451) | $19,466 | $4,803 | $16,215 | $51,043 | $4,565 | |
Cash Balance | $89,583 | $98,212 | $66,953 | $109,945 | $126,635 | $138,789 | $137,338 | $156,803 | $161,606 | $177,821 | $228,864 | $233,429 |
Pro Forma Balance Sheet | |||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
Assets | Starting Balances | ||||||||||||
Current Assets | |||||||||||||
Cash | ($1,280) | $89,583 | $98,212 | $66,953 | $109,945 | $126,635 | $138,789 | $137,338 | $156,803 | $161,606 | $177,821 | $228,864 | $233,429 |
Accounts Receivable | $22,359 | $127,626 | $179,379 | $93,479 | $61,207 | $82,085 | $120,354 | $158,438 | $191,161 | $218,337 | $234,606 | $328,708 | $403,397 |
Inventory | $99,447 | $64,829 | $36,533 | $21,574 | $19,604 | $29,405 | $42,475 | $52,276 | $62,078 | $68,613 | $71,880 | $124,156 | $117,622 |
Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Current Assets | $120,526 | $282,038 | $314,124 | $182,006 | $190,756 | $238,125 | $301,617 | $348,052 | $410,042 | $448,556 | $484,308 | $681,728 | $754,449 |
Long-term Assets | |||||||||||||
Long-term Assets | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 | $18,304 |
Accumulated Depreciation | $13,478 | $13,561 | $13,644 | $13,727 | $13,810 | $13,893 | $13,976 | $14,059 | $14,142 | $14,225 | $14,308 | $14,391 | $14,478 |
Total Long-term Assets | $4,826 | $4,743 | $4,660 | $4,577 | $4,494 | $4,411 | $4,328 | $4,245 | $4,162 | $4,079 | $3,996 | $3,913 | $3,826 |
Total Assets | $125,352 | $286,781 | $318,784 | $186,583 | $195,250 | $242,536 | $305,945 | $352,297 | $414,204 | $452,635 | $488,304 | $685,641 | $758,275 |
Liabilities and Capital | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Current Liabilities | |||||||||||||
Accounts Payable | $15,777 | $68,304 | $27,521 | $7,526 | $26,843 | $52,518 | $82,961 | $83,908 | $103,688 | $110,030 | $111,436 | $234,812 | $168,778 |
Current Borrowing | $14,866 | $14,866 | $14,866 | $14,866 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Other Current Liabilities | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 | $17,525 |
Subtotal Current Liabilities | $48,168 | $100,695 | $59,912 | $39,917 | $44,368 | $70,043 | $100,486 | $101,433 | $121,213 | $127,555 | $128,961 | $252,337 | $186,303 |
Long-term Liabilities | $12,000 | $72,000 | $122,000 | $12,000 | $12,000 | $22,000 | $42,000 | $62,000 | $77,000 | $77,000 | $77,000 | $77,000 | $147,000 |
Total Liabilities | $60,168 | $172,695 | $181,912 | $51,917 | $56,368 | $92,043 | $142,486 | $163,433 | $198,213 | $204,555 | $205,961 | $329,337 | $333,303 |
Paid-in Capital | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 | $2,910 |
Retained Earnings | ($16,341) | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 | $62,274 |
Earnings | $78,615 | $48,903 | $71,688 | $69,483 | $73,697 | $85,309 | $98,275 | $123,680 | $150,807 | $182,896 | $217,159 | $291,120 | $359,787 |
Total Capital | $65,184 | $114,087 | $136,872 | $134,667 | $138,881 | $150,493 | $163,459 | $188,864 | $215,991 | $248,080 | $282,343 | $356,304 | $424,971 |
Total Liabilities and Capital | $125,352 | $286,781 | $318,784 | $186,583 | $195,250 | $242,536 | $305,945 | $352,297 | $414,204 | $452,635 | $488,304 | $685,641 | $758,275 |
Net Worth | $65,184 | $114,087 | $136,872 | $134,667 | $138,881 | $150,493 | $163,459 | $188,864 | $215,991 | $248,080 | $282,343 | $356,304 | $424,971 |
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Small businesses make significant investments in it infrastructure. they must protect those investments from unplanned and potentially destructive events with a dr plan..
Technology disaster recovery plans are necessary for businesses of every size. A small business disaster recovery plan protects and recovers critical IT infrastructure assets after a disruptive event.
DR plans provide step-by-step procedures for recovering disrupted systems and networks, helping them return to normal operations. The goal of these processes is to minimize any negative impacts to company operations. DR plans are essential for ensuring that a business can continue to deliver its products and services in the aftermath of a crisis.
The scale and details of a small-to-medium business ( SMB ) DR plan are typically less complex than those for a large enterprise but no less necessary. The key is to have the resources and procedures for recovering critical systems, networks and data the organization needs to function.
Included in this article is an example disaster recovery plan for small business. This template is a solid first step that can facilitate the initiation and completion of an IT DR plan. The structure of this article and the template is consistent with established national and international standards for IT disaster recovery .
Regardless of the type and size of the business, a DR plan provides a structured approach for responding to unplanned incidents that threaten an IT infrastructure. These can include threats to software, networks, processes and people.
Protecting an organization's investment in its technology infrastructure and its ability to conduct business are the key reasons for implementing an IT DR plan. Considering that businesses of any size depend on technology, DR plans should be on every CIO's short list. Support from senior management is the primary starting point for a small business DR plan, especially with funding and a project budget .
Once management approval has been received to develop a DR plan, IT and DR teams should begin by completing a risk assessment to identify potential threats to the IT infrastructure. A risk assessment can also be used to identify potential vulnerabilities and single points of failure that could cause a disruption or outage.
The goal of a risk assessment is to determine which infrastructure elements are most at risk to the organization's business. For a small business with less than 100 employees, this could be any hardware in the data center, key applications the business uses, and networking resources. If the organization uses external cloud resources, the assessment should consider risks that might affect their ability to recover from an incident.
When an incident -- internal or external -- negatively affects the IT infrastructure, the business could be compromised, resulting in loss of business and reputational damage. Identifying risks and threats to the infrastructure is a key activity. For smaller organizations with fewer resources, attention to detail is critical.
It might be advisable to conduct a business impact analysis (BIA), which identifies the most important activities the organization performs. BIAs also correlate the key functions with the technologies needed to support them. This information, coupled with data from the risk assessment, results in a DR plan design that focuses on protecting the most essential systems and functions.
It is essential to have the right players during the planning process as well as a team ready to respond to system disruptions. Coordination with business unit leaders, particularly those who are responsible for the mission-critical functions, helps zero in on the technology requirements needed to sustain business operations. Senior leaders define recovery time objectives and recovery prioritization.
The DR planning process identifies critical IT systems and networks; links them to mission-critical business functions; prioritizes recovery times; and delineates the steps needed to restart, reconfigure, and recover operations.
A comprehensive IT DR plan also includes relevant supplier contacts and sources of expertise for recovering disrupted systems.
In today's business environment, both large and small businesses use cloud-based services to supplement existing IT resources. Data storage is a key use for cloud services, and many cloud vendors offer DR services of their own. The flexibility and relatively low cost of cloud DR make it a good option for small businesses.
In addition to securely protecting data, databases and applications, hardware devices must also be protected in a DR plan. Having one or two spare servers ready to use if an existing server fails is one way to minimize the consequences of a device failure. Backup power, such as uninterruptible power systems , is also essential.
Considering how much small business technology can be deployed today from hosted sources, one could make the argument that in-house DR is unnecessary for SMBs. Such a decision should be carefully made and in consultation with third-party resources to make sure they can support the technology needs of a business.
Among the less tangible benefits of a DR plan is peace of mind. Aside from that, it is good to know how to manage disruptions to IT systems and return them to normal. In situations where the technology is on site, a DR plan -- even if it is only a few pages of who to call and what systems to fix first -- is far better than having no plan at all.
By contrast, SMBs using hosted systems for most of their infrastructure will still need to know who to call, what to say, and how to work on an interim basis while the third party fixes operations.
One of the key activities to perform with a DR plan is a periodic test . This will determine if the right systems are being addressed and the recovery steps have been validated. Periodic testing ensures that backup systems and data are accessible, and the organization has contact information for all necessary parties, within and outside the organization.
Regrettably, testing is perhaps the one activity most SMBs fail to perform, and it increases the risk of damage from a disruptive event.
Another challenge with DR plans is keeping them up to date. Changes in technology, installation of new patches, changes to storage devices, updates to key applications and other events should be added to DR plans but often are not.
In addition to the plan template attached to this article, the National Institute for Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-34, Contingency Planning for Information Technology Systems , is a helpful resource for building a DR plan.
This standard covers several areas of DR organizations can include in a plan. Helpful additions from this standard might include the following:
While this article addresses disaster recovery from a general perspective, the SMB template is designed to be flexible yet comprehensive enough to address the key business and technology issues an organization might face in a disaster. An SMB might decide that the focus is recovering critical system and network resources. As such, other sections of the template can be omitted.
Staffing can be a challenge in an SMB. In some organizations, there might be only one or two employees who can lead a recovery effort. Organizations with a one- or two-person IT department might be challenged to respond in an incident.
It might be necessary to consolidate DR plan data and procedures into a one- or two-page document. As long as emergency contacts are up to date for crisis communications , procedures are current, and backup resources are in place, SMBs can likely make it through all but the most devastating events.
The included template is designed to be flexible for most SMBs, and users can delete sections that don't apply to their business. Key sections to review include emergency contacts, recovery and restoration procedures, and any other activities needed to return the IT infrastructure to normal.
Following is a summary of the plan template and its sections:
Paul Kirvan is an independent consultant, IT auditor, technical writer, editor and educator. He has more than 25 years of experience in business continuity, disaster recovery, security, enterprise risk management, telecom and IT auditing.
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COMMENTS
The Plan. Our electronics store business plan is structured to cover all essential aspects needed for a comprehensive strategy. It outlines the store's operations, marketing strategy, market environment, competitors, management team, and financial forecasts. Executive Summary: Offers an overview of your electronics store's business concept ...
Writing an electronics shop business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan: 1. Executive Summary. An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the whole business plan is ready ...
Upmetrics' step-by-step instructions, prompts, and the library of 400+ sample business plans will guide you through each section of your plan as a business mentor. 1. Executive Summary. An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan.
Safe Current is small business unit of The Cleveland Illuminating Company (TCIC), and electric utility. Safe Current was formed and will be lead by Brian Henderson. Safe Current has identified three key factors that will be instrumental to its sustainability: Ensure 100% customer satisfaction: Repeat customers and customer referrals are valuable.
Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Chris Logan® Consumer Electronics Retail Store, Inc. in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580. The cost for hiring Business Consultant - $2,500.
Get the most out of your business plan example. Follow these tips to quickly develop a working business plan from this sample. 1. Don't worry about finding an exact match. We have over 550 sample business plan templates. So, make sure the plan is a close match, but don't get hung up on the details. Your business is unique and will differ from ...
Download. Business in a Box templates are used by over 250,000 companies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and 190 countries worldwide. Download your Electronics Company Business Plan Template in MS Word (.docx). Everything you need to plan, manage, finance, and grow your business.
This Electronics Company Business Plan template provides a comprehensive guide for starting and managing an electronics business. It includes market analysis, financial projections, and business strategies to ensure success. Access All Templates For Under $5.99/Month. Add to cart.
Download the Electronics Business Plan Template 43-page PDF document. Introduction Embarking on an electronic business venture in the dynamic electronics marketplace demands more than a business idea. A solid business plan is your compass. This template aims to ensure the smooth running of your enterprise from its inception to its full-fledged operations.
Electronics Business Plan Template. 0. $ 250 $ 99. Oak Business Consultant Provides a comprehensive, easy-to-use electronic business plan template designed specifically for startups and existing businesses in the electronics sector. This template is tailored to address the nuances and specific requirements of the electronics industry, ensuring ...
The company will be a sole proprietorship registered in the state of Arizona and owned by Mr. James Munroe. The firm will have facilities on 530 W. Prince Ave. The initial facilities will contain a sales area, repair room in the back of the shop, office space and storage for parts and equipment.
Lean Business Plan Template PDF. This scannable business plan template allows you to easily identify the most important elements of your plan. Use this template to outline key details pertaining to your business and industry, product or service offerings, target customer segments (and channels to reach them), and to identify sources of revenue.
The electronics shop business plan details the launch and management of a retail store specializing in electronic devices. It encompasses market analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational guidelines. The goal is to meet consumer demand for cutting-edge electronics, ensuring profitability through effective management and customer engagement.
A Step by Step Guide to Starting a Small Business. This is a practical manual in a PDF format, that will walk you step by step through all the essential phases of starting your Electronics business. The book is packed with guides, worksheets and checklists. These strategies are absolutely crucial to your business' success yet are simple and ...
Electronics Business plan - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. it is business plan for my existing electronics retail shop with detail specific necessary data's and information to get finance from the bank my business name is called Keasmechiw Electronics Shop and it offers Television,Speaker ,TV stand ,Refrigerator,Freezer,Oven,Washing Machine,Coffee ...
Having this context is key for the reader to form a view on whether or not they believe that your plan is achievable and the numbers in your forecast realistic. The written part of an electronics repair shop business plan is composed of 7 main sections: The executive summary. The presentation of the company.
Second Year: $550,000. Third Year: $750,000. N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won't be any major economic meltdown and there won't be any major competitor offering same electronics repair services as we do within same location.
A complete electrical shop business plan PDF. This fill-in-the-blanks template includes every section of your business plan, including Executive Summary, Objectives, SWOT Analysis, Marketing Analysis and Strategy, Operations Plan, Financial Projections and more (a similar template is sold elsewhere for $69.95). All this and much much more.
5.1 Competitive Edge. The competitive edge of Abbey Electronic Services is its people. Location and marketing will get new customers in the door but without quality people, you won't keep them. Richard Abbey knows this from working 25 years in the electronic repair business.
Developing a Business Plan For Your Rapidly Growing Business THE COMPANY Generico, Inc. was founded in the spring of 1999 to address one of the major problems facing manufacturers of electronic components and systems today: achieving flexible manufacturing while containing costs.
Electronics Repair Shop Business Plan - Free download as Word Doc (.doc), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or view presentation slides online. bplan
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Writing a manufacturing business plan is a good exercise in understanding what equipment will be needed, evaluating the size of the market your business is based in, and assessing your competition. These things will change over time, so make sure you adjust your plan as your company matures. [Read more: How to Use AI Tools to Write a Business Plan]
Executive Summary. Rosafarbenes Nilpferd & Sons Engineering, Inc. (RNSE) has established a strong foothold in a niche technology market for Product Category One* devices. The potential market demand of 180 million units far outstrips the capacity of present suppliers and is growing at a rate of 22% annually. RNSE's success in taking advantage ...
DR plans provide step-by-step procedures for recovering disrupted systems and networks, helping them return to normal operations. The goal of these processes is to minimize any negative impacts to company operations. DR plans are essential for ensuring that a business can continue to deliver its products and services in the aftermath of a crisis.