Titles – OM in the News

Exoskeletons Improve Job Design

A John Deere parts distribution center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, offers employees the use of exoskeletons to perform their jobs more safely and comfortably. Employees handle hundreds of packages every day with greater ease with the aid of these robotic devices.

Exoskeletons have the potential to impact many industries and improve ergonomics and job design in a variety of ways.

Video Spotlight:

How will exoskeletons be used in the next decade? (Jan 31, 2022, Interesting Engineering)

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-06-04T05:20:09+00:00June 7, 2023|Tags: automation, ergonomics, job design, productivity, safety, supply chain technology, work design|

Black Powder Is a Single Source Issue for the US Military

The sole domestic source for black powder, a key ingredient in the production of many military explosives such as bullets, mortar shells, and artillery rounds, was shut down nearly two years ago after an explosion destroyed much of the plant in Minden, Louisiana.

The mill is set to reopen in Summer 2023 under new ownership.

This scenario highlights a problem that has become far too common. Supply chains related to national security can be brought to a halt by […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-06-02T04:44:29+00:00June 4, 2023|Tags: inventory management, location planning, maintenance, supply chain|

Major League Baseballs are Still Handmade

What do you imagine making baseballs for the pros looks like?

You might be surprised when you see what really happens behind the scenes at Rawlings. Consistent quality is a priority, and much of the work is labor intensive and done by hand.

(Check out the effect of a pitch clock on Major League games’ cycle times in this OM in the News post.)

Video Spotlight:

How It’s Made Baseballs (April 22, 2016, How It’s Made […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-05-31T05:37:28+00:00May 31, 2023|Tags: facility layout, process design, product design, quality control|

Redwood Logistics Facilitates Nearshoring

Redwood Logistics is expanding its transportation operations to Mexico.

This move follows the nearshoring trend of manufacturers who are bringing production closer to home in order to be less reliant on overseas suppliers.

Redwood Logistics’ Mexico expansion allows it to become a logistic service gateway connecting the electronic, automotive, appliances, aerospace, and pharmaceutical industries in Mexico with the U.S.

Video Spotlight:

What is Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Reshoring and Offshoring (Annual Meeting, Davos 2023) (Jan 5, 2023, World Economic Forum)

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-05-28T17:40:57+00:00May 28, 2023|Tags: competitive advantage, global supply chain management, location planning, nearshoring, operations strategy, outsourcing|