Intro to Inventory Mgmt – OM in the News

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|

French Bakeries Struggle with Rising Costs of Dough

Skyrocketing costs of inputs for French bakeries are threatening their very existence, according to some bakery owners.

While the baguette is recognized by UNESCO as an essential and important part of French culture, its affordability is being called into question.

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France’s bakers on strike: Expenses skyrocket as wheat, butter, sugar prices soar (Jan 23, 2023, FRANCE 24 English)

This post is based on the CNN article, Bakeries are central to the French […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-05-03T05:34:35+00:00May 3, 2023|Tags: costs, inflation, inventory management, labor shortage, productivity|

Another Self-Operating Warehouse in California

JD.com is adding a third self-operating warehouse and distribution center in California.

Automated warehouses provide merchants with improved logistics infrastructure that allows JD.com to extend its order cut-off time by an hour. This will be the company’s fifth US warehouse; the Chinese e-commerce giant is working to achieve two-day delivery for the entire US.

Video Spotlight:

JD.com’s Automated Warehouse in California (Mar 1, 2023, JD.com, Inc.)

This post is based on the Supply Chain Dive article,

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-04-21T03:40:07+00:00April 21, 2023|Tags: distribution centers, logistics, warehouse|

Target Sortation Centers To Double In Capacity

Target is making a $100 million investment in its “sortation centers.”

By the end of January of 2026, the retailer aims to increase the number of these delivery hubs from nine to fifteen, approximately doubling the number of packages handled, and speeding up delivery times.

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