Intro to OM – OM in the News

Big Changes for Krispy Kreme’s Logistics Model

Beloved doughnut maker Krispy Kreme is making big changes in how it services customers.

Customers currently have two ways to enjoy Krispy Kreme doughnuts: a trip to a local Krispy Kreme shop for “Hot Now” doughnuts, which is referred to as DFD—delivered fresh daily. Or a trip to a grocery store for pre-made / pre-packaged doughnuts, which is referred to as CPG—consumer packaged goods.

However, Krispy Kreme executives just announced the planned closing of the CPG facility in Concord, North Carolina, as […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2023-04-22T22:46:57+00:00April 23, 2023|Tags: customer service, hub and spoke, logistics, market share, strategy|

High-End Vets for the One Percent Pets

Some pets receive the royal treatment.

They are family, and therefore we treat them like family…or better! Responding to this sentiment, veterinary clinics have realized that the business prospects of offering the type of care humans wish for themselves are very good. Accordingly, vets have invested in large facility expansions and a diverse portfolio of services including exercise rooms, heated pools, and acupuncture. What does it take to get there and is this model here to stay?

Video Spotlight:

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-01-30T20:53:05+00:00February 8, 2023|Tags: competitivness, facility design, facility layout, order winners, service design, service quality, strategic capacity management, strategy|

L’Oréal’s Mechanized Lipstick Applicator

For people with limited hand and arm mobility, L’Oréal’s computerized make-up applicator will allow them to steadily and precisely apply lipstick, with confidence and independence.

The applicator is in the pilot testing stage with Lancôme, part of the L’Oréal Luxury Products division. It may be a welcome invention for many of the 50 million people globally who have limited fine motor skills.

L’Oréal is among the 4% of beauty and personal care brands that design products for the physically disabled.

Video Spotlight: […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-02-06T00:53:31+00:00February 5, 2023|Tags: automation, product design, social responsibility, sustainable sourcing|

McDonald’s Cancels the McPlant

After a lackluster six-month test of the McPlant product in 600 U.S. restaurants, McDonald’s has pulled the item from its menu across the U.S. citing low sales.

In February 2020, OM in the News reported that Impossible Foods had bowed out of supplying plant-based burgers to McDonald’s, citing capacity concerns. For Beyond Meat, which took on the contract to supply the McPlant patty, the loss of this lucrative contract will no doubt have serious repercussions.

Video Spotlight:

[…]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2022-09-19T05:03:13+00:00September 21, 2022|Tags: capacity planning, external environment, product design, product quality, service design, strategy|