Process Analysis Multiple Flow Units

The Chronic Pain of Drug Shortages

Despite repeated warnings that critical drugs have been and will remain in short supply, corrective action has been painfully elusive.

A confluence of factors contribute to the persistence of the problem. These factors have been identified multiple times over the years, but addressing them and their effects on patients’ health requires overall system changes that call for full congressional and business cooperation. The current blog does not cover the policy changes needed for improvement; they are beyond its scope. However, it […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-04-03T19:59:23+00:00April 5, 2023|Tags: bullwhip effect, competitivness, continuous replenishment, flexible-manufacturing, inventory management, JIT, lead time, logistics, outsourcing, productivity, respsonsive supply chain design, safety stock, shortage, sourcing, strategic capacity management, supply chain management|

Prefab Is Fab

Prefabricated building modules are trending.

Supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages can wreak havoc on construction projects as their compounded effects lengthen lead times and increase costs. Fortunately, these challenges can make businesses more creative and resourceful. Modular construction with prefabricated units combines the benefits of standardization and flexibility to speed up construction and lower costs. It thus facilitates the successful execution of large projects in an era of uncertainty and inflation.

Video Spotlight: Bathroom […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2022-05-09T20:48:41+00:00May 10, 2022|Tags: focused factory, lead time, process management, productivity, project management, respsonsive supply chain design, shortage, standardization, work force scheduling|

Airlines Stuck on Runway with Pilot Shortages?

With demand for travel rebounding, pilot shortages have caused a host of flight cancellations in recent months. There is no easy solution in sight.

Some airlines in the United States are looking to hire pilots from other countries such as Australia, Canada, and many other global locations to fill the gap. Candidates from Australia are particularly attractive because of a “specialty occupation” U.S. visa that is fairly easy to get and can be renewed two years at a time as many […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2022-05-10T02:25:12+00:00May 9, 2022|Tags: aircraft, capacity planning, work force scheduling|

The Ford Maverick Pickup Is Built to Last!

If you have not placed an order for a 2022 Maverick pickup yet, it is already too late.

The chip shortage has hit the automotive industry quite hard, as shared in the OM in the News post, Chip Shortage Puts the Brakes on Automakers. Other posts have featured how the industry has adapted. For example, Tesla makes its own chips, and Ford has switched to a build-to-order strategy. As it turns out, Ford […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2022-02-06T20:07:47+00:00February 10, 2022|Tags: aggregate planning, carbon footprint, flexible-manufacturing, group technology, product design, product family|