Process Improvement – 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|

Ikea Expanding Capacity in the United States

Ikea will invest $2.2 billion to upgrade existing stores, and open new stores and designer centers in the U.S.

Ikea’s expansion is in direct contrast to store closing decisions by other retailers, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, and Best Buy.

Video Spotlight:

IKEA plans new US stores in $2.2 billion push (Apr 20, 2023, Reuters)

This post is based on the Business Insider article, Ikea is spending over $2 billion to open 8 new […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-05-25T02:28:41+00:00May 24, 2023|Tags: capacity strategies, expansion, location planning|

Do Manufacturing Workers Benefit from Automation?

Advanced manufacturing technologies promise better jobs. Is it time to rejoice?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us, and it will transform work as we know it. This article delves into the benefits that automation could bring to deskless workers: safer jobs, higher pay, more opportunities for advancement, and so on. It is undeniable that automated technologies and artificial intelligence have the potential to enrich manufacturing jobs. However, their implementation will determine how workers are actually impacted.

Video Spotlight:

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-05-12T03:13:01+00:00May 12, 2023|Tags: automation, carbon footprint, flexible-manufacturing, job design, productivity, respsonsive supply chain design, robots, sustainability, work force scheduling|

Wipe Away the Pain with Recycled Love Letters

While it may sound “cheeky,” toilet paper manufacturer Who Gives a Crap really does have a heart.

Its promise to recycle love letters from your ex into toilet paper is an attention-getting Valentine’s Day promotion which may draw new users to its sustainable and charitably-focused products.

Video Spotlight:

Who Gives A Crap – the best toilet paper EVER! Here’s why…| Kate Arnell | AD (Dec 14, 2017, ECO BOOST)
Good for your bum, great for […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-02-09T06:34:20+00:00February 9, 2023|Tags: core competency, ethics, product design, strategy, supply chain, sustainability|