Jacobs & Chase-The Core – OM in the News

Edible Microchips to Aid Cheese Traceability

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheesemakers in Italy are testing the use of high-tech, edible microchips to track and authenticate their products, whose name is protected by EU law.

Blockchain tracking and real time inventory control are two of the key ways the technology can help.

The authentic 90-pound wheels of cheese can cost more than 1000 euros, and the counterfeit market has been estimated at $2 billion annually.

Video Spotlight:

Parmesan makers microchipping cheese to fight fakes (Sept 3, 2023, CBS News: […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-09-29T06:37:04+00:00September 29, 2023|Tags: blockchain, inventory management, product design, supply chain, traceability, value analysis|

Wendy’s Adds Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger

Wendy’s has added a Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger and Queso Fries to the menu.

The chef-inspired cheeseburger begins with a quarter-pound patty with poblano queso, crispy corn, tortilla chips, chipotle sauce, American cheese, lettuce, tomato on a jalapeno cheddar bun. The burger is designed as a “nacho platter” on a bun. It took Wendy’s over two years to develop the burger.

The Queso Fries required over 20 iterations to develop. This is the first time that Wendy’s has made a complimentary side to go […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2023-09-27T07:36:29+00:00September 27, 2023|Tags: forecasting, inventory management, product design, product development, supply chain management|

Logistics at the Panama Canal During Drought

Restrictions on daily transit as well as cargo weight will continue throughout 2024, as the Panama Canal deals with drought that has lowered water levels.

Shippers as well as recipients of goods are feeling the impact.

(For an earlier post explaining restricted load sizes through the Panama Canal, see this June 2023 post.)

Video Spotlight:

Drought hampering Panama Canal could have major economic repercussions (Aug 23, 2023, CBS Evening News)
Drought causing backups […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-09-24T06:48:14+00:00September 24, 2023|Tags: bottlenecks, capacity planning, inventory management, lean operations, logistics, nearshoring, reshoring, risk management, supply chain risk, transportation|

Drive-Thru Confusion Impedes Smooth Flow

Customer confusion is not uncommon in drive-thru lanes.

Increasing demand, and various order types such as in-person, online, and 3^rd party delivery, have complicated the drive-thru line. Many restaurants are adding multiple lines to handle demand, adding complication for the customer.

Many Chick-fil-A’s have experienced backups that extend into the street blocking traffic. A new Chick-fil-A in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a recent example. Many of their customers have been driving into the area where employees park. Chick-fil-A employees are working to help […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2023-09-22T05:29:34+00:00September 22, 2023|Tags: queuing theory, waiting line|