Managing Quality – OM in the News

Lego Redirects Efforts for Oil-Free Brick Design

Lego’s commitment to eliminate petroleum-based materials from its product has experienced a setback.

After years of research into alternative materials, Lego failed to find an adequate replacement that meets the current durability, safety, and quality standards. Despite the setback, Lego is not wavering from its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.

It continues to test and develop Lego bricks made from alterative sustainable materials and to take other actions (e.g., replacing plastic packaging with paper) to be more sustainable.

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By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-10-20T22:10:35+00:00October 20, 2023|Tags: packaging, product design, quality of conformance, quality of design, strategy, supply chain sustainability, sustainability|

House of Prime Rib: Quality, Not Variety

Most restaurants offer a variety of entrees. But the House of Prime Rib gives you only one choice—prime rib.

It has been open since 1949, serving only the one entrée. The House of Prime Rib meticulously selects only the best beef ribs, and prepares them to perfection using a 28-day dry age. The ribs are cooked in salt to ensure that all of the juices and favors are sealed in.

This dedication to producing the finest prime rib has led to success […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2023-10-18T03:54:33+00:00October 18, 2023|Tags: process design, process layout, product design, quality, standardization|

The First Watch Made in the U.S.A. since 1969

J.N. Shapiro’s Resurgence model boasts the “Made in the U.S.A.” label on its movement.

This means that all or almost all the components must be made in the United States. With a combination of science, art, and great attention to detail from design to production, the company hopes to revive the US watchmaking industry and bring back its glory days. As the orders keep coming, the company has expanded its capacity and is optimistic about future growth.

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By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-09-06T23:08:35+00:00September 8, 2023|Tags: competitivness, insourcing, Kano model, lead time, process selection, product quality|

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|