Location Planning and Analysis

Hyundai Focuses on Domestic Sourcing to Fuel Growth Plans

Auto manufacturer Hyundai is undertaking a variety of supply chain initiatives as part of its overall plan to increase North America production.

The company is planning to expand local sourcing to stabilize supply for its growing portfolio of vehicles. Hyundai is seeking to domestically source 80% of the parts used in vehicle production, compared to 60% today. Hyundai expects the increase in local sourcing to help secure supply stability, reduce logistics costs and also help mitigate regulatory exposure, leading to an […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-09-29T06:55:23+00:00October 2, 2026|Tags: domestic sourcing, logistics, material cost, material management, optimization, system design|

Remote Check-In for Boston Airport

Boston’s Logan Airport has added the nation’s first remote terminal.

Passengers arrive at a terminal located approximately 25 miles from the airport. They then check their bags and proceed through TSA security. After clearing security, they wait for the bus in a secure room. The bus then drops them off at the airport gate area.

Passengers do not need to go through security again.

Video Spotlight:

First-in-the-nation remote terminal for Logan Airport opens in Massachusetts (June 1, 2026, CBS […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2026-07-27T06:55:42+00:00July 26, 2026|Tags: facility design, facility layout, facility location, service design, transportation, waiting line|

Is Vertical Integration the Key to Mixue’s Global Success?

Though McDonald’s still reigns supreme in terms of total sales, China’s Mixue has become the world’s largest food and beverage chain by store count with over 45,000 global locations.

In December 2025, Mixue opened its first U.S. locations in Los Angeles and New York. The chain sells its famous soft-serve ice cream products, lemonades, and boba teas at rock bottom prices, and those products have been largely responsible for fueling the company’s rapid growth.

Video Spotlight:

Trying […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2026-03-22T09:09:18+00:00March 22, 2026|Tags: location planning, logistics, product design, service design, strategy, supply chain management, vertical integration|

Portillo’s Expansion: Location Decisions

Portillo’s is a fast casual restaurant with origins in Chicago, IL, famous for its Chicago Dog.

This all-beef hot dog on a poppy-seed bun is often ordered as “dragged through the garden,” meaning mustard, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, kosher pickle, and sport peppers. Notice that ketchup is not included.

Ketchup on a hot dog is frowned upon in Chicago dating back to the Depression era, where hot dog vendors used it to hide poor-quality hot dogs.

Other key Portillo menu […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2026-02-11T05:41:10+00:00February 11, 2026|Tags: apps, capacity, facility location, strategy, technology|