carbon footprint – OM in the News

The USPS Wants to Deliver its Operations Strategy

The USPS continues its ambitious transformation.

Although the first two years of the ten-year transformation plan have produced mixed results, the Postmaster General wants to forge ahead with the pursuit of excellence in quality, cost, delivery, and flexibility. Because revenues from mail delivery continue to decline, the USPS is targeting shippers, a bold move for a late entrant in the package delivery business. This strategy requires a complete overhaul of the organization. Modernization and streamlining of services and […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-06-19T21:16:03+00:00June 21, 2023|Tags: automation, bottleneck, carbon footprint, competitivness, delivery, JIT, logistics, process management, productivity, service quality, strategy, supply chain management, sustainability|

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|

Betting on ‘Made in America’

FutureStitch is reshoring its operations.

It is moving its sock production from China to the West Coast. A host of factors have contributed to the decision, and the founder and CEO believes that the benefits will outweigh the costs. Specifically, the ‘Made in America’ label is expected to be aligned with current political, economic, and societal trends that enhance the company’s image in the US. Its workforce includes formerly incarcerated women who appreciate the second chance and empower each other.

Video […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-04-07T19:22:19+00:00April 9, 2023|Tags: carbon footprint, productivity, reshoring, strategy, supply chain management, sustainability|

Furniture Glut in Silicon Valley

One man’s loss is another man’s gain.

The rise of remote work, an economic slowdown, and tighter access to capital have forced tech companies to retreat or disappear. The situation is especially dire in the San Francisco area where prime office space has been vacated. Once destined to the landfill, the barely-used furniture is now finding new homes thanks to resellers capitalizing on the excesses of a certain corporate culture and oversized operations.

Video Spotlight: Is Herman Miller […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-03-18T16:54:05+00:00March 19, 2023|Tags: carbon footprint, competitivness, forecasting, job design, location, product design, strategic capacity management, sustainability, value analysis|