quality – OM in the News

Skimpflation

As inflation is impacting the prices of products, many organizations are looking for ways to cut costs. One such approach previously examined by OM in the News is the concept of shrinkflation, when companies reduce the size of the product. In many cases, customers don’t notice the change is size.

Now, instead of reducing the size of the product, some companies are changing the ingredients, choosing cheaper alternatives. This approach is being referred to as skimpflation.

One example of […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2022-11-07T02:09:19+00:00November 6, 2022|Tags: bill of materials, inflation, inventory management, MRP, product design, quality, supply chain management|

American Airlines PA Glitch: Root Cause Unknown

Halloween came early on a September 2022, American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Dallas. Unexplained moans and groans came across the aircraft’s public announcement system.

The “unsettling” noises began just before takeoff and continued throughout the flight. Pilots and flight attendants assured passengers that everything was under control and there was no need to worry.

Video Spotlight:

American Airlines flight interrupted by sounds of ‘moaning’ PA system (Sep 26, 2022, KTLA 5)
Passengers report […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2022-10-27T01:36:52+00:00October 27, 2022|Tags: design for maintenance, ethics, product safety, quality, service design|

GM Warns of Voided Warranties for Flipping Cars

To minimize the flipping of several of its high demand, limited production vehicles, General Motors will void the warranties if they are resold within a year of purchase. In addition, dealers that engage in flipping will be barred from purchasing additional such vehicles from GM in the future.

Video Spotlight:

General Motors Now CANCELING Warranties To Stop Flippers & Resellers! (Aug 2, 2022, Brian Mello)

This post is based on the Autoblog article,

By Lisa M. Spencer|2022-09-19T04:07:10+00:00September 18, 2022|Tags: quality, strategy, warranty costs|

Reduce Queuing Time with Biometrics

Biometrics will now fast-track some of Delta’s frequent flyers through their international flight experience.

The technology, being tested through June 2022, in the Atlanta, Georgia airport, will use facial recognition for baggage checks, check-in and ticketing functions, TSA security points, and passenger boarding.

Passengers stand in front of a machine which scans their face and compares it to their stored passport photo. Over one quarter of Delta’s Atlanta-based flyers qualify for this program, though they can still opt out if they wish.

By Lisa M. Spencer|2022-02-04T02:29:52+00:00February 4, 2022|Tags: automation, capacity planning, quality, queuing theory, service design, waiting time|