supply chain – OM in the News

Black Powder Is a Single Source Issue for the US Military

The sole domestic source for black powder, a key ingredient in the production of many military explosives such as bullets, mortar shells, and artillery rounds, was shut down nearly two years ago after an explosion destroyed much of the plant in Minden, Louisiana.

The mill is set to reopen in Summer 2023 under new ownership.

This scenario highlights a problem that has become far too common. Supply chains related to national security can be brought to a halt by […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-06-02T04:44:29+00:00June 4, 2023|Tags: inventory management, location planning, maintenance, supply chain|

Costs of Quality: Tulare Lake Flooding

Much of California’s most productive farmland has yet to emerge from flooding caused by this winter’s torrential rain and snow storms.

Anticipated snow melt from a snowpack 300% of average threatens to put valley areas under even more water as it begins to flow down from the mountains. The melt exceeds the capacity of lakes, dams, and rivers.

Flooding in the Tulare Lake and Monterey areas in March 2023 ruined many crops. Consumers across the country will feel the impact of higher […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-04-28T22:30:51+00:00April 28, 2023|Tags: capacity planning, cost of quality, food supply chain, forecasting, inventory management, quality, supply chain|

Is Shein’s Fast Fashion Sustainable?

Chinese company Shein has rapidly taken over as the world’s largest fast fashion company, raking in about $100 billion in sales last year.

Its merchandise is made by thousands of small suppliers in China, and consumers in the United States and Europe make up most of its market. While many are enamored by Shein’s cute and cheap offerings, others are sounding the alarm about the ethics of its practices.

Video Spotlight:

The dark side of Shein’s success […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-03-22T04:32:30+00:00March 24, 2023|Tags: ethics, inventory management, product design, strategy, supply chain, sustainability|

Target Sortation Centers To Double In Capacity

Target is making a $100 million investment in its “sortation centers.”

By the end of January of 2026, the retailer aims to increase the number of these delivery hubs from nine to fifteen, approximately doubling the number of packages handled, and speeding up delivery times.

Video Spotlight: