work force scheduling – OM in the News

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|

Holiday Shipping Capacity Is Ahead of Demand

Shipping companies including the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, and United Parcel Service will have enough capacity to achieve on-time deliveries this holiday season.

Consumers were enticed to shop early to take advantage of early holiday sales, shop more in stores, and moderate spending to counter inflation. As a result, shipping volume was reduced, and shipments were spread over a longer period.

Nevertheless, shipping companies are maintaining a buffer of excess capacity of 10 million to 20 million parcels each day to meet […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2022-12-12T08:57:47+00:00December 12, 2022|Tags: capacity strategies, chase demand strategy, scheduling, seasonality, work force scheduling|

Chick-fil-A’s Three-Day Workweek

A Chick-fil-A restaurant in Miami has gone to a 3-day workweek.

As Chick-fil-A restaurants are not open on Sundays, they have created 2 groups—referred to as pods. Each pod works 3 consecutive 13- to 14-hour days, and then has 4 days off. They also have one seven-day stretch of time off per month, and rotate weekends off.

In addition to the employees that are in the pods, they have other employees that follow more traditional schedules.

The 3-day workweek appeals to many workers. While […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2022-11-27T21:13:20+00:00November 27, 2022|Tags: job design, lean operations, productivity, scheduling, waste reduction, work force scheduling|

Prefab Is Fab

Prefabricated building modules are trending.

Supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages can wreak havoc on construction projects as their compounded effects lengthen lead times and increase costs. Fortunately, these challenges can make businesses more creative and resourceful. Modular construction with prefabricated units combines the benefits of standardization and flexibility to speed up construction and lower costs. It thus facilitates the successful execution of large projects in an era of uncertainty and inflation.

Video Spotlight: Bathroom […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2022-05-09T20:48:41+00:00May 10, 2022|Tags: focused factory, lead time, process management, productivity, project management, respsonsive supply chain design, shortage, standardization, work force scheduling|