Tag Archives: manufacturing

Boeing’s Dreamliner’s lithium ion battery decision and current worries

Posted on January 18, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (January 17,2013) describes the lithium ion batteries used in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and the current string of fires, as a crucial design element in the success of the airplane. The batteries increase … Continue reading →

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How should the excess steel capacity problem be solved ?

Posted on November 28, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (November 28, 2012) describes the glut in steel capacity -an estimated 1.8 billion tons, compared to demand which is 1.5 billion tons. The reason, fragmented capacity with the top five companies comprising 18.2 … Continue reading →

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The Mad Max Economy and supply chains

Posted on November 11, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (November 11,2012) describes the Mad Max Economy that focuses on the impact of bad events such as Hurricane Sandy – when generators,kerosene heaters, radios, batteries, candles and industrial fans see demands soar. But … Continue reading →

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The retail supply chain impact of Hurricane Sandy

Posted on November 10, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (November 4, 2012) describes the impact of hurricane Sandy on the retail supply chain, action taken by companies and the possible consequences. With fuel supply shortages, FedEx started using fuel tankers to supply … Continue reading →

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Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey ports and retail supply chain impact

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (November 3, 2012) describes power supply issues at the ports in New Jersey causing diversions of inbound ships to Norfolk and other locations. But shipping to Dubai from New York costs $ 3000 … Continue reading →

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Drug shortages and Medicare role

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (October 29,2012) describes reasons for shortages of drugs to treat meningitis. While the branded version of the product made by Pfizer continues to be available, generic producers shut down production for several months. The associated shortage … Continue reading →

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The buy “Made in France” campaign and consumer impact

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (October 29, 2012) describes a campaign by the French Industry minister to encourage purchase of products made in France, though they are 15 to 25% more expensive. His goal is to use increased demand as a … Continue reading →

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Do increases in accounts receivable by Chinese firms suggest anything ?

Posted on October 31, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/30/business/china-corporations-slowdown/index.html?hpt=hp_t3) describes increases in accounts receivable by Chinese firms – 83 % increase for machinery manufacturer Sany Heavy, 169 % increase for First Tractor, and a 69% increase for Zoolion. Some reports suggest that firms are … Continue reading →

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Drug shortages and quality issues at backup compounding pharmacies

Posted on October 5, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (October 4, 2012) describes an outbreak of meningitis caused a fungus that contaminated steriod solutions supplied by a compounding pharmacy in New England. Hospitals ordered the solution, which was in short supply, from … Continue reading →

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Lean increases productivity and profits at Harley Davidson’s York plant

Posted on September 22, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (September 21, 2012) describes the transformation of Harley Davidson’s plant in York, PA, from 41 buildings to 1, with workforce cut by 50 %, using 10 % temporary labor but with an operating … Continue reading →

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