Tag Archives: Supply Chain

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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Can cheap, flexible robots assist workers to make US manufacturing globally competitive?

Posted on September 22, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (September 24, 2012) describes new robots announced by Rethink Robotics, priced at $ 22,000 and reprogrammable to assist workers with repititive tasks. Teaching the robot requires simulating the steps by moving its arms, after which the … Continue reading →

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The Google and Amazon product search competition

Posted on September 17, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (September 10, 2012) describes the growing battle between Amazon.com and Google to lead in product search. As Google tries to improve its product search and provide more ecommerce services, it has decided to … Continue reading →

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Can data transparency reduce medical errors and increase coordination of care?

Posted on September 17, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article by Dr Marty Makary in Newsweek (September 24, 2012) describes medical error rates at 25%, with 100,000 people dying due to preventable errors. But he suggests that data transparency, such as the publication of heart surgery data by … Continue reading →

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Japanese multinationals importing back into Japan

Posted on September 17, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (September 17,2012) describes automobiles made in Thailand by Nissan but ported back for sales in Japan. At 1 million yen, it is 65% of the price of a Japanese made car and 34 % of the … Continue reading →

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Can faster delivery help Amazon.com compensate for state sales tax collection ?

Posted on September 17, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (September 15,2012) describes the rapid pace of new warehouses opened by Amazon.com to hold inventory close to customers and cut a day out of shipping time. Next day or same day delivery will … Continue reading →

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Content Claim Standards by the Textile Exchange and benefits

Posted on September 17, 2012 by aviyer2010

A recent announcement by the Textile Exchange of their Content Claim Standards (CCS http://textileexchange.org/sites/default/files/te_pdfs/integrity/Content%20Claim%20Standard_v1.0.pdf) suggests a scheme to verify chain of custody across the textile supply chain. The goal is to verify claims regarding specific content e.g., organic cotton, recycled … Continue reading →

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Walgreen’s Jupiter warehouse controlled substances shipments shut by US agents

Posted on September 15, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall street Journal (September 15, 2012) reports that controlled substances shipments from Walgreens Jupiter warehouse were shut amidst government claims that shipments were diverted to addicts. The government accuses Walgreens of having insufficient controls over sales … Continue reading →

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Should California pass a law to label genetically modified food ?

Posted on September 15, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (September 13, 2012) describes a proposed law in California to label genetically modified foods that is being opposed by large brands while being supported by small independent organic producers. The question revolves around … Continue reading →

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Corn trade restrictions, price increases and the impact on the urban poor

Posted on September 15, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Economist (September 15, 2012) describes impact of the recent drought in the US, coupled with ethanol blending requirements for fuel on a spike in corn prices. Similar choices by other drought stricken countries and price sticker … Continue reading →

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