Last-mile delivery makes up an estimated 41% of all logistics costs in the supply chain. Acemoglu’s findings are consistent with what lean leaders have been saying for decades. Uniquely human capabilities are essential to continuous improvement and central to lean’s most important pillar—respect for people. And as operations leaders, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the change. Not because we’re tech experts, but because we understand how work gets done. When we pair those insights with the power of AI, we don’t just solve problems—we transform them into opportunities.
KAIZEN™ Insights
Efficient fleet management is pivotal for your business’s operational success. Because of this, businesses prioritize solutions that enhance real-time… Operations management taught me the art of decision-making in uncertain and dynamic environments. Factors such as changing customer preferences, market fluctuations, and unexpected disruptions require operations managers to make informed decisions quickly. I learned that effective decision-making involves analyzing data, considering various scenarios, and being adaptable to changing circumstances. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a more resilient and effective operations strategy that supports our business success.
Loading and unloading a truck is backbreaking, mind-numbing work that retailers and parcel carriers have tried to solve for years. Summers and winters are particularly grueling for anyone stuck in a metal trailer, slinging heavy boxes. Company warehouses buzz with metallic arms plucking items from shelves and wheeled droids that motor around the floors ferrying the goods for packaging. In other corners, automated systems help sort the items, which other robots assist in packaging for shipment.
Ford and its CEO have staked out improving quality as a priority for the automaker. Improving quality will also help to reduce the billions of dollars Ford spends every year on warranty claims and safety recalls. The company hired a quality czar in 2022, and it has tied 70% of the operations management insight blog executive annual bonuses to quality. It said it has significantly improved product quality in recent years, with four new models winning accolades from a recent J.D.
Practice over tools: One of the paradoxes of a continuous improvement culture
We’ve curated a list of 20 top-notch blogs that cover a wide range of topics in this field. These blogs are a must-read for entrepreneurs, managers, and businesses. A key point here is that continuous improvement is a holistic undertaking that seeks to reduce costs and increase value.
- The auto industry today is heavily robotized, particularly in Hyundai’s home country of South Korea.
- China’s car business is one of many industries hit by a deflationary wave that threatens its economy.
- AI-first companies may be willing to shell out big money for AI “agents” that take the place of human workers.
The goal of operations is to provide the most to society without creating waste. Therefore, for the environmentally-minded, working in operations presents an opportunity to contribute to sustainability initiatives by reducing waste in order to run an environmentally responsible business. If you missed our most recent webinar, no worries, we’ve got you covered! Catch these highlights from our webinar tailored around government operations…. For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family.
Competitive Strategies for Market Positioning
And carmakers go to the suppliers’ factories to check whether the reported number of workers on production lines is accurate. The factory was designed so that robots do tasks that are dangerous, repetitive or physically demanding. People are left to troubleshoot, monitor quality and bring craftsmanship to the manufacturing process. “We’re not trying to minimize human involvement—we’re trying to maximize human potential,” said the CEO.
Within Customer Insights
Operations strategies align with broader organizational goals and require a holistic approach to decision-making that considers factors such as cost, quality, flexibility, and responsiveness. Operations management is a multidisciplinary field that plays a vital role in the success of organizations. As I embarked on my journey in operations management, I gained valuable insights into the principles, strategies, and challenges that shape efficient and effective operations. This essay reflects on what I learned in operations management, highlighting key takeaways and sharing personal perspectives on how these insights contribute to enhancing organizational performance.
- We offer a range of consulting services focused on hospital and clinic operations, including strategic planning, operational efficiency, and leadership development.
- United Parcel Service is also increasing automation at its facilities, including for loading and unloading trailers—a move that will help the company cut costs.
- The super agent for each group will tap the capabilities of a number of behind-the-scenes agents, all in a single unified experience.
- These blogs are a must-read for entrepreneurs, managers, and businesses.
- I realized that an organization’s supply chain involves a complex network of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers.
Integrating Advanced Technologies
It’s important for tech companies to divulge how frequently their AI is receiving queries. If it’s being used by one person, emissions are lower, but that’s different if it’s billions of people at 30 data centers across the world. Running a small business with a fleet of vehicles comes with unique challenges in today’s climate. For fleet managers, staying ahead of traffic violations and safety mandates is critical to avoiding citations, protecting driver safety, and maintaining… For fleet managers navigating the complexities of driver behavior, insurance claims, and operational… Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work.
Gain InSight about topics such as asset management, equipment performance, expense management, workforce productivity, vendor management, change management & technology innovation. The role of technology and innovation in operations management cannot be understated. I gained insights into how technological advancements, such as automation, data analytics, and digital platforms, revolutionize operations. I learned that embracing technology can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities, leading to better outcomes and competitive advantages.
As exports of rare-earth magnets have virtually ground to a halt, carmakers face hard decisions about whether they can continue to keep some plants operating. Several production lines and plants across Europe have already closed, with more impacts expected in the coming weeks as inventories deplete, reports The Wall Street Journal (June 5, 2025). U.S., Japanese, and Indian vehicle production are also reducing or shutting down without more Chinese rare-earth components. As retailers like Dollar General and Walmart scale back self-checkout, the industry seeks a new approach balancing efficiency with personalized service. Self-checkout may save on payroll, but it comes with theft, tech breakdowns, customer frustration, and weakened brand loyalty.
I realized that an organization’s supply chain involves a complex network of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers. I learned the importance of aligning supply chain strategies with demand patterns, ensuring timely deliveries, and optimizing inventory levels to strike a balance between cost and responsiveness. Our blog followers come from many industries including but not limited to food service, hospitality, commercial construction, manufacturing, fleet management, generation and biotech. We cover operations management best practices tied to evolving topics that directly impact performance.
This is because of the comparative advantage that exists in countries like India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan. For over a decade, self-checkout was the retail future, speed, convenience, and cost savings. However nine of the largest retailers in the world are kicking these systems to the curb in an unbelievable reversal, reports MSM.com (June 30, 2025). Automating this process has long been the holy grail of warehouse logistics, writes The Wall Street Journal (June 24, 2025). When loaded, packages must be fitted together to fill the available space and be sorted by weight—with the heaviest items on the bottom—so they don’t topple or break. Unloading them is challenging, too, because the unloader must move in and out of a trailer, ferrying packages of different sizes and weights.
How GPS Insight’s Integrated Camera & AI Solutions Drive Savings for SMBs, Midmarket, & Government
Staying updated on the latest trends in healthcare is crucial for effective management. Key trends include the rise of telemedicine, patient-centered care, and advancements in healthcare technology. Understanding these trends can help organizations adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Common challenges include resistance to change, lack of resources, and difficulty in adapting to market changes. All posts include videos and discussion prompts for supply chain and OM classes. In the auto industry, rare-earths are what allow electric-vehicle motors to function at high speed.
