How the World Ran Out of Everything
Global shortages of many goods reflect the disruption of the pandemic combined with decades of companies limiting their inventories.
The empty shelves at a Target store in Dallas last June highlight how companies of all types were unprepared for a crisis.Credit.Nitashia Johnson for The New York Times
June 1, 2021, 5:00 a.m. ET
In the story of how the modern world was constructed, Toyota stands out as the mastermind of a monumental advance in industrial efficiency. The Japanese automaker pioneered so-called Just In Time manufacturing, in which parts are delivered to factories right as they are required, minimizing the need to stockpile them.
The most prominent manifestation of too much reliance on Just in Time is found in the very industry that invented it: Automakers have been crippled by a shortage of computer chips — vital car components produced mostly in Asia. Without enough chips on hand, auto factories from India to the United States to Brazil have been forced to halt assembly lines.
The 100-Day Supply Chain Review, Part 4: Embracing Downfalls to Improve Business
Anytime an executive order of any kind is brought to the table, one would think that only good can come from such efforts. However, a review of this magnitude could also potentially uncover the gaps in our nation’s supply chains.
May 26, 2021
James Thew AdobeStock 263959295
On Feb. 24, President Joe Biden signed an executive order, enforcing a 100-day review on all U.S. supply chains. This includes identifying risks for certain materials, software and pharmaceuticals. This includes reviewing transportation, production of agriculture commodities and food products. This includes assessing current domestic manufacturing workforce skills, climate change and critical goods. It also includes caring for the resilience and capacity of U.S. manufacturing supply chains.
With right tools, teams can stay productive and connected across factory operations as people continue working remotely.
Working Smarter, Not Harder to Optimize Inventory One of the many benefits of digital transformation in the factory is the high-performance culture that using advanced technology can create. With the right tools, teams can stay productive and connected across factory operations as people continue to work remotely.
The pandemic has served as a catalyst for change for factories across the globe. As automotive and specialty transportation manufacturers continue to offer remote work to employees, factories are getting creative and transforming operations to ensure collaboration, continuity and resilience.
6 VCs talk the future of Austin’s exploding startup ecosystem
For years now, a growing number of tech companies large and small have either relocated their headquarters to Austin or opened another office or campus in the Texas capital. They’ve been drawn to the city for a number of factors, including its laid-back lifestyle, no state tax, a business-friendly environment and lower cost of living (for now).
The impact on the city’s startup ecosystem is noticeable in the growing number of entrepreneurs (many of whom worked at some of the tech giants who have a big presence in the city) and investors calling Austin home.