Manufacturing Executive

Monthly Archives: August 2009

GM Ramps, Toyota Cuts

By Chris Chiappinelli | Published: August 26, 2009
There goes GM again, drunk on a passing sales boost and hopeful for more. Time to ramp up inventory. Toyota has other plans. Who’s got the right formula now?
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Leaning Out for a Good Cause

By Chris Chiappinelli | Published: August 19, 2009
As a manufacturer, you’re probably not a rabid fan of the Environmental Protection Agency. But you might want to think twice about the intersection of lean, profit, and the environment...
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Maybe Lean Isn’t Right for Starbucks

By Chris Chiappinelli | Published: August 12, 2009
I don’t think a newfound embrace of lean principles will work for Starbucks’ clientele. Nothing kills the coffeehouse vibe like a P&L statement...
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Magic 8 Ball Says…

By Chris Chiappinelli | Published: August 5, 2009
I’m fascinated by demand planning and forecasting software. It is often pitched as the ultimate Magic 8 Ball for manufacturers, but I find myself wondering whether it does a better job than those black toys we used to shake as kids...
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