3D printing your supply chain

Thesis: M. Eng. in Logistics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2014.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-54).Increasing the pace of product innovation in the consumer packaged goods industry can be achieved by implementing new technologies and streamlining processes. Our research is conducted primarily through extensive interviews with 3D printing experts and stakeholders in product development of a leading cosmetics manufacturer. We identify a framework where additive manufacturing technology such as 3D printing can complement the steel mold tooling used in the development of consumer product packaging. Within hours, rapid tooling technology can provide molds that are ideal for low volume production required during the preliminary stages of product design and testing. Implementing our proposed solution may reduce 14% to 26% of a company's time to market by shortening the duration of some critical path activities. The company can therefore respond to customer demand faster, strengthening its competitive advantage in the industry.by Hala Jalwan and Gregory Israel.M. Eng. in Logistic

IS IMPROVISATION COMPATIBLE WITH LOOKAHEAD PLANNING? AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

ABSTRACT Short-term or lookahead planning is critical to the success of construction operations since detailed construction planning is more realistic and objective when performed closer to executing a construction activity. Lookahead planning requires more than simple interpretation of the project schedule, it involves breaking down activities into the level of operations, identifying constraints, assigning responsibilities, and making assignments ready by removing constraints. However, task execution sometimes proceeds without full removal of constraints due to uncertainty, lack of planning, lack of information, or pressure for fast action. In these circumstances, construction specialists revert to some sort of improvisation utilizing available material, information, space etc., and other resources to execute these tasks. The purpose of this paper is to present early results from a study that aims at assessing the performance level of lookahead planning in construction and evaluating how much, where, and when improvisation is utilized. Results from three exploratory case studies are used to identify the performance level of Lookahead planning, and the circumstances for reverting to improvisation. The results will help assess the threshold for planning efforts required before reaching diminishing returns versus the threshold for effective improvisation required to cater for breakdowns in planning efforts and uncertainty. Early results show many gaps in lookahead planning practices and sporadic cases of improvisation