Discussion

Discussion 1

System Implementation

Review the “System Implementation” section in Chapter 6 of the text. Select two risks that your current (or former) organization could potentially face. In 200-250 words, provide a potential risk mitigation recommendation for each of the two. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

Response 1 (Adam Shafer)

Supply chain organizations face many challenges throughout the life cycle of the business.  It depends on how those challenges are faced and handled that makes a business truly successful or fail.  With the implementation of the most up-to-date current information and communication technology systems, my organization has faced several different hiccups along the way.  “Information and communication technology (ICT) enables the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data and the transfer of information from one point to another. (Emmett 2005)” Though there have been hiccups along the way in changing operation systems, there have been several great data sharing that have derived from the new system.  There has been immediate access to information, improved control over inventory, and improved accuracy.  There, however, have been some downsides with new technology as well.  One risk that has been taken and tried to be handled is the education of having to teach new technology to individuals and maintain a systematic use of the equipment.  With turnover, the constant training of equipment has been a risk we had to mitigate as well when making the decision to switch operating systems.

This leads me to my second risk is the implementation of decisions without the proper thought behind the decision.  “Project planning with realistic timescales needs to be internally managed and not left to an external software provider, who really has no idea of the fine complex details of the user’s business. (Emmett 2005)” A company can’t afford to rush through project decisions just to implement them without the proper thought process of who and what will be affected by the decision.  This could be avoided if we stepped back and had meetings discussing these decisions and internal groups to further discuss all those affected by the change.  Additional time can be input for unforeseen possibilities to keep the project on schedule.

 

 

References

 

Emmett, S. (2005).  Excellence in warehouse management  (1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www.vitalsource.com/

Response 2 (TH HEnshaw)

Hi class, 

"Information and communication technology (ICT) enables the collection, analysis and evaluation of data and the transfer of information from one point to another " (Emmett, 2005). The flow of information through the supply chain is a critical factor in process improvement. ICT enables the entire supply chain to chatter effectively to ensure customer expectations are met. However, there are concerns when implementing ICT. 

Warehouse management systems (WMS) are a wonderful tool that greatly increase warehouse operation efficiency. When implementing a WMS there is concern that this automated system could crash, be hacked, malfunction, etc. To mitigate this risk, it is important that the organization do its research on the WMS supplier and ensure they provide 24/7 support during the WMS lifespan. 

Another risk with implementing ICT is rather it will pay off and become an asset in the future. ICT is a long-term investment that carries steep upfront costs. It will greatly increase efficiency which will ensure long-term cost savings; however, the initial costs may help determine that ICT is not worth it. To mitigate this risk, organizations should conduct a thorough cost/benefit analysis before pursuing the system. 

 

References:

Emmett, S. (2005).  Excellence in warehouse management  (1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www.vitalsource.com/

Discussion 2

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (O.S.H.A.)

Download the  O.S.H.A Pocket Guide – Worker Safety Series: Warehousing Links to an external site. . Identify two potential safety issues that your current (or former) organization could be facing and explain why in 200-250 words.

Response 1 (travis Henshaw

Hi class,

One of the biggest risks in warehouses are forklift accidents. "About 100 employees are killed and 95,000 injured every year while operating forklifts in all industries" (O.S.H.A., n.d.). To mitigate the risk of forklift accidents it is imperative to provide adequate training on operating forklifts, ensure other employees are not in the immediate area of a forklift in use, block off areas that would allow people access to the forklift in use, ensure surfaces are safe and free of water and debris, and ensure maintenance is done when needed. Many employees feel safe standing near a forklift while in operation. It takes one simple mistake by the operator to cause grave injuries. Many times, forklifts are operated incorrectly when the operator carries a haul that exceeds the forklift standard. This can lead to roll overs or dropped load; both of which can cause great harm. 

Another safety issue is manual lifting which can lead to back injuries. It is tempting to move heavy loads manually because of the speed. Going to find a machine to assist with the lift may delay production. However, it is imperative that machines be used when necessary. Back injuries are very common in warehousing. People desire speed and manual lifting provides that. Employees should lift with legs instead of back and never lift more than is comfortable. 

 

References:

O.S.H.A. (n.d.)  O.S.H.A Pocket Guide – Worker Safety Series: Warehousing Links to an external site. . Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/Publications/3220_Warehouse.pdf

Response 2 (Yoram Kapayi)

Hello Class,

Week 3 Discussion 2:

Warehouse operations can present a wide variety of potential hazards for workers. More than 145,000 people work in over 7,000 warehouses. The fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries. (O.S.H.A. n.d, pg 2).

In my current organization, forklift use is a huge part of daily operations. Forklifts are used to move storage containers, aircraft parts, propellers and just about every asset that cannot be hand carried or pallet jacked. With this said, the potential for accidents increases dramatically. Forklift accidents have quite frequently over the last 12 months. We have had drivers lift loads that exceed the forklift capacity and drop assets, causing damage to other equipment. We’ve also had drivers run into each other due to not turning on warning lights or honking prior to approaching an intersection in the warehouse. I believe the reason we have faced these forklift safety issues, among others, is the driver’s disregard for proper operating procedures. Another reason we have had these issues is the lack of continuous forklift training for designated drivers. The training is mandated annually, however, the annual training has proven to be insufficient and could be carried out more frequently.

Another safety issue faced in my organization hazardous communication (HazCom). Dealing with jet fuel, hydraulic oils, sealants and various gases, hazardous mishaps have happened from time to time. Incidents like fuel/oil spills and gas leaks are the more prevalent mishaps in my organization. While it may be difficult to entirely put a stop to leaks and spills from happening, I believe some measures can be taken to mitigate and prevent the severity of injury after the fact. Implementing extensive training to individuals handling these items, and also installing after care stations around the work area can help reduce the damage/effect of these safety issues.

 

References:

O.S.H.A. (n.d.).  O.S.H.A Pocket Guide – Worker Safety Series: WarehousingLinks to an external site. Links to an external site. . Retrieved from  http://www.osha.gov/Publications/3220_Warehouse.pdf