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How Apple Is Organized for Innovation: Leadership at Scale

When Apple was smaller, it may have been reasonable to expect leaders to be experts on pretty much everything going on in their organizations. However, they now need to exercise greater discretion regarding where and how they spend their effort.




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How Apple Is Organized for Innovation: The Functional Organization

When Steve Jobs arrived back at Apple in 1997, he laid off general managers of all business units and combined disparate functional departments into one functional organization.




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Breaking the MRP Insanity Trap: Jerry Wright on Lean Systems and Supply Chain Transformation

Scroll down for how to subscribe, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #518 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jerry Wright, author of the new book The Insanity Trap: What Your MRP Consultant Won't Tell You. Jerry M. Wright, PE, MBA, is an accomplished operations executive and teaching professional with over 39 years of experience in the manufacturing and service sectors.  His extensive career spans various industries, including aerospace, consumer goods, healthcare, medical […]

The post Breaking the MRP Insanity Trap: Jerry Wright on Lean Systems and Supply Chain Transformation by Mark Graban appeared first at Lean Blog.




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Your Terrible Application Process is Costing You Big Time

Job seekers hate the application process. I can make that claim without citing a source, and no one will contest it. We just accept it as fact at this point. The folks at Jibe, an HR software company that provides a set of cloud services for recruiting and managing talent, recently conducted a survey to ...




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Vermont is Supply Chain Hub for Largest Aerospace and Defense Companies

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Electronics Maker Uses Monte Carlo Simulation to Find Better Specs for Suppliers and Realize Significant Cost Savings

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Inside the Expanding Applications of Vision Measurement Systems in Automotive Manufacturing

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Universal applications and implementations of UTMs

UTM is versatile and cost-effective, evaluating physical properties while adhering to industry standards. They test durability and establish load thresholds for functionality, safety during use, and minimum loads for usability, improving the quality of the final product.




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System ‘Crushes’ Force Measurement Application

Rugged data acquisition technology helps a manufacturer design more reliable rock-crushing equipment.




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New Scale Robotics Automates Gauging Applications With FANUC Cobots

VICTOR, NY—New Scale Robotics has been named an authorized systems integrator (ASI) for FANUC America Corp., enabling the company to more effectively use its Q-Span automated gauging technology in conjunction with FANUC’s collaborative robots.




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The Quality Toolbox for Supply Chain Management

In March 2013, Lululemon, a billion-dollar Canadian athletic apparel company, made headlines after the media got wind of an unusual story. The Vancouver-based company recalled its popular black yoga pants after customers complained that the active wear was too sheer.




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The Opportunities of Risk in the Supply Chain

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Simplifying Metrology System Selection for Medical Applications

Ensuring stringent medical part quality is challenging, but with the right vision system, manufacturers can utilize powerful technology to help determine that the challenges are being met. 




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Systems integration for machine vision solutions – Driving application success with current and future technologies

System integration strategies vary by industry and project scale. Success relies on thorough planning and execution, especially in machine vision technology. Here are key integration elements for success with vision technologies.




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Why FPGAs Deserve Your Attention in Machine Vision and Edge AI Applications

As businesses increasingly rely on machine vision to enhance quality, improve productivity, and increase the bottom line, technology providers are relying more on industrial computing solutions that enable faster processing speeds and higher efficiency, or that support new tasks altogether. 




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How to Establish a Reputation as a Quality Supplier

Download the ebook, How to Create a Quality Product Roadmap, to learn how to develop a quality plan based on customer-driven metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that will help you establish a reputation as a trusted supplier for years to come.




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Zetec to Host Webinar on How Scalable NDT Solutions Can Improve Accuracy, Efficiency in Oil & Gas Inspection Applications

A question-and-answer period will follow the webinar. A recorded version will be available for later viewing.




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The Application of Digital Radiography in the Aerospace Industry

Computed radiography, a form of X-ray imaging, has been embraced widely by many major manufacturing companies. Its application is now core for testing within a range of sectors including aerospace, oil and gas, industrial gas turbines, medical implants and prosthetics.




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How modern software can transform the supply chain with manufacturing quality at the center

A leading aircraft manufacturer faces $27B in losses due to slow supply chain fixes, aggravated by escalating quality standards like AS9102 Rev C. The solution lies in seamless communication of requirements from buyers to suppliers, streamlining operations for all parties involved.




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Is Your Color Workflow Resilient for Today’s Supply Challenges?

Simple changes to how you use color measurement technology and the right training can significantly impact quality control and your bottom line. Here are seven questions every quality control manager should be asking.




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Exploring the Integration of AI and Machine Learning in AM Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry constantly seeks new technologies for a competitive edge and enhanced capability. AI and maching learning in additive manufacturing offer significant value for meeting industry needs.




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NDT Applications for Manufacturing of Amusement Park Rides

Amusement parks offer thrilling experiences, but safety is crucial. Nondestructive testing (NDT) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of rides through meticulous inspection without causing damage.




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Advanced Applications of X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) in Aerospace

X-ray CT is crucial for the aerospace industry, offering nondestructive insights into components' inner structure, aiding in defect detection, maintenance, and research. High-energy CT is advancing the technology, allowing for detailed imaging and shaping the industry.




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Enhancing Automated NDT: Leveraging Advanced 3D Phased Array Scanning and C-Scan Mapping Techniques for Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry relies on advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability. Automated technologies, such as phased arrays and 3D scanning, enhance defect detection in aircraft structures, reducing human error. This overview emphasizes the importance of these advancements.




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Canadian Blood Services research engineer applies network modelling techniques and mentorship skills to benefit Canada’s Lifeline

Canadian Blood Services research engineer applies network modelling techniques and mentorship skills to benefit Canada’s Lifeline


Tuesday, October 22, 2024 Dr. Emily Freeman

Dr. John Blake is a research engineer at Canadian Blood Services and a Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dr. Blake and his trainees use engineering principles and various computer-based optimization techniques to inform large scale decisions at Canadian Blood Services.  

Applying network modelling to biologics  

To some, it may be surprising to learn that there is such opportunity to integrate engineering into the health-care focused setting of Canadian Blood Services. However, as Dr. Blake explains, the same engineering principles that apply to the development and quality assurance of other products also apply to biologics such as blood, stem cells and organs. One of these classic engineering approaches currently applied to improving operations at Canadian Blood Services is network modelling.  

Network modelling is a computer-based method that creates a virtual representation of objects and their relation to each other. The resulting models are particularly useful for maintaining adaptability in the collection of blood donations, as well as the distribution and inventory management strategies that allow Canadian Blood Services to remain a safe and reliable provider of life-saving products. 

Dr. Blake making friends while walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain

Contributing to efficiency and sustainability in Canada’s Lifeline  

For Dr. Blake’s team, modelling is not about the data acquired but rather how they can turn existing data into real life change. Part of this approach is ensuring that Canadian Blood Services is asking the right questions when it comes to allocating resources. For example, Dr. Blake has worked on models to assess how changing stem cell donor recruitment will affect the number of matches for Canadian patients. By modelling things such as recruitment approaches, Dr. Blake’s work assists Canadian Blood Services to consistently identify ways to improve Canada’s Lifeline.

Recently, Dr. Blake has also been applying this method to optimize the number and location of mobile and permanent donor facilities across the nation. This redesign of the donation facility network will address the growing demand for donations by bringing Canadian Blood Services’ facilities closer to the donors. 

“I have waited my entire career for a problem of this type – it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Dr. John Blake, Canadian Blood Services Research Engineer

Securing the future of Canada’s Lifeline  

To sustain a safe and effective blood system in Canada for years to come, network modelling and optimization is a never-ending process. This is one of the reasons that Dr. Blake is committed to securing the future of transfusion and transplantation systems by training and mentoring the next generation of engineers. In fact, seeing his former students join Canadian Blood Services and dedicate their talents to improving the future of Canada’s Lifeline is one of Dr. Blake’s proudest achievements.  

One of Dr. Blake’s former students, Matt Nelson, is now an industrial engineer at Canadian Blood Services.  

“In my role, I use systematic thinking to build and run complex models; collect and analyze the required data; produce useful results; and explain these results to non-technical leaders on a regular basis,” Matt says. Recently, Matt contributed to the launch and expansion of pathogen-reduced platelets, a new product that was implemented across Canadian Blood Services production sites starting in 2022. The implementation of pathogen-reduced platelets has provided an additional layer of safety for recipients by reducing the risk of potential transfusion-transmitted pathogens without compromising the quality of the component. Matt credited Dr. Blake in helping him develop the necessary skills he now dedicates to safeguarding Canada’s Lifeline:  

“Dr. Blake was the professor who introduced me to the uses of simulation to understand complex non-linear systems. This type of system is very common in situations that have a lot of variability – like the blood system – and simulation allows for exploration of the response of the system to changes.” 

Matt Nelson, Canadian Blood Services Industrial Engineer

Over the years, Dr. Blake’s ongoing modelling work and mentorship activities have also led to many recognitions and awards, but he is most proud of being recognized as Professor of the Year by Dalhousie Undergraduate students, and with awards for his contributions to the Canadian Operational Research Society. He has even the earned the distinction of being Dalhousie’s first engineer to be awarded grant funding from the tri-council agency, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). 

“I am proud to work on projects that have a measurable impact on people’s health and well-being,” Dr. Blake says. “I am forever grateful to Dr. Dana Devine for first giving me the opportunity to serve Canadians in this role at Canadian Blood Services.” 


Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact.   

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.  

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Confined Spaces in Construction final rule, issued May 4, 2015, created confusion in the HVAC industry. ACCA announced that, after months of negotiations with OSHA, an agreement clarifies that the rule has very limited application in the residential HVAC industry.




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eSUB Construction Software has announced a new product integration, bringing together PlanGrid’s field productivity application with eSUB’s project management and document control platform for collaboration and productivity in the field.




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Famous Supply is planning a December 17 ribbon-cutting for its new 354,000-square-foot distribution center in Maple Heights, Ohio.




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In collaboration with Tropic Supply, Cooper&Hunter has gifted Daytona State College with six complete HVAC systems, considering the donation as a useful investment in the next generation. The on-campus working stations, which include units from Cooper&Hunter’s modern “Sophia Mini-Split Single Zone Series,” will give students hands-on learning opportunities with technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S.




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