What looks like a short term supply issue may yet turn into an important challenge to Just In Time and Lean manufacturing. In the current uncertain business climate many are experiencing either shortages or unreliable supply of raw materials. Last minute changes to delivery times and quantities are forcing companies to carry greater stock than they would like while facing disruption to production scheduling, testing management’s resolve over their approach to LEAN manufacturing. Companies in the middle of the supply chain are coming under the greatest pressure. They are being squeezed between customers refusing to carry high stocks and suppliers taking advantage of the strength of their position.
In the coatings industry you can see technical mile stones. Starting with natural oils and binders who were replaced by industrially produced alkyd coatings, or the change from brush to cathodic dip painting or roller coating. Today we have an enormous variety of application and drying technologies, as well as lots of different raw materials. This shows that the industry has faced a lot of changes and has tried to adapt, and it shows that we might be able to solve upcoming changes in the future, too.
In times as poor in exciting news as the summer months, this information took me by surprise: "North Dakota State University researchers develop revolutionary biobased technology from crop materials".
Recently, Peter Rieck wrote on EC Editors’ Blog that it is about time to further invest in innovation, R&D and marketing – or in a nutshell: investing in one’s future. This is easier said than done, even with a good idea. Apart from causing costs, innovation projects also tie human workforce. This is especially crucial for SMEs with only a small staff that cannot simply spare needed capacities for a single project.
