Supply Chain weekly wrap-up: 9/27 – 10/3

How the US Government’s shutdown can affect the supply chain.

The press is awash with speculation of how the recent American Congress shutdown will impact the supply chain. Of particular importance are rising concerns of how far-reaching the effects of budget cuts in US Customs and the FDA will be felt. Cuts in those areas will likely slow down US imports due to longer inspection times.

Supply Chain 24/7 has predicted delays in both domestic and international logistics. Air and Sea Imports, as well as Truckload Border Crossings have been cited as the main areas where disruption and delays will be felt.

We may not feel the effects instantly, yet as logistic experts note, the process of successfully managing the supply chain in the run up to Christmas starts now. The lead time is around three months for goods to pass through the supply chain in order for retailers to get their merchandise into stores on time.

Another worrying prospect: all but the most essential inspections the FDA normally carries out have been forced to stop, or have been greatly reduced due to the government shutdown. This means areas such as the manufacturing of certain foods and cosmetics are currently not being monitored at the same level as before the standstill.

To read more, click here.

Intriguing industry collaborations

Breaking Bad may unfortunately have ended, but chemistry is prevalent now more than ever, albeit with more legal applications.

The Manufacturer reported some interesting news this week regarding industry cross-overs. Chemical scientists are increasingly working in conjunction with sectors as varied as healthcare and manufacturinging, to create new, potentially revolutionary materials.

Chemical scientists are now in possession of a more advanced understanding of the molecular properties of materials. These developments enable the creation of previously unseen, advanced materials to be made “from the molecule up,” with a variety of applications.

One example cited was the ability to produce “high efficiency energy storage materials in batteries and fuel cells.”

The creation and development of advanced materials could also have potentially wider, revenue generating implications for the UK economy, due to a boost in manufacturing.

While not without its challenges, embracing new innovations can be advantageous and pay dividends, if developed properly.

To read more, click here.

“The Safest Car in America” catches fire

This Tuesday, near Seattle, a Tesla electric car caught fire after its driver had to unexpectedly pull-over. Liz Jarvis-Shean, a Tesla spokeswoman, reported that the fire was due to a large metallic object hitting one of the car battery pack’s modules. The fire is thought to have then originated from there, as a result of the collision. The driver made a similar statement, stopping the car after hitting what he thought was debris.

Firefighters responded immediately when the driver reportedly smelled smoke after he had pulled-over. The car caught fire shortly thereafter. Although the fire was eventually put out, the event was not without further incident. Firefighters found out that the blaze intensified after initially being contained because of water usage. A dry chemical extinguisher was then used, and the fire was eventually put out. Rescue services needed to remain at the scene for two and a half hours.

Fortunately no one was injured, yet the news is none the less alarming, given the tendency in recent years for hybrid electric cars to be associated with catching fire, such as Fisker Automotive’s Karma.

Tesla on the other hand, has received mostly positive press, yet investors and other companies have been vocal of being wary of the battery’s fire risk.

To read more, click here.

Have a great weekend!