Mostly, this newsletter is about thinking outside the box. In particular, it is about testing assumptions, e.g. that standards will give efficient results or that electric cars produce no emissions. The assumed relationship with suppliers may also be re-thought to become more progressive and mutually beneficial. Also, don’t assume machinery will only do what you direct it to do. Happy reading.
From Air Conditioning to Urban Planning, Defaults and Standards Create Dysfunction by Design
As technology evolves, some design decisions imposed by standards are outdated. Thoughtlessly relying on codes can result in poor performance and inefficiency. Asking questions, being patient and being persistent may lead to better designs.
Ensia.com, March 2016
Electric Vehicles Beat Gasoline Cars in Cradle-to-Grave Emissions Study
Electric cars are not zero-emission vehicles; they just keep their emissions away from the car itself. This study looks at total greenhouse gas discharges, including from manufacturing and generation sources. It converts this data into an equivalent “mpg” value for different US regions.
Los Angeles Times, November 2015
Manufacturers Going All Out to Forge Disruptive Supplier Relationships
Manufactures in high-value sectors are collaborating with suppliers from other markets to access experience and technology. “These relationships are designed to import the expertise necessary to either make existing products or services more appealing to the end user, or to develop new ones.”
The Manufacturer, March 2016
Car Turns Driver in for Hit-and-Run
Artificial intelligence has not yet become a part of cars, although sometimes it may seem like it. Since this driver had already been in two accidents that day, perhaps her car was acting in self-defence. Your car is not your friend. Site includes audio.
WPBF News, December 2015