Like a James Bond Villain, Apple Dominates by Stockpiling Lasers - GoFuckYourself.com

drmadcat · 11-09-2011, 04:10 PM

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Apparently, about five years ago Apple?s design chief Jonathan Ive decided that he wanted a green light on the top part of the computer?s case to turn on when the camera was in use. The only problem was that it?s impossible to shine a light through metal.

Apple fixed this by using lasers to cut tiny holes in each MacBook?s case. To do this efficiently, the company signed an exclusivity agreement with a laser manufacturer. Cupertino has since bought hundreds of the lasers, at $250,000 a pop.

This anecdote is used to make a larger point about Apple?s operations spending. The company invests huge amounts on supply chain infrastructure and is willing to make large investments?like a laser stockpile?to ensure supply chain efficiency. This allows it to meet demand without keeping large inventories.

Apple?s focus on operations spending contributed to its 40% gross profit margin last quarter. It?s probably also useful to have a few extra lasers lying around if you want to make something like this.

The BusinessWeek article goes on to describe life as one of Apple?s suppliers, which evidently is somewhat painful. The company demands detailed accounting of suppliers' costs and projected profits on each item. Apple also requires many suppliers to keep two weeks of inventory within a mile of its factory in China and has waited up to 90 days after using a part to pay its manufacturers.

vsex · 11-09-2011, 04:41 PM

Good for Apple!

Diomed · 11-09-2011, 04:53 PM

Sounds like Walmart's suppliers.

JFK · 11-09-2011, 06:51 PM

it's business, OPM use 'other peoples money' , to make your own

11-09-2011, 04:10 PM	#1
drmadcat Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: in the back room wanking Posts: 2,024	Like a James Bond Villain, Apple Dominates by Stockpiling Lasers link Apparently, about five years ago Apple?s design chief Jonathan Ive decided that he wanted a green light on the top part of the computer?s case to turn on when the camera was in use. The only problem was that it?s impossible to shine a light through metal. Apple fixed this by using lasers to cut tiny holes in each MacBook?s case. To do this efficiently, the company signed an exclusivity agreement with a laser manufacturer. Cupertino has since bought hundreds of the lasers, at $250,000 a pop. This anecdote is used to make a larger point about Apple?s operations spending. The company invests huge amounts on supply chain infrastructure and is willing to make large investments?like a laser stockpile?to ensure supply chain efficiency. This allows it to meet demand without keeping large inventories. Apple?s focus on operations spending contributed to its 40% gross profit margin last quarter. It?s probably also useful to have a few extra lasers lying around if you want to make something like this. The BusinessWeek article goes on to describe life as one of Apple?s suppliers, which evidently is somewhat painful. The company demands detailed accounting of suppliers' costs and projected profits on each item. Apple also requires many suppliers to keep two weeks of inventory within a mile of its factory in China and has waited up to 90 days after using a part to pay its manufacturers. __________________ asiamoviepass.com

11-09-2011, 04:41 PM	#2
vsex Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: East and West Coast Beaches Posts: 1,277	Good for Apple! __________________ VSEX.COM AFFILIATES [email protected] New Model Signup Most realistic thing ever written on GFY: Shap: "Solidarity is nice in theory but this industry has proven time and time again it can not stand together. The best advice I can give you is to do what is best for you with both your short term and long term goals in mind."

11-09-2011, 04:53 PM	#3
Diomed Converting like it's 1999 Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: The South Posts: 6,164	Sounds like Walmart's suppliers. __________________ 10 years of experience in: CHAT SALES - PAID TRAFFIC - CONVERSION - CREATIVES - CONSULTATION

11-09-2011, 06:51 PM	#4
JFK FUBAR the ORIGINATOR Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: FUBARLAND Posts: 67,374	it's business, OPM use 'other peoples money' , to make your own __________________ FUBAR Webmasters - The FUBAR Times - FUBAR Webmasters Mobile - FUBARTV.XXX For promo opps contact jfk at fubarwebmasters dot com