The Y2K problem: Manufacturing inputs at risk

By now, most have heard of the year 2000 problem. Most large- and medium-size manufacturing firms have been working feverishly over the last 2 or 3 years to address their inhouse Y2K exposures. Taking care of in-house exposures is certainly important, but external Y2K threats cannot be ignored. A very significant area of concern, one that is receiving much attention of late, is the threat of disruption in manufacturing inputs. This paper addresses this very real Y2K threat. We provide an overview of the Y2K problem and examine some of the more important areas where manufacturers are exposed to Y2K-induced disruptions in the supply of manufacturing inputs.