Responding to the DEFRA blog regarding the planned introduction of border checks on 30 April: Coverage about upcoming border checks, Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at business group Logistics UK, says:
Critical Issues: Manufacturing/Supply Chain
Critical issues are thought provoking articles relating to strategy, legislation, technology, best practice and some of the most challenging business topics in the world of manufacturing and supply chain information technology. The articles in this section have been contributed by leading vendors, industry leaders, research analysts, trade associations and consultancies and cover a variety of topics relating to the manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, transportation and distribution marketplace across Europe. They look at market trends, improvements in technology and some thought provoking comment on all aspects of optimising and improving efficiencies throughout the supply chain from raw material to finished product.
Other important topics covered in this section concern Health and Safety in Logistics with articles from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).Taxation, government policy, climate change, recruitment and training schemes are all covered, as well as educational opportunities at various UK logistics educational facilities such at Cranfield University.
Solid expansion of UK SME business activity so far in 2024
Apr 23, 2024
Business activity among UK SMEs has expanded at a solid rate throughout the first quarter of the year with the NatWest SME PMI Business Activity Index recording 52.6 in March.
Management training continues to drive success at Europa
Apr 22, 2024
At a dynamic time of change within the industry, Europa Worldwide Group is arming its managers with the skills necessary to drive success.
The role of 3D Cu-Cu hybrid bonding in powering future HPC and AI products
Apr 22, 2024
By Dr Yu-Han Chang, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx.
Semiconductor packaging has evolved from traditional 1D PCB levels to cutting-edge 3D hybrid bonding at the wafer level, achieving interconnecting pitches as small as single micrometers and over 1000 GB/s bandwidth.
Global trade activity shows green shoots of recovery, led by strong growth in China and the US
Apr 22, 2024
New data from Tradeshift's Q1 Index of Global Trade Health paints an encouraging picture for global trade, with robust growth observed in China and the US, alongside indications of a rebound in global demand for manufactured goods.
An AI inflection point and the art of possible in supply chains
Apr 18, 2024
By Bo Tao, Chief Technology Officer, FourKites.
It’s everywhere. AI-powered this. AI-enabled that. And, yes, it’s for good reason — there are very real, very practical and incredibly astonishing use cases for AI in business. Of course, for every company unveiling real innovations, there are countless others exaggerating, or AI Washing.
95% of IT leaders concerned about mainframe modernisation backlog
Apr 18, 2024
Some 95% of IT leaders across industries have voiced concerns over the implications of not modernising applications and data running on mainframe systems.
Manufacturers using less than two fifths of their ‘data brain’
Apr 17, 2024
Appsbroker & CTS, the Google Cloud-only consultants, has released a new report showing that manufacturers are still struggling to get full value from their ‘data brain’ – the data an organisation captures and analyses to drive business value.
Hobbyist astime or industrial evolution? IDTechEx explores the maturing 3D printing industry
Apr 16, 2024
After years of hype, the 3D printing industry has moved onto a more critical examination of the value-add that effective additive manufacturing adoption brings to businesses and supply chains. In a recent episode on 3D printing, the technology innovation podcast ‘Tomorrow’s Tech by IDTechEx’ explored the history and benefits of this versatile technology...
Online shoppers are demanding faster and more convenient delivery options
Apr 15, 2024
A new study looking at delivery preferences when ordering online has confirmed that consumers want retailers to provide faster and more convenient delivery options.
Manufacturing Critical Issues
The manufacturing industry is facing a number of critical issues, including:
- Supply chain disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic and geo-political tensions/war has caused widespread disruption to global supply chains, and this is having a significant impact on manufacturing. Manufacturers are struggling to get the raw materials and components they need to produce their products, and this is leading to shortages and delays.
- Labour shortage. The manufacturing industry is facing a labor shortage, as there are not enough skilled workers available to fill open positions. This is due to a number of factors, including the aging workforce, the decline of manufacturing in some countries, and the lack of educational opportunities in STEM fields.
- Rising costs. The cost of manufacturing is rising, due to factors such as the rising cost of raw materials, energy, and transportation. This is putting pressure on manufacturers' margins and making it difficult for them to compete.
- Technology adoption. The manufacturing industry is facing the challenge of adopting new technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence. These technologies can help manufacturers to improve efficiency and productivity, but they can also be expensive and disruptive to implement.
- Environmental regulations. Manufacturers are facing increasing environmental regulations, which are forcing them to change their production processes. This can be costly and time-consuming, but it is essential for manufacturers to comply with these regulations in order to remain competitive.
Supply Chain Critical Issues
The global supply chain has been facing a number of critical issues in recent years, including
- Labour shortages: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to labor shortages in many industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing. This has made it difficult to find and retain workers, which has led to delays and disruptions in the supply chain.
- Equipment shortages: The global supply chain is also facing shortages of equipment, such as containers, trucks, and ships. This is due to a number of factors, including the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and increased demand for goods.
- Port congestion: Port congestion has been a major issue in recent years, as ships have been waiting for days or even weeks to unload their cargo. This is due to a number of factors, including increased demand, labor shortages, and weather events.
- Demand volatility: Demand for goods has been volatile in recent years, as consumers have shifted their spending habits due to the pandemic. This has made it difficult for businesses to forecast demand and manage their supply chains accordingly.
- Natural disasters: Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, can also disrupt the supply chain. These events can damage infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and destroy inventory.
