As the sale of Curry’s, one of the UK’s leading appliance retailers, unfolds, many retailers are left wondering – are consumers spearheading the decline of traditional white goods and electronic retail outlets in favour of online shopping?
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.
Transport project management contributes £4.7 billion to UK economy after 33% growth – APM Golden Thread Report 2024
May 01, 2024
A new report by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has found the transport sector of the project management profession has grown by a third in five years to contribute £4.73 billion of annual gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy.
UK Warehousing Association launches Election Manifesto in Parliament
May 01, 2024
The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has launched its Election Manifesto for 2024 at a special Parliamentary Reception, hosted at the House of Commons by Ben Everitt MP and attended by Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, both of whom, along with Greg Smith MP and UKWA CEO Clare Bottle, gave speeches in support of the manifesto.
Gaining greater supply chain visibility and control through transportation management systems
Apr 29, 2024
By Fredrik Lindhagen, product director, nShift.
Ongoing geopolitical events and a challenging economy mean that today, more than ever, supply chains are especially vulnerable to disruption. The impact of this on demand planning is significant.
Fashion industry's role in plastic pollution - Insights for Earth Day 2024
Apr 29, 2024
By Shingo Tsukamoto, President of online sizing technology specialist, Makip.
Each year, a startling 60% of the 32 billion garments produced globally are dumped into landfills. This is equivalent to 650 clothing items discarded every second.
Diversity in automotive moving forward but remains stuck in the slow lane
Apr 24, 2024
Insight from the IMI’s Diversity Task Force, published in its latest report – Driving Towards Inclusion - reveals a more positive picture of diversity in many areas.
Manufacturers find recruitment challenge easing
Apr 24, 2024
The employment picture is on the whole looking a little healthier, with manufacturers across the board reporting an easing of recruitment pressures with more vacancies being filled than at any point in the last two years.
Logistics UK's response to DEFRA’s comments on border checks
Apr 23, 2024
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:
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.
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.
