While supply chain organisations deal with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, they still pursue gender equality goals. According to Gartner, Inc.’s 2020 Women in Supply Chain Survey among 177 supply chain professionals, 17% of chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) are now women – a 6% increase compared to 2019 and the highest rate since the first edition of the survey in 2016.
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.
Chip manufacturing equipment spending to hit record high $70 billion in 2021 after strong 2020, SEMI reports
Jul 23, 2020
Global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment by original equipment manufacturers are projected to increase six percent to US$63.2 billion in 2020 compared to $59.6 billion in 2019 before logging record high revenue of $70 billion in 2021 on the strength of double-digit growth, SEMI announced today in releasing its Mid-Year Total Semiconductor Equipment Forecast – OEM Perspective at the annual SEMICON West exposition.
Can retail staff be left to their own devices?
Jul 23, 2020
Covid-19 has changed the relationship between companies and their frontline employees forever, and workers’ own devices are proving to be a key tool for keeping everyone connected, trained and ready to embrace the new normal.
Inventory management software market 2026 - A USD 5 billion revenue opportunity
Jul 22, 2020
According to a recent study from market research firm Global Market Insights, the inventory management software market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $5 billion to over $5 billion by 2026, gaining remarkable traction over the 2020 to 2026 period.
The value of global trade insights in navigating COVID-19 supply chain disruptions
Jul 21, 2020
The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the fragility of the modern supply chain, as companies struggle to acquire the products and raw materials needed to keep revenue flowing. With many businesses relying heavily on a limited number of trading partners, many located in hard-hit areas like China, the scale of the supply chain disruption has been a wake-up call.
Only 30% of LGV drivers feel valued, finds new Talent in Logistics research
Jul 21, 2020
According to a recent survey by Talent in Logistics, just 30% of LGV drivers in the UK feel valued.
'Reluctant returners': Managing absence post-lockdown
Jul 20, 2020
Returning to the workplace following lockdown will no doubt be met with mixed responses writes Felicity Staff, Senior Legal Advisor at Make UK.
Manufacturing sector sees a significant surge in confidence, going from 9% to 30% in three months
Jul 20, 2020
The proportion of UK small businesses predicting growth has almost doubled in just three months – from 14% to 27% – giving one of the first tangible indications that the Government’s easing of lockdown is having a positive impact on a key area of the UK economy.
Chinese manufacturers taking the lead in COVID-19 recovery, followed by Europe and the US
Jul 16, 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the globe and governments take different approaches to tackling the virus, Ease, the provider of mobile audit and insights software for manufacturers, has released exclusive findings, using its own plant floor insights to monitor manufacturing activity across different countries since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ready, set, go – Gamification in the warehouse
Jul 16, 2020
By Alex MacPherson – Director of Solution Consultancy & Account Management, Manhattan Associates.
Employee engagement in warehouse settings has received well-deserved attention in recent months.
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.
