During the pandemic, the foundations on which retailers, brands and Consumer Products companies rely to determine trade volumes, pricing and promotions have been shaken and, in some cases, broken.
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.
Social distancing, swipe cards and shift patterns: the changing face of warehouses post-Coronavirus
Jul 06, 2020
We are currently witnessing a time of unparalleled polarisation within different sections of the global economy. The impact of COVID-19 on economies around the world has resulted in massive increases in redundancies, wiping out much of the positive growth since 2008.
AVEVA positioned as 2020 Asset Performance Management leader
Jul 06, 2020
AVEVA, the engineering and industrial software solutions provider, has been named a market leader in the Verdantix 2020 Green Quadrant for Asset Performance Management (APM) Solutions.
Using data capture technology to optimise the customer experience
Jul 02, 2020
According to a 2019 survey, 42% of consumers were deemed to be “frustrated” with their most recent shopping experience. Worryingly for retailers, nearly half of those said they would avoid doing future business with the retailer or brand.
Scaling your warehouse post-pandemic
Jul 02, 2020
With traditional models being turned upside down, the pressure is on for businesses to become more adaptable and flexible with their planning, writes Tony Dobson, SnapFulfil's CEO for UK & Europe.
Lumenia publishes new white paper – ERP Contracts: A foundation for controlled ERP projects
Jul 02, 2020
ERP projects are collaborative design and build projects that get to the heart of business processes. Without having clearly contracted scope, responsibilities and deliverables – like any design and build project – they can run far over budget and schedule and diverge from any original notional scope.
Why ecommerce growth during the pandemic puts the spotlight on carrier invoice auditing
Jul 02, 2020
The sharp rise in ecommerce during the Covid-19 pandemic means retail and third-party logistics companies are shipping more parcels. One less obvious consequence of this increase in parcel shipping volume is an increased need for technology to automate carrier invoice auditing to help shippers keep parcel shipping costs in check.
IPIA says printers should be logistics businesses’ first line of defence for protective equipment
Jul 02, 2020
As the country prepares for the next phase of businesses reopening, the Independent Print Industry Association (IPIA) claims its members are one of the best placed to not only produce protective equipment like face visors, masks and sneeze screens but also develop further products and services to reduce spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Warehouse optimisation – A timely approach to automation
Jun 30, 2020
As consumer demands and expectations increase and supply chains become more complex, businesses are increasingly turning to automation in order to generate more efficiencies and value from their warehouses and processes.
Understanding Ill Health Within the Logistics Sector
Jun 25, 2020
By Ed Smith, freelance writer.
The logistics sector is crucial to the economy. However, it can also be a stressful and potentially dangerous sector to work in. According to recent research, ill health can be prevalent in logistics, particularly mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.
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.
