Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, COVID-19 Growth Impact Assessment for the Automotive Industry, 2020, presents the impact of the pandemic on the automotive sector under three scenarios – gradual containment, severe pandemic, and global emergency – resulting in outcomes ranging from steady recovery to recession.
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.
Mobility verticals such as EV, vehicle rental, and connectivity solutions unlock new opportunities for OEMs
Jun 09, 2020
The modern workplace: how resellers can help customers unlock hidden productivity and collaboration
Jun 08, 2020
The modern workplace is constantly evolving to meet employees’ and customers’ changing needs and keep up with digital transformation. These pressures require businesses to adapt their ways of working to remain innovative and competitive in the marketplace.
SME manufacturers tap into tech talent with Made Smarter
Jun 04, 2020
SME manufacturers, supported by Made Smarter, are tapping into digital talent to help put technology at the heart of their growth plans.
COVID-19 will be the tipping point for digital transformation in procurement
Jun 03, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of digital transformation in procurement and supply chain management according to a new study from Ivalua, a leading provider of global spend management cloud solutions.
Kaspersky reveals new details into series of targeted attacks on industrial companies
Jun 02, 2020
In early 2020, a series of targeted attacks on industrial organisations in various regions was reported. According to the latest Kaspersky ICS CERT findings, these hits were focused on systems in Japan, Italy, German, and the UK.
Another welcome move by the Chancellor, but productivity could be impacted through the new flexible furlough scheme
Jun 02, 2020
The Chancellor’s announcements on the Job Retention Scheme are welcomed and more generous than anticipated, but the flexible furlough could lead to higher Government costs and hit productivity, says tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.
IDTechEx: How is COVID-19 shaping the future mobility landscape?
Jun 02, 2020
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the automotive industry has been hit hard by shutdowns of factories and sales around the world. The pandemic has slowed down global car sales and is shifting consumer behaviours in travel. Over the long term, COVID-19 could have a lasting impact on the mobility landscape.
How to win the battle for customer experience excellence in both the first and last mile of delivery
Jun 01, 2020
As recent events have caused major supply chain disruption with many physical stores abandoned, e-commerce has never been more under the spotlight. The double-digit growth the industry has seen over the last few years looks set to continue, while consumer demands for greater convenience and faster, accurate and on time deliveries are unrelenting and place almost intolerable pressure on retailers and logistics companies.
British Safety Council launches COVID-19 Assurance Assessment Service
May 28, 2020
The British Safety Council has launched a new COVID-10 Assurance Assessment Service to support organisations returning to work.
Digital transformation is no longer an optional extra
May 26, 2020
Karl Heinrich Lauri, managing team member at MRPeasy asks: can a smaller manufacturer looking to survive and prosper in this changing world afford not to embrace the digitalisation of the business process?
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.
