As the coronavirus continues to disrupt global supply chains, Gartner, Inc. has developed three scenarios to help chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) anticipate how the future may unfold.
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.
Zebra Study: 7 in 10 public safety agencies see need to speed up mobile technology adoption
May 14, 2020
Zebra Technologies Corporation has released study findings that reveal public safety agencies globally will increasingly adopt mobile technologies to continuously improve workflows and community relations within the next five years.
Sustainable Manufacturing 101: Why It Matters
May 13, 2020
Concerns that used to reside primarily in the domain of “green” or “eco-friendly” companies are now going mainstream. Manufacturers of all stripes are slowly starting to see that a successful business enterprise is one that incorporates sustainable methods and practices.
Reports highlight COVID-19 anti-counterfeiting investment, says trade body
May 13, 2020
An international trade body says new reports about criminals cashing in on the COVID-19 crisis highlight the urgent need for more investment in anti-counterfeiting technologies.
Severe data breach could cost tech companies $174 million per day
May 12, 2020
Tech companies could lose an average of $174 (£141) million per day - or $37.3 (£29.9) billion per month - as a result of compromised records per data breach, new research shows.
UK manufacturers seeing biggest marketing improvement during COVID-19
May 12, 2020
UK manufacturers have the best open rates for marketing emails among all industries during the COVID-19 crisis, according to data analysis by growth platform HubSpot of its 70,000 global customers.
COVID-19 has brought cloud services to the forefront, says GlobalData
May 11, 2020
An unplanned, widespread move to home-working would have brought businesses to a grinding halt had large investments in cloud computing not been made over the past ten years, says GlobalData, the data and analytics company.
Getting retailers ready for business post-lockdown
May 11, 2020
The retail sector is in a state of flux. Whilst eCommerce sales might still be surpassing all expectations, many retail stores are still closed, awaiting Government guidance as to when they might be able to open again.
Keep the faith on work return but also keep your distance…
May 07, 2020
The transitional return to work is thankfully on – but companies still face the challenge of maintaining social distancing guidelines while preserving business productivity.
Under 35s are less concerned about COVID-19 and expect their lives to return to normal sooner, says GlobalData
May 06, 2020
Younger consumers in the UK feel more optimistic than those over 35 and are likely to be more willing to embrace the lockdown loosening when it happens. Retailers will be eager to bring shoppers back into their stores after weeks of being closed and those targeting younger consumers are likely to see footfall return more quickly than players aimed at the more cautious over 35s, says GlobalData, the data and analytics company.
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.
