Local businesses are finding practical ways to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on their communities. 2M Group in Cheshire, Croda International Plc in East Yorkshire and Nice-Pak in Flintshire, Wales are just some of the manufacturing firms involved in this campaign, each offering their help to protect lives and the economy from the effects of the crisis.
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.
Improving sustainability in the parcels market: two key focus areas
May 04, 2020
Sustainability in the supply chain is an issue that continues to move higher up the agenda as consumers increasingly opt for brands with a sustainable business model.
They are taking multiple factors into account when making purchasing decisions – from the choice of raw materials, through factory locations, to recycling policies – meaning sustainability is permeating the entire supply chain.
Manufacturing activity drops sharply, with fears of worse to come – CBI survey
May 04, 2020
UK manufacturers reported the quickest falls in output volumes and total new orders since 2009 in the three months to April, while business optimism plunged at a record pace. That’s according to the latest CBI quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.
COVID-19 EU border closures and Brexit impacts movement of medical supplies, says GlobalData
Apr 30, 2020
Free goods movement restrictions, imposed by the majority of EU countries at their borders to control the spread COVID-19, are disrupting supply chains, including crucial drug and medical equipment supplies.
UK food and drink sector bucks trend as pandemic sees international trade fall in Q1
Apr 29, 2020
Food and drink businesses defied an overall drop in UK exports during the first quarter of 2020 as supply chain disruption and international efforts to combat coronavirus hit overseas sales of goods and services, according to the Lloyds Bank International Trade Index.
Top 4 tips on SAP data housekeeping during lockdown
Apr 29, 2020
Including free starter pack on how to build a successful data archiving strategy
COVID-19 exposes the weak link in video conferencing tools – passwords
Apr 28, 2020
Business tool Zoom has seen a 20 fold increase in users recently, as COVID-19 forces millions to work from home. However, reported problems with privacy and security have sparked concern about using video conferencing tools amongst governments and businesses worldwide.
Post Covid-19 will the omnichannel model still be relevant?
Apr 27, 2020
What can retailers learn from the lockdown and could it be the death-knell of the store, asks Tania Oakey, a retail expert at software vendor Cegid?
Five ways WMS can maintain efficiency and reduce pressure of stockpiling
Apr 23, 2020
The global impact of Covid-19 is going to be felt for years, long after the virus has been brought under control, with governments and economies struggling to get back on their feet.
But what this crisis has already revealed is the true spirit of human inventiveness as many businesses have adjusted their game plans overnight – whether introducing direct to consumer e-commerce or new lines to meet changing demand.
How the supply chain might look after COVID-19
Apr 23, 2020
While it is very difficult to predict exactly how life will look once normality has resumed, it is inevitable that neither business nor society as a whole will return to exactly how it was prior to the coronavirus pandemic. But where is the supply chain likely to see change?
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.
