3D printing technology is slowly cementing its role as a key part of the manufacturing mix, continuing its journey towards industry 4.0. It has already lowered the barriers to entry for manufacturing, allowing enterprises across many industries to respond to customer demands while offering greater customisation of products and speed to market, says GlobalData, the data analytics company.
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.
UK manufacturers need £650 million in April to survive 2020
Apr 09, 2020
UK manufacturers are facing a precarious future according to insights1 from fintech business lender MarketFinance. Over two thirds (68%) reported their order books have halved in the last 30 days. To compound matters, the majority (67%) have less than £50,000 cash and without any support will run out of money before the end of the month.
How the manufacturing industry can mitigate economic risk during COVID-19
Apr 09, 2020
By Richard Blatcher, Director of Business Intelligence for Manufacturing at PROS.
Disruption in the supply chain is a direct indicator of a wider impact on an entire industry. Of course, Covid-19 is creating unprecedented disruption in many B2B industries, in fact, a new poll of supply chain managers shows over 75% of companies are reporting disruptions in some capacity due to coronavirus related restrictions.
8 in 10 UK, US & Chinese firms consider switching to alternative finance providers for trade financing in 2020
Apr 09, 2020
Over 8 in 10 (83%) UK, US and Chinese firms are considering switching to alternative finance providers over traditional banks for trade finance this year, which can provide access to faster and more agile funding to help navigate the effects of COVID-19.
Have you been ‘put on pause’ by Amazon?
Apr 08, 2020
In recent weeks Amazon has refocused its shipping efforts to essential items only - side-lining thousands of sellers who relied on the retail giant to fulfil and ship their orders.
The critical importance of supply chain continuity
Apr 07, 2020
It’s times like these that we realise the interconnectivity and interdependency that exists in our world. As COVID-19 continues to impact economies, businesses and individuals across the globe, the role and continuity of supply chains has never been more important than it is today.
Organisations tackle the ERP Innovator’s Dilemma – ‘keeping the lights on’ budgets fall to just 36%
Apr 06, 2020
Boomi, a Dell Technologies business, has revealed the findings from its ERP Innovator’s Dilemma survey. The independent research of 825 EMEA-based Enterprise Architects revealed how EMEA organisations are tackling ERP application modernisation and revealing how they will overcome barriers posed by the complex hybrid IT environments they operate in.
Two thirds of ‘Retail Winners’ identify real-time supply chain visibility as a strategic focus area
Apr 06, 2020
Symphony RetailAI, the provider of integrated AI-enabled marketing, merchandising and supply chain solutions for FMCG retailers and CPG manufacturers, has announced the findings of a new benchmark report, ‘The Retail Supply Chain: Designing New Ways to Satisfy Demand’.
Verizon Connect study finds failure to adopt new technology costs fleet managers two days a week
Apr 03, 2020
Recent research released by Verizon Connect* reveals that fleet managers could save as much as 14 hours a week – the equivalent of nearly two full working days – by adopting technology that helps them automate tasks.
More than ever the devil’s in the (data) detail, says SnapFulfil
Apr 02, 2020
Warehouse management systems (WMS) provider, SnapFulfil, is looking up during the economic downturn with an increasingly data-driven approach to help weather the COVID storm and be in a stronger position when it clears.
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.
