It’s easy to send a parcel to family and friends stuck in self isolation, says UK delivery expert ParcelHero. Couriers are continuing to pick up safely from customers’ doorsteps.
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.
Manufacturers: Say goodbye to your rigid, if efficient, supply chains
Apr 01, 2020
To compete in B2B ecommerce, manufacturers need to learn how to meet the demands of today’s B2B buyers for a retail-like experience in order fulfilment, writes Ken Fleming of Logistyx Technologies.
Bureau Veritas offers advice on business continuity amid coronavirus restrictions
Mar 31, 2020
As the UK becomes the latest nation to bring in substantial restrictions over the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, safety and compliance firm Bureau Veritas is highlighting a few simple steps to help firms manage their business continuity plans.
EMEA businesses rethinking legacy ERP - investment pumped into Modernisation and Innovation
Mar 31, 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.
Manufacturing & Logistics IT - March 2020 edition
Mar 26, 2020
The New Digital Format of the magazine has been created to be intuitively interactive, easily navigable and optimised for viewing on a desktop or mobile device.
This edition features a Special Technology Report on Transportation Management Systems (TMS). For this report, we spoke with a number of leading analysts and vendors within the Transportation Management Systems space about current trends and possible future innovations within this critically important industry sector.
Britain's supermarkets are no longer competing – they are working together to survive
Mar 26, 2020
Will Broome, CEO of retail tech pioneers Ubamarket, discusses the unprecedented industry co-operation and examines how technology can help mitigate the crisis and prevent future shortages.
Sudden shift to remote work increases demand for sales productivity software
Mar 24, 2020
The effects of Coronavirus are hitting hard around the globe, with many companies telling their workforce to ‘stay home’. Yet, as more workers operate remotely, many large companies are finding it difficult to keep up morale and productivity.
Delivery, drive thru and click & collect step up during Coronavirus
Mar 24, 2020
According to global information company The NPD Group, there was a +20% increase in food deliveries in China during the last 10 days of January when Chinese government restrictions began to be implemented.
4 Reasons to go with a modular, cloud-based manufacturing solution
Mar 23, 2020
Implementing an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) can be an enormous undertaking as, in many cases, the system serves as a bridge between the shop floor and the management and is directly intervened in the production processes. MES projects can also be quite expensive due to high software and implementation costs.
Making the most of available data
Mar 23, 2020
From onboard sensors monitoring the temperature inside a refrigerated container to GPS speed or location monitoring, access to real-time data has become a vital management tool for the tech-savvy fleet manager. But are they making the most of the available data?
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.
