ParcelHero has forecast a doubling of home deliveries in the event of a UK coronavirus epidemic, as shoppers seek to avoid crowded stores. But it says retailers and their courier partners must do more to ease concerns for both customers and drivers.
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.
As Coronavirus COVID-19 creates disruption to global supply chains, new guidance is released....
Mar 14, 2020
Coronavirus (Covid-19) is having significant effects around the world threatening human health and also global and local economies and day to day business operations. Travel, logistics and supply chains are being disrupted, with the flow of raw materials and finished goods interrupted or permanently halted.
Is Industry 4.0 Just A Hype?
Mar 14, 2020
By Razor CEO, Jamie Hinton
Everyone wants to talk about industry 4.0, from industry conferences and magazines through to boardroom tables and shareholder meetings, it’s top of the agenda.
Budget reaction
Mar 12, 2020
Following Rishi Sunak’s Budget, Simon Jonsson, tax partner and manufacturing expert at KPMG UK, comments: “At a time of great uncertainty and change for industry, the Chancellor has announced a number of positive actions to help manufacturers in the UK.
What can we expect from cloud migration strategies in 2020?
Mar 12, 2020
Despite the advantages cloud computing can bring to businesses and the modern workforce, many are yet to make the move from on-premise to cloud services.
Are you overlooking this key source of safety and security in your warehouse?
Mar 10, 2020
By Jeff Schmitz, Chief Marketing Officer at Zebra Technologies.
You may use a number of different technologies to help improve the safety and security of your warehousing operations.
Majority of workforce management still done manually, says Kronos research
Mar 10, 2020
As many as 7 in 10 UK organisations in the hospitality and food service industries are still using manual systems – such as paper-based processes, homegrown spreadsheets, or both – to carry out critical workforce management tasks.
Trade deal trade-offs: Supply chain managers warn US deal could do more harm than good
Mar 05, 2020
A hasty trade deal with the United States could weaken food standards, lower worker protections and flood the market with cheap American imports according to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).
‘Government must honour pre-election R&D pledges’ – Manufacturing leaders call on new Chancellor to implement manifesto
Mar 04, 2020
Manufacturing industry leaders are calling on the new Chancellor of the Exchequer to deliver on the Conservative Party’s pre-election pledge to support innovation, ahead of the Budget on 11 March.
Sustainability is the watchword
Mar 04, 2020
Sustainability is truly the watchword of our times. With many customers keen to find ways to include more climate-friendly practices in their lives, retailers are turning their attention to delivering greener options and information.
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.
