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

RSS

Gartner announces rankings of its 2019 Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25

1 Gartner announces rankings of its 2019 Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25

Gartner, Inc. has released its 11th annual Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 ranking, which recognises companies across the healthcare value chain that advance healthcare by improving patient outcomes and controlling costs.

"New technology, cost pressures and the growing influence of the patient require the healthcare industry to change at an unprecedented pace," said Stephen Meyer, senior research director with the Gartner Supply Chain Practice.

How to Enhance Your Manufacturing Business

2 How to Enhance Your Manufacturing Business

by James Daniels, freelance writer.....
Regardless of the size of your business or how much of a reputation you have already built for yourself in the field of manufacturing, there’s always another step forward for you to take. If you want your company to scale the heights of your industry, this is a step that you simply must be looking to take sooner rather than later.

AI and machine learning in the warehouse

3 AI and machine learning in the warehouse

Following Manhattan Associates’ recent EMEA Exchange conference in Barcelona, Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with the company’s UK managing director, Craig Summers, about the current state of play within omnichannel retail and how it is now more important than ever for retailers and warehouse professionals to be able to serve both brick and mortar and direct-to-customer delivery models equally efficiently.

Manufacturing sector maintains growth trajectory, according to Epicor’s 2019 Global Growth Index

4 Manufacturing sector maintains growth trajectory, according to Epicor’s 2019 Global Growth Index

Manufacturing business growth has continued to rise over the past year, but at a much slower rate than the previous 12 months. Despite political uncertainty and the difficulty in recruiting and retaining skilled staff, there has been a marginal one percent rise in the number of businesses reporting growth.

New report from Global Fleet Champions helps fleet managers engage with drivers on key safety messages

5 New report from Global Fleet Champions helps fleet managers engage with drivers on key safety messages

All over the world, driver error and risk-taking is a leading cause of road crashes¹. For many employees, driving is the riskiest activity they undertake at work. Organisations looking to encourage and manage safe driving behaviours will benefit from new guidance published by the Global Fleet Champions (GFC) campaign.

Digitalised data is sustaining the supply chain, says luxury packaging provider

6 Digitalised data is sustaining the supply chain, says luxury packaging provider

From fragmented thinking, to out of date infrastructures and poor processes, there is a long list of reasons why supply chains can become unsustainable. But, according to a luxury packaging provider, digitalised data is set to transform the industry in a big way.

UK highways will go ‘naked’ by 2027 as infrastructure is stripped back

7 UK highways will go ‘naked’ by 2027 as infrastructure is stripped back

Zenzic the organisation dedicated to accelerating the self-driving revolution in the UK by uniting industry, government and academia, has revealed that emerging CAM (connected and automated mobility) technologies will eliminate the need for road signage, with UK drivers seeing ‘naked highways’ by 2027.

Manufacturing 2020 predictions

8 Manufacturing 2020 predictions

By Rafi Billurcu, Partner, Manufacturing at Infosys Consulting. 

Manufacturing leaders must prepare accordingly for Brexit, regardless of how uncertain the outcome is. Changes in tax and trade regulations means organisations must take corrective action to make supply chains more future-proof and efficient.

Digital transformation of manufacturing industries to drive adoption of manufacturing operations management (MOM) software market: TMR

9 Digital transformation of manufacturing industries to drive adoption of manufacturing operations management (MOM) software market: TMR

According to a new market report pertaining to the global manufacturing operations management software market, the global manufacturing operations management software market is projected to reach a value of US$ 17 Bn by 2027. The MOM software market is projected to expand at a CAGR of ~10% from 2019 to 2027.

Retail optimisation in the age of omnichannel

10 Retail optimisation in the age of omnichannel

Following Manhattan Associates’ recent EMEA Exchange Conference in Barcelona, Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with the company’s UK managing director, Craig Summers, about the current state of play within omnichannel retail and how it is now more important than ever for retailers and warehouse professionals to be able to serve both brick and mortar and direct-to-customer delivery models equally efficiently.

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.

Editorial: +44 (0)1892 536363
Publisher: +44 (0)208 440 0372
Subscribe FREE to the weekly E-newsletter