Commenting on the latest CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index which has risen to 47.5, Mike Thornton, national head of manufacturing at RSM UK, said: “The manufacturing PMI in February continued to show signs of industry stagnation at 47.5, up marginally from 47 in January, with falling new export orders and employment indices reflecting subdued demand and dampened industry outlook.
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.
Navigating e-commerce growth: Choosing the tight tech stack beyond ERP
Mar 07, 2024
Selecting the right technologies plays a pivotal role in facilitating connectivity, driving efficiencies, and ensuring seamless operations as businesses scale and become more complex. A key consideration for many large-scale enterprises is the adoption of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. However, the question arises: is an ERP solution really the right technology solution for ambitious online retailers?
Moody's comment on blocked EU supply chain law & global implications
Mar 06, 2024
Earlier this week, EU countries blocked a proposed law requiring large companies to check if their supply chains use forced labour or cause environmental damage.
Logistics set to benefit most from Government AI investment
Mar 05, 2024
Logistics organisations are among those benefiting most from government grants to adapt to AI innovation, a new report has revealed.
Smart Manufacturing Market size worth USD 575.4 billion in 2031
Feb 29, 2024
The thriving Global Smart Manufacturing Market incorporates cutting-edge technologies and cohesive systems to streamline manufacturing operations and boost efficiency, productivity and sustainability, according to Adroit Market Research.
Leveraging AI for Route Optimisation: Pros, Limits, and Risks
Feb 27, 2024
Gain valuable insights into the power of AI for route optimisation in this article.
PTV's Chief Product Officer, An de Wispelaere, discusses the advantages, limitations, and risks of using artificial intelligence in route optimisation. In addition, she explains how PTV Logistics integrates academic research with its own studies to create innovative route Optimisation solutions....
Advanced semiconductor packaging trends in AI and HPC
Feb 27, 2024
By Dr Yu-Han Chang, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx.
Advanced semiconductor packaging technologies like 2.5D and 3D hybrid bonding, along with emerging solutions like silicon photonics, are critical in optimizing system performance and fostering the next wave of AI and HPC chip innovation.
Creating a more transparent supply chain
Feb 26, 2024
Many industrial companies across the UK are exploring the benefits of digitalisation. A recent European digital health study from Zoho, for example, reported that 33 per cent of large UK businesses have a good digital health rating — meaning they have successfully digitalised.
Digitising supply chains for enhanced due diligence and trade compliance
Feb 26, 2024
By Brent Dawkins, Director of Product Marketing, QAD
Supply chain due diligence is undoubtedly a major consideration for organisations, especially those who participate in global trade. The need for efficient and resilient supply chains is paramount and immediate. Traditional supply chain processes are often marred by complexities, delays, human error, and a lack of real-time visibility.
89% of consumers say it is important to them that a small business has ethical values, survey reveals
Feb 22, 2024
As consumer awareness grows around the consequences of their buying choices, the focus has turned towards the ethical conduct of enterprises - with particular attention on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
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.
