COVID-19 is a double sword. COVID pushes businesses to adopt technologies quicker to improve production as well as management efficiency, in order to survive. COVID-19, on the other hand, catalyzes an ongoing issue – the semiconductor shortage – that has had a substantial influence on a wide variety of businesses in recent years, including the RFID industry.
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.
New report recommends urgent action to develop the UK’s CCUS supply chain
Mar 02, 2022
A new report has been published by the Nuclear AMRC part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, on behalf of the Supply Chain Woking Group of the CCUS Council.
Guidance on How to Ship Freight Successfully to Cyprus
Mar 02, 2022
By John Hayes, freelance writer.
As an island, organising freight to Cyprus from the UK takes a little more thought than most other European Union destinations. Even more complex is the fact that not all of Cyprus is in the EU because the northern part of the island is an independent state, known officially as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Nike, ASOS and Old Navy among the most inclusive brands that are challenging gender stereotypes, according to UK Gen Z
Mar 02, 2022
ASOS, Nike and Old Navy are among the brands leading the way in challenging gender stereotypes and being more inclusive, according to a Gen Z Fashion Report from UNiDAYS, the world’s leading Student Affinity Network.1 Informed by responses from over 4K Gen Z students on the UNiDAYS panel, the report analyses Gen Z perceptions of gendered clothing and marketing.
Ukraine-Russia invasion: Businesses at heightened risk of cyber attacks, security expert warns
Mar 01, 2022
Businesses could be at a heightened risk of cyber attacks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – a spokesperson from cyber security firm CSS Assure has warned.
Keeping an overview: global supply chains during the pandemic
Feb 24, 2022
The pandemic continues to severely disrupt global supply chains – from transport issues to staffing absences, nearly all sectors of the economy have been affected in some way. This includes resource scarcity, which describes both the current shortage of components and the situation in the logistics and container industry.
Here, Gordon Raschig, Head of Supply Chain Management at the IP phone manufacturer, Snom, offers some insight into the nightmare of the last 24 months.
Manufacturing firms suffering missed sales and product delays due to poor documentation workflows, survey reveals
Feb 23, 2022
Canvas GFX, Inc has published new research showing the damaging commercial impact of inefficient and ineffective product documentation workflows and processes at manufacturing companies.
83% of organisations have increased supply chain investments, according to Blue Yonder survey
Feb 23, 2022
New research from Blue Yonder found that 97% of organisations faced disruption over the past 12 months. Factors outside of company control and the resulting consequences varied from company to company, with organisations facing customer delays (59%), stalled production (44%) and staff shortages (40%).
Is onshoring the new offshoring?
Feb 22, 2022
Gavin Smith, head of manufacturing at Plextek, looks at the trend to ‘manufacturing from home’ and asks if it provides more security in the supply chain.
Sustainability a key business priority, but company practices lag behind, comment from Interos CEO
Feb 21, 2022
In collaboration with Procurement Leaders, Interos, an operational resilience firm, has published research exhibiting the discordance between businesses’ intentions when it comes to sustainability and ESG issues and the practices put in place to ensure these priorities.
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.
