The 2021 State of Supply Chain Sustainability Report, explores how supply chain sustainability (SCS) practices are being implemented globally and what that means for professionals, enterprises, industries, and the planet.
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.
Sustainability as a business imperative in supply chain management increases, according to new report
Jul 20, 2021
Collaborative robots expand potential labour pool to help fill shortage of workers for warehouses and fulfilment centres
Jul 14, 2021
Collaborative robots could help tackle a looming labour shortage in UK warehouses by addressing the barriers deterring people from working in the sector, according to a new survey by fulfilment solutions provider 6 River Systems.
New report from Mirakl shows how third-party sellers are accelerating enterprise marketplace growth among top retailers worldwide
Jul 14, 2021
Mirakl, the enterprise marketplace SaaS platform, has released the 2021 Enterprise Marketplace Seller Report, detailed analysis of enterprise marketplace data examining third-party seller activity on leading retailer marketplaces around the world.
9 in 10 independent retailers now based outside of London
Jul 14, 2021
According to data from Ankorstore, the curated marketplace connecting independent brands with local retailers, the economic disruption caused by the pandemic has inspired a wave of entrepreneurial independent retail businesses. Over the last six months, more than 10,000 independent retailers were trading in the UK.
Why industrial automation Is capturing the world’s attention in the age of Industry 4.0
Jul 14, 2021
By Laith Marmash, EMEA Product Marketing Advisor – Machine Vision/Fixed Industrial Scanning, Zebra Technologies.
Coined over a decade ago, the term Industry 4.0 refers to a new industrial revolution driven by major trends such as Big Data, greater computational power, ultra-connectivity, robotics, automation, advanced analytics and 3D printing.
Where’s my order? How conversational AI can support supply-chains post-pandemic
Jul 13, 2021
By Sean Sherwin-Smith, General Manager, Post-Purchase at HelloDone.
The disruption to logistics networks over the past year has caused chaos across global supply chains. With the pandemic sparking an exponential rise in online shopping, logistics operations have been tested to the max.
Five simple ways to build Industry 4.0 efficiencies into existing manufacturing processes
Jul 13, 2021
Industry 4.0’s ‘Factory of the Future’ is already here. The technology and ideas that underpin Industry 4.0 are transforming the way that manufacturers operate and providing the insight and information required to build safe, sustainable and agile production facilities which can keep up with current and future demand.
How Can You Diligently Manage A Manufacturing Firm
Jul 09, 2021
By Dan Coleman, freelance writer
Despite the devastation that the coronavirus pandemic has wrought, the need for innovative products has never faltered. Some firms have even been crucial pillars of support in these scenarios.
Chink of light for redundant retail spaces...
Jul 08, 2021
The consumer market has irreversibly shifted to an e-commerce focus, but more nimble and agile retailers are creating new-style businesses to fill the bricks-and-mortar vacuum – says SnapFulfil CEO, Tony Dobson.
90% of British, French and German IT decision makers say flash-based object storage will replace primary storage to fuel AI, ML and other emerging applications
Jul 07, 2021
Scality has announced the results of an independent survey completed by IT decision makers across the UK, France and Germany. It revealed a fundamental shift in the industry towards flash-based object storage to fuel artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), automation and big data analytics in place of other forms of primary storage.
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.
