It will take more than one year for businesses to recover from the effects of the global pandemic, says a new survey of UK finance leaders.
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.
Innovative retailers find new uses for RFID to boost their bottom line
Jun 29, 2021
A new research report has revealed the innovative new ways retailers are using RFID technology in-store to improve profitability. Authored by Emeritus Professor Adrian Beck from the University of Leicester and the ECR Retail Loss Group and supported by Checkpoint Systems, Utilising RFID in Retailing: Insights on Innovation highlights how companies are employing the technology for a broader range of purposes.
Human Digital Twin: The digital counterpart to the human worker
Jun 23, 2021
By Axel Schmidt, Senior Communications Manager, ProGlove.
Several organisations are familiar with making use of Digital Twin modelling to improve operations. This digitised model typically enables firms to map the physical characteristics of a production environment as well as its processes.
One person in four risks sharing confidential work-related information
Jun 23, 2021
A new survey carried out by KnowBe4 Research shows that nearly a quarter of employees are unsure whether the information they are working with is confidential or not. “Indicates poor training and follow-up by management,” is the verdict of Research Director Kai Roer.
Manufacturing & Logistics IT June 2021
Jun 21, 2021
Welcome to the June 2021 edition of Manufacturing & Logistics IT. In this issue we feature a Special Technology Report looking in depth at the latest developments in the world of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
Also included is a special Cover Story by Sarah Gaffney, market insight analyst on the research team at Aberdeen Strategy & Research, in which she looks at how to unleash the full potential of manufacturing intelligence with smarter data
Manufacturers urged to take advantage of Super-deduction tax boost to accelerate Net Zero ambitions
Jun 16, 2021
The Government’s recently announced tax relief scheme will allow manufacturers to accelerate their journey to Net Zero, with an energy financing specialist urging businesses not to miss out on the opportunity it offers.
Gartner survey finds women comprise 41% of the supply chain workforce
Jun 16, 2021
Women comprise 41% of the supply chain workforce in 2021, up from 39% in 2020, according to a recent survey by Gartner, Inc.
Why is quality management more important in manufacturing and engineering than ever before?
Jun 15, 2021
By Claire Price at QMS International, one of the UK’s leading ISO certification bodies.
Quality and consistency have always been benchmarks of good business in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, but after the turmoil brought by COVID-19 they have become even more crucial.
Health and safety considerations for cold chain logistics
Jun 10, 2021
By Ed Smith, freelance writer
When we head to the supermarket to do our shopping, it’s likely that most of us don’t stop to think about where the produce has come from or how it got there. But the food supply chain plays a crucial role in what we eat and when we eat it. Without it, our stores would be empty and so would our cupboards.
UK employees ‘not equipped’ to work from home permanently
Jun 09, 2021
Following the news that numerous blue-chip businesses, such as KPMG and Ernst & Young, have adopted a permanent hybrid working model, new research indicates that workers do not feel they have the tools or technology they need to work from home.
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.
