The global impact of the COVID pandemic has been dramatically felt by the global aerospace sector, which almost overnight suffered a catastrophic collapse in demand, which resulted in an 80 percent decline in air traffic and over 60 percent of the global airline fleet grounded. The impact on the airlines and its key component supply chain has been immediate and is expected to remain in place for some time.
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.
Logistics industry backs government emissions targets on Earth Day
Apr 28, 2021
Logistics UK, the business group representing the industry charged with moving the goods the nation’s economy needs, has welcomed the government’s commitment to reducing emissions by 78% by 2035 (compared with 1990 levels), announced on 20 April.
Four Serious Implications of Not Tidying Up Your Business’s Cybersecurity Measures
Apr 27, 2021
By Ron Evan, freelance writer
According to a report from Security Intelligence, the global economy lost an incredible $600 billion as a result of cybercrime in 2017, and that figure has likely grown since. It is not only financial losses that companies face as a result of not implementing robust security measures.
Steps to better workplace health and safety
Apr 27, 2021
Paul Roehricht, UK strategic account manager at impact protection specialist Brandsafe, says warehouse and distribution centre operators must continue to ensure the safety of their workforce as they look to optimise productivity in the current climate.
BlueVoyant report reveals US supply chain is under siege as ransomware attacks on shipping and logistics firms triple
Apr 27, 2021
BlueVoyant, the cyber security services company, has announced the findings from its newest report: Supply Chain Disruptions and Cyber Security in Logistics.
How retailers can ensure frictionless trade despite Brexit paperwork boom
Apr 27, 2021
Despite the promises, both anecdotal and data-backed evidence suggests that the UK’s transition out of the European Union has not been as smoothed as hoped. Official government figures state that exports of goods to the EU fell by 40% in January 2021, with imports dropping 29%. The Federation of Small Businesses said that 23% of small businesses had temporarily halted sales to EU customers, while a further four per cent had decided to stop selling to the bloc permanently.
Seven ways to accelerate B2B digital transformation
Apr 22, 2021
By Martin Brierley, Creative Partner at Candyspace.
Digital Transformation can mean many things for many different businesses. But there will be common threads for companies running across diverse sectors.You might be surprised by some of the common pain points, solutions and opportunities which unite B2B business leaders challenged with bringing their companies headlong into the Post Covid world.
Global supply chain activity ‘levelling out at 100mph’ as orders outstrip invoicing, Tradeshift reveals
Apr 21, 2021
Business to business trade activity grew by 10% in the first quarter of 2021, but a recent surge in order volumes is creating fresh challenges for suppliers after a year of intense disruption, new transaction data from Tradeshift reveals.
Study reveals integration challenges threaten digital transformation, with organisations spending on average $3.5 million on custom integration labour costs
Apr 21, 2021
Integration and API platform provider, MuleSoft, has reported that integration challenges continue to be a major roadblock for digital transformation initiatives.
UK recovery accelerates as number of sectors in growth mode hits six-month high
Apr 21, 2021
The number of UK sectors reporting output growth rose to a six-month high in March, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker, as businesses prepared for the end of the third lockdown.
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.
