The 3D printing market is diverse; certain materials and applications are seeing significant commercial growth while others are still overcoming technical and economic barriers to adoption.
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.
How To Start A Fulfillment Center Business
Apr 20, 2021
By John Moran, freelance writer
It may seem like Amazon is the only eCommerce game in town these days. Obviously, they have an outsized share of the market, but there are loads of small eCommerce stores opening up all the time. People with niche products or homemade goods are always going to sell well outside of Amazon and people are taking advantage.
Amazon’s here – so what’s the future for UK supermarkets?
Apr 15, 2021
Amazon has set its sights on the UK supermarket sector. From the Amazon Fresh initiative to its partnership with Morrisons, offering free, next day delivery to Prime customers, the arch disruptor is looking to turn the UK multiple market on its head.
The potential cost saving benefits of a sustainable supply chain
Apr 14, 2021
According to CDP, supply chain emissions are on average 5.5 times higher than the direct emissions produced by a corporation. But not only is a supply chain’s impact on the environment severe, but it can also lead to financial issues for companies who don’t take action to be more sustainable.
The digital transformation dilemma: UK employees want pandemic-era tech to stay, says research
Apr 14, 2021
As the UK prepares to return to normal in the coming months and industries reopen, research from The Workforce Institute at UKG reveals that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 87% of UK workers have been propelled into the future of work by accelerating their digital transformation projects.
Manufacturing industry R&D spending rose 4.4% last year despite pandemic — Catax
Apr 07, 2021
R&D spending in the manufacturing industry defied expectations with a 4.4% rise last year despite the pandemic, analysis of latest ONS data by business tax relief consultancy Cataxshows1.
New Salesforce research reveals that the pandemic has progressed plans for cloud adoption for 81% of manufacturers
Apr 07, 2021
Salesforce, the CRM solutions provider, has released its Trends in Manufacturing report which shows the far-reaching effects the global pandemic has had on the industry.
Automation: Learning the secrets of uptime
Apr 06, 2021
By Will Carder, Automation Sales Engineer at Quadient.
Automation offers a route forward for hard-pressed e-fulfilment operations – particularly, when it comes to packaging processes. But how do you build in operational resilience? What are the secrets to maximising uptime?
'Ever Given' refloated but global e-commerce will flounder amid delays, says ParcelHero
Apr 01, 2021
The international delivery expert ParcelHero says the refloating of the ‘Ever Given’ is welcome news, but the blockage of the vital Suez Canal will cost £4.35 billion and delay many Amazon and other e-commerce orders for weeks.
Seven-point checklist to warehouse systems design
Apr 01, 2021
Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director of Invar Integration, offers a seven-point checklist for design success.
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.
