Symphony RetailAI, the provider of integrated AI-enabled marketing, merchandising and supply chain solutions for FMCG retailers and manufacturers, has announced findings from its Category Planning & Assortment Optimisation Executive Survey, conducted in partnership with Incisiv.
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.
Half of manufacturing business leaders resistant to digital progress
Feb 04, 2021
Outdated attitudes towards technology among senior business leaders are at risk of jeopardising future business survival, new research has found.
Manufacturing firms losing top talent due to poor mental wellbeing support
Feb 02, 2021
More than a third of manufacturing companies in the UK have seen an employee move on because their mental wellbeing wasn’t being looked after, with nearly a quarter losing a key member of their workforce, according to new research from not-for-profit healthcare provider, Benenden Health.
Manufacturing PMI: Brexit is biting, government needs to act now – MHA comments
Feb 02, 2021
Following the release of the UK manufacturing PMI, Chris Barlow, Head of Manufacturing at MHA, says the government needs a new policy with a focus on funding, skills and innovation to support UK manufacturers adjust to Brexit:
Act small, think big: the rise of convenience stores
Jan 28, 2021
By Alex MacPherson, Director of Solution Consulting & Account Management, Manhattan Associates.
The trend of ‘shopping local’ has risen steadily over the last few years, due in part to the increase in the number of convenience stores in various locations across the UK.
Shutting out hackers as retailers harvest more data in the e-commerce boom
Jan 28, 2021
Retailers are handling increasing amounts of customer data as they bolster online operations. Lewis Johnstone, products and solutions specialist at Brother UK, outlines how firms can keep this data secure by shutting an overlooked back door into networks through insufficient print security.
Tech salaries in the manufacturing sector lag behind the top paying industries by as much as 20%, global tech survey reveals
Jan 28, 2021
Tech salaries across the manufacturing industry are lagging behind top paying business sectors by as much as 20%, according to a global survey* of more than 15,000 developers and tech recruiters conducted by developer recruitment platform CodinGame.
SFP launches Guide to Business Survival to support manufacturing businesses
Jan 27, 2021
SFP, the restructuring and turnaround group, has published a new free Guide to Business Survival with easy to follow practical steps which includes a number of remedies to help manufacturing businesses navigate through the current crisis.
Technology adoption by manufacturers driving demand for digital skills
Jan 27, 2021
SME manufacturers joining the Industry 4.0 revolution are driving up the demand for data science and software engineering skills, according to Made Smarter, the movement helping businesses grow through technology adoption.
As pressure grows on warehousing, fine tuning motion control will be key to deliver
Jan 26, 2021
In the wake of COVID-19, an increasing number of logistics professionals are considering new automation technologies in warehouses to improve efficiency and respond to market demands. However, improving control of existing systems is just as important. Stephen Hayes, managing director of industrial automation specialist Beckhoff UK, looks at technologies, old and new, that are driving warehouse efficiency.
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.
