Mytraffic, European expert in the analysis of pedestrian and vehicle flows for retail, real estate companies and cities, has tracked post-lockdown traffic in over 900 commercial areas in the UK.
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.
Retailers must optimise their pricing strategies for affordability during the golden quarter, says Oxylabs
Nov 03, 2020
Recent figures from the CBI has revealed ‘retail sales fell at its fastest pace in four months in October’ as people reined in spending in the face of more coronavirus restrictions.
So much more than systems integration
Nov 03, 2020
Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with John Greenwood, systems integration specialist, Dakota Integrated Solutions, about the company’s commitment to ensuring customers receive tailored IT solutions that are the best possible fit for their organisation, backed up by full ongoing service and support.
Industrial IoT connections to reach 37 billion globally by 2025, as ‘smart factory’ concept Is realised
Nov 02, 2020
A new study from Juniper Research has found that the global number of Industrial IoT connections will increase from 17.7 billion in 2020 to 36.8 billion in 2025; representing an overall growth rate of 207%. The research identified smart manufacturing as a key growth sector of the Industrial IoT market over the next five years; accounting for 22 billion connections by 2025.
Wellbeing provider warns manufacturing ‘cannot afford’ another mental health meltdown as winter approaches
Nov 02, 2020
Just under half of manufacturing workers suffered a decline in their mental health during the first lockdown and the industry “cannot afford another hit to mental health as we move through the winter”, according to corporate wellbeing expert, Westfield Health.
After COVID-19, what does the Future hold for 3D printing?
Oct 29, 2020
The past decade has seen an explosion in 3D printing, among hobbyists and professional users alike. The ability to prototype – or even, increasingly, industrially produce – almost any component with just a CAD package and a 3D printer has transformed the manufacturing landscape.
How manufacturers can win against constantly evolving ransomware strains
Oct 29, 2020
By Richard Massey, VP EMEA North at Arcserve.
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to avoid detection in their pursuit of new and lucrative avenues of attack.
Inside instantprint’s State-of-the-Art Green Warehouse
Oct 28, 2020
By Ed Smith, freelance writer
2020 has been a pretty rough ride, economically speaking. But some businesses have managed to thrive. Take Rotherham-based printing company, instantprint, which has expanded its manufacturing facility, almost doubling the size of its production premises (from 86,900sqft to 145,000sqft).
Global supply chain activity surges to pre-pandemic levels In Q3, but cash crunch leaves suppliers vulnerable
Oct 27, 2020
The number of purchase orders and invoices exchanged across global supply chains rose by 15% in Q3 after falling by a similar margin in Q2, the latest Index of Global Trade Health from Tradeshift can reveal.
IT decision makers investing in tech to prioritise productivity - Brother UK
Oct 27, 2020
UK firms are investing in digital infrastructure to boost their productivity in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to research from Brother UK, the business technology solutions provider.
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.
