Following recent unprecedented delivery and parcel disruptions affecting consumers up and down the country, Shipup, the post-purchase expert, has found that the average order delivery is 4.5 days - or 107 hours*, with the quickest UK city almost one day faster than the slowest. So, unless you’re using Amazon Prime or other next day delivery services, it’s likely shoppers will be waiting a full working week for their deliveries.
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.
Seat occupancy sensors and gaming – IDTechEx explores printed and flexible sensors
May 07, 2024
Sensors act as a middle ground between the physical and digital. They measure all sorts of variables from touch, temperature, and heart rate across many different sectors, which IDTechEx’s report “Printed and Flexible Sensors 2024-2034: Technologies, Players, Markets” explores in detail.
Brands must revamp returns, says Manhattan Associates
May 07, 2024
Convenience is the name of the game in today’s retail landscape and the returns process is an integral part. It can make or break the overall brand experience, and savvy retailers are increasingly viewing it as an opportunity to further engage with customers as it provides additional touchpoints to enhance the overall customer journey.
The Evolution of Customer Engagement: Leveraging Various Automation Tools
May 04, 2024
By Brett Hanson, freelance writer.
Discover the evolution of customer engagement in the digital era. Uncover the diverse array of automation tools, including email autoresponders.
New research reveals only a handful of organisations can access sensitive data in a timely manner
May 03, 2024
Protegrity has launched a new research report ‘The State of Data Security Optimisation and Monetisation’. The research reveals that while organisations are using data to drive innovation and new strategies, fewer than 2% of respondents can access sensitive and classified data in less than a week.
Unleashing the power of cross-border commerce for retailers
May 02, 2024
Headlines regarding post Brexit cross-border trading challenges dented businesses’ confidence in their ability to expand successful ecommerce retail operations outside the home market. But with cross-border trade booming globally, is there a risk that UK retailers are missing out?
Tech businesses have increased AI usage to improve business operations by 25% in the last quarter, new data reveals
May 02, 2024
Data analysed by CX Network, the global online network for customer service and marketing leaders, has found that AI usage to improve business operations in the technology sector has increased 25% since the end of 2023.
Has the era of shopping for electronics in-store come to an end?
May 01, 2024
As the sale of Curry’s, one of the UK’s leading appliance retailers, unfolds, many retailers are left wondering – are consumers spearheading the decline of traditional white goods and electronic retail outlets in favour of online shopping?
Transport project management contributes £4.7 billion to UK economy after 33% growth – APM Golden Thread Report 2024
May 01, 2024
A new report by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has found the transport sector of the project management profession has grown by a third in five years to contribute £4.73 billion of annual gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy.
UK Warehousing Association launches Election Manifesto in Parliament
May 01, 2024
The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has launched its Election Manifesto for 2024 at a special Parliamentary Reception, hosted at the House of Commons by Ben Everitt MP and attended by Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, both of whom, along with Greg Smith MP and UKWA CEO Clare Bottle, gave speeches in support of the manifesto.
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.
