Given that logistics leaders face pressure from their stakeholders to optimise logistics costs while maintaining service and performance levels, Gartner, Inc. has identified five actions to achieve cost optimisation from within the organisation.
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.
SMEs must open up to the automation revolution or be left behind, say EACS
Oct 16, 2019
It has been a common trend that uptake in new technologies is slower amongst SMEs than that of major multinational companies, who have significantly more scale and resources.
Automation is the route to environmentally aware intralogistics
Oct 16, 2019
Consumers’ environmental expectations are adding a new layer of supply chain complexity – how are companies going to respond? Steve Richmond, Director Logistics Systems, Jungheinrich UK discusses the role of automation within intralogistics to support the green agenda.
Acorn Recruitment sees a third more people applying for Summer temp jobs across the North in 2019
Oct 09, 2019
New data from recruiter Acorn Recruitment has revealed that the number of people applying for temporary jobs in the North* throughout July and August has risen by more than a third – 35% - year on year.
Consumers still economic bright spot but Europe can’t avoid effects of global trade tensions, says Stenn
Oct 09, 2019
Dr. Kerstin Braun, President of Stenn Group, an international provider of trade finance headquartered in the UK, comments on the Eurostat retail trade figures and drop in Asian markets/FTSE 100:
Retailers forced to get smart in fight against crime - attacks costing the sector over £900 million
Oct 09, 2019
Shocking new figures show that attacks on retail workers in the UK are on the rise, with over 42,000 violent incidents recorded in the last year. These attacks are costing retailers a staggering £900 million.
Acquia and ORM reveal customer experience is the key focus for manufacturers as online shopping behaviours evolve
Oct 02, 2019
Almost three-quarters (73%) of manufacturers are re-directing their key focus to enhancing the customer experience to accommodate changes in consumer behaviour, according to new research from Acquia and ORM.
How to combat the skills deficit in the manufacturing industry
Oct 02, 2019
By Dave Johal, ManpowerGroup.
For over two centuries, the manufacturing industry has been a crucial growth engine for the UK economy. Even now it’s responsible for 45% of the country’s exports, totalling £275bn and making the UK the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world.
Research from Forescout and ICIT identifies ‘disruptionware’ as emerging cybersecurity threat
Oct 02, 2019
Forescout Technologies, Inc. has released a new report “Rise of Disruptionware: A Cyber-Physical Threat to Operational Technology Environments, that explores how the nature of cyber-attacks is changing.
The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Business Greener
Sep 27, 2019
If you want to boost the sustainability of your business, save some money, and better the world that you live and work in, you have to show an eco-friendly stance. No longer can you afford to rely on others to save the planet for you while your company goes about its own business.
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.
