By Graham Stubbs, Managing Director, Dean Group.
An issue that has been concerning professionals in the manufacturing industry is the lack of a skilled workforce. While Brexit will end free movement, meaning fewer skilled EU workers will move to the UK, the truth is that a skills shortage already existed before 2016.
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.
The importance of growing the manufacturing workforce
Aug 20, 2019
5G will drive effective adoption of emerging technologies, says GlobalData
Aug 20, 2019
The intrinsic capacity of the fifth-generation cellular technology (5G) to connect the Internet’s end systems with enhanced data flows and faster response times will unlock the full potential of emerging technologies, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
FileCloud releases inaugural Annual Enterprise Cloud & Data Security Report
Aug 20, 2019
FileCloud, a cloud-agnostic enterprise file sync and sharing platform, has announced the inaugural release of its Annual Enterprise Cloud & Data Security Report.
Digital deliveries
Aug 14, 2019
By Mattan David, Supply Chain and IoT Director, Polymer Logistics.
Sensor-equipped pallets and roll cages can provide highly accurate location, temperature and humidity data, meaning that products reach retailers at the right time and in perfect condition. Polymer Logistics explains how these Internet of Things-enabled technologies are creating the smarter supply chains of tomorrow.
Checklist for third party risk: key considerations for businesses to safeguard their data
Aug 14, 2019
By AJ Thompson, CCO of Northdoor plc.
Organisations are increasingly aware that they should take their own cyber security and compliance requirements seriously. However, what security measures are in place for their third parties?
Poor systems biggest impact on employee productivity – new research
Aug 14, 2019
Poor systems, office politics and absence are highlighted as key drivers of unproductivity, according to an independent survey of senior HR people, commissioned by e-days.
India’s growing manufacturing sector props up industrial automation equipment demand, despite global slowdown
Aug 14, 2019
By Nitin Sharma, analyst, manufacturing technology, IHS Markit.
Despite a worldwide slowdown in the growth of the industrial automation equipment (IAE) market, the strong expansion of India’s manufacturing sector is allowing the global IAE industry to remain on an expansion trajectory in 2019.
Ensuring your print estate is included in your digital transformation journey is key to manufacturing sector productivity
Aug 14, 2019
The manufacturing sector has faced increased pressures in recent years, with greater emphasis on faster, better products, services and experiences, customers and their changing needs and expectations.
How can food stockpiling be managed amid a no-deal Brexit?
Aug 14, 2019
Following news that Domino’s Pizza Group has spent £7m stockpiling ingredients in preparation of a no-deal Brexit, companies across the supply chain are facing the challenge of finding additional storage and cooling solutions to cope with demand.
Checklist for third party risk: key considerations for businesses to safeguard their data
Aug 06, 2019
By AJ Thompson, CCO of Northdoor plc.
Organisations are increasingly aware that they should take their own cyber security and compliance requirements seriously. However, what security measures are in place for their third parties?
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.
