A recent ruling in the Northern Ireland Courts could have a significant impact on UK manufacturing businesses that still aren't including overtime payments, allowances or some commission payments in holiday pay.
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.
Mid-sized manufacturers feel like a ‘small fish’ to their bank
Jul 02, 2019
Research from Wyelands Bank, set up to help small and medium businesses, shows UK mid-sized manufacturers don’t feel valued by their banks. They struggle to access the tailored financial services they need to grow, putting a brake on UK manufacturing growth and job creation.
The Holmes and Watson of data computation – Why edge and cloud computing are best used in harmony
Jul 02, 2019
Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson both contributed essential qualities to the duo — Holmes provided the brains and Watson kept the detective on the straight and narrow.
Automation in the spotlight as business confidence remains below the long term average
Jul 02, 2019
Lloyds Business Barometer has shown that business confidence is still below the long-term average. In wake of this low confidence, businesses are under mounting pressure to become more efficient.
Paragon survey points towards growing reporting burden for the transport office
Jun 27, 2019
Transport planning teams are under pressure to share more information than ever before as businesses look to increase visibility of their distribution operations, improve customer communications and remove internal silos.
June 2019 edition of Manufacturing & Logistics IT
Jun 26, 2019
The June 2019 edition of Manufacturing & Logistics IT features a Special Technology Report on Demand Forecasting & Planning /S&OP
For this report, we spoke with experts from the vendor and analyst communities about recent trends and ongoing areas of development within the world of Demand Forecasting & Planning/S&OP solutions, and what users can potentially look forward to in the not too distant future.
5 ways chatbots can help drive sales
Jun 26, 2019
By Tim Deeson, author and CEO of chatbot/applied AI agency GreenShoot Labs.
Conversational interfaces are revolutionising sales by offering customers 24/7 product information - boosting customer acquisition, conversion and retention.
Bringing digital fluidity to bricks-and-mortar retail
Jun 26, 2019
By Derrick Harris, Principal Product Marketing Manager, Pivotal Software Inc.
Boarded up windows, closing-down sales and a huge growth in e-commerce retail has seen the UK’s high streets continue to suffer in recent years.
Manufacturers falling drastically short in efforts to digitise supply chain, survey finds
Jun 26, 2019
Manufacturers with large supply chains are struggling to digitise interaction with their suppliers despite huge desire to do so, according to a new study.
Air freight must be prioritised in government's aviation strategy
Jun 26, 2019
Air freight will play a pivotal role in achieving Britain’s future trading ambitions post-Brexit, according to FTA, so it must be placed front and centre of the government’s aviation strategy. Responding to the consultation, Aviation 2050 — the future of UK aviation, FTA is calling for a dedicated freight chapter in the White Paper; the government must set out a clear and ambitious vision for air freight.
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.
