thyssenkrupp Materials Services continues to drive digital transformation: Since early 2019 an artificial intelligence solution (AI), supported by Microsoft’s cloud platform Azure, has been integrated into the processes of the largest materials distribution and service provider in the Western world.
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.
Over three quarters of retail professionals haven’t had a pay rise in the last 12 months
Jun 19, 2019
New research conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that over three quarters (78%) of retail workers haven’t had a formal pay review meeting in the past year.
Bakeries turn the heat up in British foodservice as they compete for bigger slice of £22.5 billion food-to-go market and get into click & collect and delivery
Jun 19, 2019
Global information company The NPD Group says data from its new Bakery Trends Tracker report show bakery outlets have over the past year (YE April 2019) seen the strongest growth in on-premise business among major British quick-service restaurant (QSR) channels, with sales and visits up more than 19% and nearly 18% respectively in the past year.
‘Lack of UK economic certainty’ is biggest concern for UK Manufacturers, according to Santander Corporate & Commercial poll
Jun 19, 2019
More than half (52%) of UK manufacturers think that ‘a lack of UK economic certainty’ is the most pressing concern for business, according to a new snapshot poll1 by Santander Corporate & Commercial.
The fourth dimension – How 4D printing is impacting manufacturing
Jun 19, 2019
Human beings have five senses; sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. But what about intuition? Some people refer to this as the sixth sense. Now, a new manufacturing technique is adding an extra dimension ─ a sixth sense ─ to products with applications as varied as aerospace and medical.
Dramatic cost reductions set to transform microLED displays into mass-market products, IHS Markit says
Jun 19, 2019
Rising from negligible levels this year, the global market for microLED displays is expected to grow to 15.5 million units in 2026 as steep declines in manufacturing costs make the emerging technology suitable for the mass market, according to the recently released IHS Markit Micro LED Display Technology & Market report.
Consumers worldwide are spending less – how can the retail sector adapt to the ‘new normal’ of tough trading conditions?
Jun 12, 2019
All the signs point to a transformative shift in the relationship between consumers and retailers. In fact, a recent global confidence survey found that consumers worldwide are spending less on almost everything.
Voice-directed warehousing solutions market: Advancements such as speech recognition speech synthesis to uplift adoption
Jun 12, 2019
The following insights are based on a report on Voice-directed Warehousing Solutions Marketby Persistence Market Research.
Increased security and real-time business intelligence are among the major factors driving the growth of the voice-directed warehousing solutions market.
Shippers demand efficiency and technology brings that – Cogoport president Flemming Frost
Jun 12, 2019
Digital practices and technology adoption are bringing greater productivity, effectiveness and profitability in the shipping and logistics industry, Cogoport president Flemming Frost told industry leaders at a major shipping conference in the Netherlands.
You’ve got IIoT all wrong – Focusing less on tech and more on impact is key to success in the 4IR
Jun 12, 2019
Industry 4.0. The industrial internet of things. Digitalisation. Smart manufacturing. The fourth industrial revolution. There are dozens of different names for the uptake in connected technologies and the convergence of IT and OT systems taking place in industry at the moment. One thing most people do agree on, however, is that it’s tech-driven. But should this really be the case? Here, George Walker, managing director of industrial automation expert Novotek UK and Ireland, makes the case for goal-driven digitalisation.
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.
