Welcome to the third of BEC’s exclusive customer interviews.
This time it’s with Tom Hamlyn, Logistics Director at Aliaxis, a global leader in the production and distribution of advanced plastic piping systems. Tom has worked at Aliaxis for over 20 years, heading up the Logistics Department since 2015.
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.
BEC interview with Tom Hamlyn, Logistics Director at Aliaxis
Jun 06, 2019
Professionals reveal how they are benefiting from 3D printing technology
Jun 05, 2019
The research conducted by www.Case24.com.
One of the fastest-growing developments in the world of technology has been that of 3D printing. It is the process of depositing successive layers of material (e.g. plastic, metal, wax etc.) in a 3D printer, to create a physical object envisioned from a digital model.
Still no Brexit plans in place for over half of British retailers, Global-e research reveals
Jun 05, 2019
Despite three years passing since the EU referendum, over half (57%) of British retailers still have no plans in place for Brexit, according to a survey of 200 British retail decision-makers by Global-e, the cross-border e-commerce solutions provider, in conjunction with Censuswide.
Ticking timebomb of logistics’ skills deficit revealed in new report
Jun 05, 2019
A new report by Talent in Logistics reveals the logistics sector has a significant recruitment problem, which could potentially cause the nation to grind to a halt.
Manufacturing employers favour workers that are adaptable, willing to upskill and resilient
Jun 05, 2019
New research from job board, CV-Library, reveals the key skills that manufacturing employers are favouring right now, including the ability to adapt (69%), a willingness to upskill (47.6%) and resilience (47.6%).
Retail restructured and the rise of experience…retailers can’t afford to ignore these red-hot technology trends this summer
May 29, 2019
Retail trends come and go, but occasionally they shape the future of the industry for years to come. Frank Lochbaum Managing Partner at KPS, identifies three key retail trends this summer and explain why he thinks they’ll prove to be pivotal.
Instore and online retail services must play nicely together – lest iconic brands will disappear
May 29, 2019
Seamless mobile connectivity can help prevent this from happening explains Colin Abrey of Nextivity.
Men are spending more on the high street than ever before - new research from the Fashion Retail Academy
May 28, 2019
Better clothing designs for men, more styling options and an improved shopping experience are all helping to drive men’s fashion sales, according to research from the Fashion Retail Academy.
IDTechEx Research asks are power electronic modules a new growth opportunity for conductive pastes
May 28, 2019
Power electronics is a growing market thanks to electrification of many industries including the automotive industry as outlined in the IDTechEx Research report Conductive Ink Markets 2019-2029: Forecasts, Technologies, Players.
Twelve months on and organisations are still not GDPR compliant, say 68 per cent of respondents to Infosecurity Europe poll
May 28, 2019
It’s almost one year on since GDPR came into force yet there appears to be a lack of confidence in its application according to the latest Twitter poll from Infosecurity Europe 2019 – Europe’s number one information security event. The majority of respondents to the poll (68 per cent) believe that organisations have not taken the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) seriously and are still not compliant.
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.
