With increased commitment to quality control and compliance across the manufacturing sector, it goes without saying that traceability is now a greater priority than ever before. From eliminating unforeseen issues, to meeting high end-user expectations, The Access Group discusses why what happens in the factory, should not most certainly not stay in the factory:
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.
Is it possible to make your EDI system more modern?
May 15, 2019
Every technologically advanced solution can be improved – EDI is no exception to that. With the ongoing digital revolution already in high gear, companies that have been using EDI systems over the last decade are now turning to IT service providers for help and guidance in how to make their data exchange processes even more efficient.
UK SMEs expect not to get what they want from Brexit process
May 08, 2019
UK SME business owners have voiced their concern that what they want and what they are going to get from the Brexit process is going to be very different, according to the latest data from Close Brothers Asset Finance.
Beating the pack: How manufacturers can win in the IoT revolution
May 08, 2019
By Alex Guillen, Go-To-Market Manager, Insight UK.
It’s staggering to think that this year more consumer devices will be sold than there are people on earth – and, as time marches on, the democratisation of the Internet of Things (IoT) means in a few years virtually all of the devices sold will be internet connected.
UK manufacturing drops to second place in league table of most attacked industry sectors – 2019 Global Threat Intelligence Report reveals
May 08, 2019
UK Manufacturing and Technology sectors continue to battle it out for first and second place in the table of most targeted industry sectors by cyber attackers, according to the 2019 Global Threat Intelligence Report (GTIR) fromNTT Security.
Global 3D Printing Market Report from IDTechEx Research: Technology and Market Analysis
May 08, 2019
IDTechEx Research has recently updated its series of reports on 3D printing, including the overview report 3D Printing 2019-2029: Technology and Market Analysis.
TIMOCOM: worry about a chaotic Brexit causes explosion in EU exports to the UK
May 02, 2019
Fears that the UK will leave the EU without a deal have caused an explosion in the number of goods ordered for delivery to the British Isles. Compared to the the previous year, truck transports from all parts of Europe towards Great Britain have more than doubled in the first quarter of 2019, with growth of 112%.
Lloyds Bank research - UK manufacturing export growth slows to three-year low
Apr 30, 2019
Growth in UK manufacturing export orders weakened to a three year low in Q1 2019, according to the latest Lloyds Bank International Trade Index, compiled in partnership with IHS Markit.
No job, employer or regulator should take away workers’ health, safety and wellbeing
Apr 30, 2019
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated annually on 28 April and led by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It raises public awareness of the importance of health and safety at work, as well as the prevention of occupational accidents.
Quartely update: 17 businesses removed or suspended from prompt payment code for failing to pay their suppliers on time
Apr 30, 2019
Action on companies who fail to meet the standard of the Prompt Payment Code (PPC) has seen 17 companies removed or suspended from the Code during the past quarter, the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) has announced.
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.
