Consumer products and retail (CPR) companies are diversifying and localising their supply chain networks to deal with last-mile delivery challenges, quick commerce expectations, and to prevent stockouts during the busy holiday season. Nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) CPR organisations today are diversifying their supplier base, with 71% actively investing in regionalising and localising.
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.
Nearly 75% of consumer product organisations and retailers turn to regional sourcing amidst global disruption
Nov 16, 2023
UK manufacturers boosted productivity by £9.4bn in last year
Nov 15, 2023
The UK manufacturing sector was 6.6% more productive in the third quarter of 2023 than the same period in 2022, driven primarily by improvements in the automotive and broader transport equipment sector, according to analysis of ONS data from FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, a technology company that measures machine productivity.
Q&A with Glenn Koepke, GM Network Collaboration at FourKites
Nov 14, 2023
What impact would an East Coast port strike have, given that the union leadership has said to prepare for a possible one next year?
SOTI research shows four in five UK organisations need operational intelligence to optimise their mobile fleet
Nov 14, 2023
New global research from SOTI, in a report titled Mobility in Motion: When Technology Transformation Meets Operational Intelligence, has highlighted the challenges UK organisations face in optimising their device management.
New research reveals marketers are prioritising data collaboration
Nov 13, 2023
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, marketers are focusing on cultivating robust customer relationships and driving sustainable growth. A recent report conducted by LiveRamp, in collaboration with research company Censuswide, explored the core business objectives that marketers are pursuing....
People are being scammed with fake QR codes in a worrying ‘QRishing’ trend
Nov 09, 2023
Tech expert Peter King has raised an alarm on the increasing vulnerability of individuals to ‘QRishing’ - a trend where scammers employ QR codes to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Exploring the power of one versus the power of many
Nov 09, 2023
The automotive industry has an enviable track record in creating efficient and effective ‘build and sell’ operational processes. Yet at a time of changing automotive technology and a shifting expectation of car usage and acquisition, especially in younger generations, the temptation to focus exclusively on highly effective operational processes risks undermining customer experience and brand loyalty.
AI has major role to play in the future of accurate business forecasting, says STX Next
Nov 07, 2023
According to McKinsey’s The State of AI in 2023 report, 55% of companies have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) in some form, but fewer than one third say that AI is used in more than one business function.
5G routers keep the UK’s pop-up shops connected
Nov 07, 2023
On average, 36 shops close their doors across British high streets every week. However, many small business owners still bet on traditional retail, with an 18 per cent rise in pop-up shop openings in the past year. These outlets are often deemed high street saviours, but they come with technology challenges.
Global tablet shipments up 8% sequentially as market revives before holiday season
Nov 06, 2023
According to the latest Canalys data, worldwide tablet shipments reached 33 million in Q3 2023, marking a 7% annual decline. But this represents an 8% sequential increase, reflecting a revival of the tablet market ahead of the crucial holiday season and the strong performance of new entrants in the space.
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.
