The government’s contingency plans for the Irish border would bring trade to a standstill, according to FTA, the business organisation which speaks for the logistics industry.
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.
Eighty-one per cent of SMEs say digitisation boosts output but many still rely on manual processes
Mar 19, 2019
Eighty-one per cent of decision makers working for small and medium sized businesses that use vehicles believe they could get more jobs done if they could digitise more of their workflow, according to a new study from TomTom Telematics.
Age of uncertainty: UK employees calling out for clarity on employers’ Brexit plans
Mar 14, 2019
A new Right Management study, Brexit: Age of Uncertainty, reveals the UK workforce’s anxieties as Brexit negotiations unfold. The study, examining the perspectives of employees across the UK in the run up to Brexit*, found just 11% say their organisation has clearly communicated its Brexit plans to employees.
Faster? Smarter? Better? – the delivery race picks up the pace again
Mar 14, 2019
By Matthew Robertson, Co-CEO, NetDespatch.
There’s no shortage of innovation in the delivery industry and, with the number of parcels despatched annually estimated at around 1.5 billion, there’s clearly demand for faster, smarter, better ways in which to receive the goods we order.
MP urges British industry to digitalise
Mar 13, 2019
The UK is on the precipice of significant industrial disruption and Scottish businesses must be prepared and supported by Government to stay competitive. This was the message shared by Paul Sweeney, Labour and Co-Operative MP for Glasgow North East and Shadow Scotland Minister, as he visited the main office of industrial automation expert Novotek UK and Ireland in Glasgow.
Continuous Testing is growing, but technology and team structures must improve for organisations to gain a competitive advantage
Mar 13, 2019
Capgemini and Sogeti, part of the Capgemini Group, has released a new report on Continuous Testing, in collaboration with Broadcom Inc.’s Enterprise Software Division.
When is the best time to exercise?
Mar 07, 2019
As well as being good for our physical health, exercise has a huge potential to enhance our mental health and wellbeing. Regular physical activity naturally boosts mood as the brain releases endorphins which are ‘feel good hormones’, which subsequently can make us work better.
Brand is king – Less than one-third of Brits trust influencers for shopping recommendations
Mar 06, 2019
New research from IRX reveals that the promotions, advertising and online and in-store experiences offered by brands have more of an impact than online influencer campaigns.
Safety in numbers - The benefits of clustering for manufacturers
Mar 06, 2019
Emperor penguins huddle together to share warmth and protect each other during the intense winds of the harsh Antarctic storms. Fortunately, it’s not just penguins that can benefit from huddling together. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of obsolete industrial parts supplier EU Automation, explains why manufacturers form clusters around the world.
The five reasons employees are likely to be absent – and what to do about it
Feb 27, 2019
There are five main reasons why staff are absent from work on a short-term basis and the problem costs employers approximately £107.85 each day, and, overall, about £29bn annually.
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.
