Brexit drama and the commercial ambiguity facing businesses, especially those that import and export to Europe, means many executives are facing chronic uncertainty over the extent of any disruption to their business.
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.
‘One-size-fits-all’ doesn’t fit the mobile network of the future, experts insist
Feb 27, 2019
The coming 5G revolution is an opportunity to move beyond the United Kingdom’s one-size-fits-all spectrum approach that has left many residents, rural areas, transport corridors, factories and businesses behind, claim experts in a new discussion paper published today.
Government’s no-deal Brexit report shows it's now or never for organisations to prepare their supply chains
Feb 27, 2019
By Alex Saric, smart procurement expert at Ivalua.
The government’s Brexit impact assessment has laid bare everything organisations have been worried about.
Postmodern ERP – What it is and how it benefits the enterprise
Feb 27, 2019
By Mark Hughes, regional vice president UK and Ireland, Epicor.
The introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies is changing expectations around what insights and capabilities ERP software should deliver to the enterprise.
Oracle leads diverse general merchandise POS software market
Feb 27, 2019
Major general merchandise retailers, comprising mixed formats as well as speciality hardgoods and softgoods chains, account for 2.6 million POS software installations globally.
Merged pharmaceutical firms seek fast-track route to savings
Feb 27, 2019
The pharmaceutical industry is preparing for an accelerated pace of consolidation, with the number of mergers up 39 per cent since 2017¹. This year has already witnessed its first ‘super merger’ between two of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, Bristol-Myers and Celgene, valued at $74 billion.²
Manufacturing activity weakens - CBI
Feb 20, 2019
Manufacturing output growth slowed in the quarter to February, while order books improved slightly, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.
Research report finds more than two thirds of manufacturers, distributors rate their ERP implementations a success
Feb 20, 2019
Ultra Consultants, Inc., an independent enterprise solution consulting firm serving the manufacturing and distribution sector, has unveiled an industry survey conducted by Mint Jutras, researchers specialising in analysing the business impact of enterprise applications. The in-depth report resulting from the survey is titled The Real Facts about ERP Implementation: Busting the Myth of Failure, But Are You Overrating Your Success?
Putting the WOW in the checkout experience
Feb 20, 2019
By Craig Summers, UK Managing Director, Manhattan Associates.
Embracing technology is a prerequisite for success in the modern retail environment. There are many ways in which retailers can deliver a new in-store experience – and while some retailers will undoubtedly look to emulate the human touch free Amazon Go model, for many others, human interaction is the primary and fundamental component of a positive bricks and mortar experience.
Brexit - What next for British business?
Feb 20, 2019
By John Perry, managing director at SCALA, provider of management services for the supply chain and logistics sector.
With EU negotiators seemingly ruling out the possibility of a second referendum, Labour demanding customs union membership, and Theresa May still doggedly pursuing her universally unpopular agreement, we seem to be hurtling ever-faster towards a no-deal Brexit.
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.
