Can warehouse automation advance sustainability? Dan Migliozzi, Head of Sales at independent systems integrator, Invar Group, looks at the options available.
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.
Employee engagement key to solving manufacturing productivity puzzle
Nov 29, 2023
Manufacturers face a wide array of key challenges which include high staff turnover, lack of communication, and low employee engagement. According to recent statistics, the average manufacturing business experiences 31% staff turnover per year.
£4.5bn support package for Advanced Manufacturing – a positive step but will it be enough? EY comments on the Autumn Statement
Nov 27, 2023
Mark Minihane, EY’s UK Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Tax Leader, comments on support for Advanced Manufacturing announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement:
“The announcement from the Chancellor confirmed funding of £4.5bn for eight manufacturing sub-sectors within the automotive and aerospace industries, starting in 2025/26 and lasting for five years....".
Supply chains worldwide remain significantly underutilised: GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index
Nov 23, 2023
The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index — the indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses — decreased again in October to -0.41, from -0.35 in September, indicating a 7th successive month of rising spare capacity across the world's supply chains.
Arup highlights future drivers of change in global goods movement
Nov 23, 2023
Arup has launched its ‘Future of Goods Movement’ report, outlining the key drivers of change in global goods movement and exploring how the sector needs to anticipate and plan for the likely changes and shifts in the future of freight to ensure resilience of the global economy and a more sustainable planet.
Software vulnerabilities are on the decline, according to new Synopsys research
Nov 22, 2023
Synopsys, Inc. has published the 2023 Software Vulnerability Snapshot report. According to the data, analysed by Synopsys Cybersecurity Research Center (CyRC), there has been a significant decrease in vulnerabilities found in target applications – from 97% in 2020 to 83% in 2022
Applause survey finds 73% of UK shoppers plan to change festive spending habits due to inflation and cost of living
Nov 21, 2023
Applause, a provider of testing and digital quality solutions, has announced the 2023 results of its fourth annual global survey on festive shopping trends.
Act now or get left behind: IT leaders urge businesses to take action on GenAI
Nov 20, 2023
As organisations rapidly adopt mainstream Generative AI tools, a new report from Europe’s largest dedicated Google Cloud-only partners Appsbroker and CTS finds that an almost unanimous 99% (100%) of IT leaders believe GenAI could positively impact their businesses.
Logistics investment needed to avoid economic storm clouds, says Logistics UK
Nov 20, 2023
The Chancellor should prioritise support for the logistics sector in next week’s Autumn Statement, to avert the damage that an economic downturn could cause to the nation’s finances, according to business group Logistics UK.
Making the case for Augmented Reality
Nov 20, 2023
The market size for Augmented Reality (AR) applications was estimated to be $15.2B in 2021 and growing to over $90B by 2028. This shows clearly that companies are investing heavily in this transformative technology but why is it such a key innovation and how can you make best use of it?
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.
