The Retail climate is proving increasingly challenging for bricks-and-mortar stores of all sizes, with many major brands and familiar high-street names announcing profit warnings, job cuts and even store closures.
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.
Retailers need to outsource digital application to help weather a tough retail climate and improve the bottom line
Oct 31, 2018
Going mobile: How retailers can embrace the portable world
Oct 24, 2018
By Huw Owen, Head of EMEA & APJ at Couchbase.
Mobile has revolutionised the way consumers interact with retailers – today’s shoppers expect a seamless omni-channel experience across all platforms, with mobile becoming a significant piece of the puzzle. In 2017, mobile commerce made up 59% of all online spending and by 2021, it is expected to account for a staggering three-quarters of ecommerce.
Only nine per cent of manufacturers are to invest in digital transformation projects over the next 12-18 months, reveals research from InfinityQS
Oct 24, 2018
New research by InfinityQS, the global authority on data-driven enterprise quality, has revealed that only nine per cent of manufacturers are planning to invest in digital transformation projects over the next 12-18 months.
Half of global wholesalers feel threatened by manufacturers selling direct
Oct 24, 2018
More than half of global wholesalers have witnessed manufacturers sell directly to end customers driving the disintermediation of the traditional supply chain model and increasing competitiveness between traditional partners, according to new research.
A vision for the future of retail
Oct 24, 2018
In a retail landscape that is changing daily, you have to be prepared for constant evolution. Stand still for too long try to assess how to take the next step forward and you may in fact find yourselves two steps backwards, or worse - a Datalogic white paper.
October 2018 edition of Manufacturing & Logistics IT
Oct 24, 2018
The October 2018 edition of Manufacturing & Logistics IT features a Special Technology Report on Printing & Labelling.
For this report, we spoke with a number of leading spokespeople from the vendor and analyst communities about recent, current and possible future developments within the world of printing & labelling technology.
The Perfect Platform – A B2B Online report
Oct 24, 2018
B2B customers are more demanding than ever. With targeted content on the rise, people expect relevant, accurate information to be made available at a moment’s notice. As a result, B2B companies are figuring out innovative ways to streamline their platforms. But where should you start?
Balancing B2B and B2C – the modern supply chain fulfilment challenge
Oct 18, 2018
Following Manhattan Associates’ Manhattan Exchange 2018 event in Amsterdam last week, Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with the company’s Senior Director – Product Management, Adam Kline, about the changing supply chain landscape and how state-of-the-art software, mobile devices, automation and robotics solutions can leverage major benefits for today’s warehouses and distribution centres.
Only 4 in 10 companies are prepared to deal with IT skills gap
Oct 18, 2018
A survey of over 550 professionals in the UK by CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global technology industry, has revealed that despite the chronic IT skills gap, only 4 in 10 firms have a strategy in place to address the challenge and more than half (55%) struggle to even fully identify skills gaps among their workforce.
No merry Christmas for retailers as logjam hits southern port
Oct 17, 2018
Businesses going bust, job losses and rocketing Christmas prices for consumers.
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.
