Marketing is an essential part of any business, but new research has revealed that many business leaders are not actually aware of what they’re spending their dedicated marketing budgets on.
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.
UK Research reveals consumers will boycott brands that fail to personalize, but are comfortable with AI in exchange for a better experience
Oct 17, 2018
Poorly-targeted and unrelated marketing materials are driving customers away from their favourite brands, according to new research by AI marketing experts Emarsys.
Why modern manufacturing environments require rethinking safety
Oct 11, 2018
The variables to manufacturing success are vast. Supplies, equipment, customisation, and people represent some of the broad categories that need to be considered by manufacturers.
Another category that impacts successful manufacturing operations, and should be assessed regularly, is factory overhead which includes utilities to power machines and illuminate assembly lines as well as insurance and risk remediation (also known as safety)
- a Datalogic Industry brief.
Black Friday 2018: Consumers are eager, more digital, and willing to spend – Periscope By McKinsey
Oct 11, 2018
Periscope By McKinsey, which offers a suite of Marketing & Sales Analytics Solutions to help companies achieve sustainable revenue growth, has announced the findings of research on consumer sentiment towards Black Friday 2018.
DHL research shows 75% of companies believe investment in ground transportation will directly support their company growth
Oct 11, 2018
DHL has launched its latest research report on ground transportation logistics. The report reveals that the fast-paced evolution underway in the sector is changing the way that shippers think when purchasing a transportation solution.
40 percent of office workers say a negative corporate welcome is brand damaging
Oct 03, 2018
A new industry report by Proxyclick analyses how organizations can utilize 'smart technologies' to deliver the white-glove treatment to visitors.
The first and final mile, key considerations for flawless and sustainable delivery performance
Oct 02, 2018
There are two critical aspects of the logistics process, the first mile and then the final mile. It is the efficiency with which retailers manage these two essential aspects of supply chain logistics in a seamless way that is key to their survival.
ERP selection: What today's project team Needs to Know
Oct 02, 2018
By Andrew Bolivar, Senior Consultant and Director, Centre of Excellence, Ultra Consultants.
For many small to medium-sized manufacturers, the time is now for selecting and implementing a new ERP solution or updating an existing one. Forrester Research estimates that half of companies using ERP systems are currently on releases that are at least two versions behind the current release.
Business expense burden causing financial stress for UK’s manufacturing employees
Oct 02, 2018
A staggering 59% of manufacturing employees in the UK who regularly travel for business have suffered personal financial difficulties as a result of paying for expenses out of their own pocket.
How to Supercharge the Retail Customer Experience and Revenue with RFID
Oct 02, 2018
By Alan Tamny, Global Product Management, Checkpoint Systems.
How can retailers maintain or even thrive in an environment in which brick and mortar sales and profits have become more challenging?
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.
