By Ronald Sens, EMEA Director, A10 Networks
Networks have become more massive and complex than ever before. This year at Cisco Live US, people were talking about managing and defending networks at scale.
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.
Security for intent-based networking
Jul 18, 2018
7-in-10 healthcare professionals say print has the power to transform patient care
Jul 18, 2018
From easing budgetary pressures to personalising care for chronic conditions, a new study commissioned by Ricoh Europe reveals the disruptive impact new printing technologies are having on European healthcare systems.
Britain at the forefront of new technologies
Jul 18, 2018
Industry 4.0 is clearly a revolution in the making, with wide-scale implications for businesses, consumers and workers.
How retailers can avoid a red card during the World Cup
Jul 11, 2018
By Dean Frew, CTO and Senior VP of RFID Solutions at SML.
Without question a busy retail period is hugely profitable for businesses. In particular, national and international events can present retailers with a number of significant business opportunities such as increased customer engagement, creating jobs for store associates and opportunities to drive sales at an exponential rate.
FICO survey: UK firms are too confident about their cybersecurity
Jul 11, 2018
Despite the growth in data breaches, senior executives at UK firms think their cybersecurity protection is top-notch, according to a new survey conducted by research and consultancy firm Ovum for Silicon Valley analytics firm FICO.
It’s complicated: 55% of organisations struggle to keep up with new tech
Jul 11, 2018
In this world we can often say we have too much choice and not enough time. B2B decision-makers are finding much the same is true for them, with the influx of new technologies available to their businesses proving too much to keep up with.
Why ERP is the key to unlocking the future of retail
Jul 11, 2018
Drop shipping has the potential to completely change the world of retail. However, as John Weber, Director of Business Development and Product Management at Aptean, explains, retailers need an effective ERP system to truly make the most of this new retail reality.
EEF conference addresses Brexit impact on manufacturing in the West of England
Jul 11, 2018
EEF, The Manufacturers' Organisation, hosted the Making Brexit Work – Preparing Manufacturers for Brexit conference in Bristol.
Cyber attack is now a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ for UK CEOs
Jul 04, 2018
Four in 10 UK CEOs believe becoming a victim of a cyber attack is now a case of 'when' and not 'if' for their organisation, according to a survey of CEOs from some of Britain's biggest businesses.
Inefficient supply chains are costing UK business £1.5bn per annum
Jul 04, 2018
Supply chain inefficiencies and miscommunication through "Chinese Whispers" are costing UK businesses over £1.5bn in lost productivity according to analysis of industry data from digital freight forwarder Zencargo.
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.
