Urs Gubser, Head E-Commerce Strategy at SIX Payment Services, explains what is behind the Internet of Payments in his latest Reality Check.
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.
Only a quarter of businesses currently able to attract recruits with the right knowledge – Epicor
May 29, 2018
With over half the industry's workforce aged over 35, and a third aged over 40, businesses in manufacturing, lumber, distribution and retail are facing a dangerous skills gap on their factory floors, if they fail to recruit new talent before too long.
Quocirca Print 2025 Spotlight Report highlights the challenges of print security and compliance in the IoT era
May 23, 2018
Analyst Group Quocirca has released its latest Print 2025 Spotlight Report, examining the trends, challenges and opportunities surrounding print security in the Internet of Things (IoT) era.
Verizon Connect study finds a quarter of UK commercial drivers fail to take appropriate rest breaks
May 23, 2018
Research by Verizon Connect has revealed that a quarter of UK commercial drivers are breaching driver guidelines around rest and fatigue.
Business leaders identify print as a key strategic asset for growth and innovation
May 23, 2018
European business leaders have identified new printing technologies as key enablers of agility and innovation.
Manufacturing pauses for breath in May – CBI
May 23, 2018
Manufacturing output was broadly unchanged in the three months to May and firms reported a further softening in order books, according to the CBI's latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey.
Brexit requires a fresh supply chain perspective
May 16, 2018
By Martin Noble, partner and supply chain specialist at law firm Shakespeare Martineau.
As the UK draws closer to the exit date of March 2019, a key concern for businesses is likely to be the loss of zero-tariff trading after Brexit.
80% manufacturing and utilities employees in the Midlands admit to experiencing stress that they struggle to cope with
May 16, 2018
Research carried out by Aquarius Life as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (14th-20th May) has found that 80% of manufacturing and utilities employees in the Midlands experience stress that they struggle to cope with, with 5% admitting to turning to alcohol or drugs to help deal with stress or pressure.
Labelling and artwork management: A convergence is on the rise
May 16, 2018
By Josh Roffman, Vice President Product Management, Loftware.
If you haven't heard yet - forward-thinking enterprises and industry analysts agree: Enterprise Labelling and Artwork Management are converging. But why you may ask, and how can this help business?
How can artificial intelligence help the food industry?
May 15, 2018
There's a lot of talk about artificial intelligence (AI) as the next best thing since sliced bread. But what does AI really mean for the food industry and what are the implications, asks Stephanie Duvault-Alexandre, a consultant at software provider FuturMaster?
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.
