With the Brexit transition completing at the end of 2020, the UK will need to negotiate new terms for €5.5 billion (£4.8 billion) worth of food and drink products with the EU and third countries, according to insights from Informa's Agribusiness Intelligence.
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.
Right to repair means manufacturers must focus on after-sales service
May 02, 2018
By Gill Devine, VP Sales EMEA, Syncron.
The Right to Repair movement is gathering pace on both sides of the Atlantic, with manufacturers across industries reluctantly relinquishing control of the maintenance and repair of their products. Many manufacturers deploy a system where a restricted number of companies or dealers are authorised to fix equipment.
Improving customer experience is top digital transformation objective for half of manufacturers
Apr 26, 2018
Britain's manufacturers finished 2017 with the strongest three months of growth since 2014, according to the most recent figures from The Markit/CIPS UK manufacturing PMI barometer, as resurgent Eurozone growth lifted demand for goods.
Can companies build a more resilient last-mile delivery operations in today’s competitive landscape?
Apr 25, 2018
By Maarten Hemmes, CarPal CEO & Founder.
As logistics is changing rapidly, more companies continue to look for ways to improve and optimise their last-mile delivery based on customer's demands and pressure from upcoming trends in the market.
76% of employees in the travel, transport & logistics industry are looking for better physical and mental wellbeing support in the workplace
Apr 18, 2018
With a rise in workplace-related stress, illnesses and mental health issues, 52% of working adults in the travel, transport and logistics industry believe that businesses are not doing enough to support the physical and mental wellbeing of their employees, according to a new study.
'Amazon effect' will grow as retail challenges increase, says Blue Yonder
Apr 18, 2018
With the retail market reeling from the latest round of profit warnings and administrations in the sector, many retailers will be looking towards innovation in order to ride out challenging times.
Creative thinking essential for T&L upscaling
Apr 10, 2018
By Andrew Galliers, senior manager and transport and logistics expert at accountancy firm, Menzies LLP.
The transport and logistics sector is facing a tricky problem - how to balance rocketing consumer demand for goods, delivered increasingly quickly, with challenges posed by Brexit and increasing competition.
Staying ahead in a changing world
Apr 04, 2018
Our forthcoming departure from the EU may throw us some challenges. However, Simon Lewington managing director of Systems Assurance, isn't worried. He argues that with the right investment in IT there is plenty of opportunity for UK manufacturing to flourish.
Anniversary of Article 50: EEF conference addresses Brexit impact on manufacturing in the North East
Apr 04, 2018
A year on from the triggering of Article 50, EEF, The Manufacturers' Organisation, on 28 March hosted the Making Brexit Work – Preparing Manufacturers for Brexit conference in Newcastle.
How can digitalisation drive delivery operations to evolve?
Mar 28, 2018
By Maarten Hemmes, CarPal CEO & Founder.
Re-imagining logistics requires adaptability and constantly ensuring companies are aware of the trends in last-mile delivery.
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.
