Half of SMEs (50%) have changed the way they recruit as a result of Brexit, according to research from Albion Capital, the leading independent investment manager.
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.
Half of UK businesses are fearful robotic process automation will drive them out of business
Jan 09, 2018
A recent OnePoll survey for Ultima has found more than half (57 per cent) of the UK's SMEs fear big businesses use of robotic process automation will help to drive them out of business in the next five years, yet 10 per cent believe that automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks is not important to their success.
Big Data Analytics – realising the potential. Special Technology report - December 2017
Jan 09, 2018
Big Data is an increasingly coined term used to reference the vast, varied and often complex sources of information now available to businesses. Through the sophisticated algorithms built into modern Big Data Analytics tools, valuable business insight can be derived through harvesting better structured, relevant data from manifold unstructured sources.
Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with a number of experts from the vendor and analyst communities about recent developments within the Big Data Analytics arena.
On the road to a greener 2018: How digital transformation enables sustainable logistics
Jan 09, 2018
By Kushal Nahata, CEO of FarEye.
The logistics industry generates around 6% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the findings of the Global Logistics Emission Council (GLEC) Framework.
Retailers face £2.3bn worth of failed deliveries during the Christmas trading period
Dec 20, 2017
With the average Brit planning to spend £255 on Christmas gifts online, failed deliveries present a significant challenge to retailers during peak trading, research from the latest report by Sorted, the delivery experience company, warns.
The future is bright for UK manufacuring, says adi Group
Dec 20, 2017
A recent report by Santander and EEF has highlighted the growth potential of the UK manufacturing sector. A welcome change from the doom and gloom of recent years, the report found that the sector generates 10 per cent of the UK's total economic output and produces a staggering 44 per cent of the goods and services we export to international markets.
Optimise inventory with true multi-echelon planning
Dec 20, 2017
By Rod Daughtery, Blue Ridge.
As you reflect back on the language of retail and distribution, it is interesting to see how the description has changed over the years. While the actual functional areas change, there are also new buzzwords that come about.
Not so much a bang but a little sparkle from November sales
Dec 19, 2017
Bonfire night and Black Friday sales seemed to hold up the November Retail Sales, but food price inflation continues to hit consumers' pockets, says one retail expert.
How to keep your warehouse in sync with sales promotions
Dec 19, 2017
By Eric Carter, solutions architect, Indigo Software.
Everyone loves a bargain and there are always plenty to be had at this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
Intelligent transportation systems enable growth and innovation in mobility infrastructures
Dec 19, 2017
With increasing pressure on cities' mobility infrastructures due to rising urbanisation, city governments all over the world are constructing new roads, bridges and tunnels, and using intelligent transportation systems (ITS), to mitigate transportation-related challenges and requirements.
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.
