A faulty pedal causes a car to inadvertently accelerate. An outbreak of contaminated peanuts results in a 25% industry-wide reduction in sales.
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.
Product recall risks growing in size and number, as technology drives new triggers, warns Allianz
Dec 07, 2017
The convergence of blockchain and SD-WAN in manufacturing
Dec 06, 2017
Atchison Frazer of Talari, explores how two emerging technologies are coming together to help shape the future of manufacturing and supply chain IT.
Manufacturers end year with plenty of festive cheer – EEF/BDO Survey
Dec 06, 2017
Britain's manufacturers are ending the year with a bang on the back of the continued improvement in global demand and increased export performance, according to a major survey published by EEF, the manufacturers' organisation and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP.
Only 12 per cent of manufacturing employees would share a mental health problem with their employers
Nov 29, 2017
New research by Benenden has revealed the extent to which mental health remains a taboo subject in the workplace, with only one employee in 10 (12 per cent) working in the manufacturing sector admitting they would confide in their employer if they suffered with an illness.
Countering the threats of social engineering
Nov 29, 2017
By Andrew Avanessian, COO at Avecto.
The manufacturing industry is a cornerstone of the world's economy, contributing trillions of pounds every year. The powerhouses of China, the USA and the UK alone account for over $3 trillion.
Problem-free SD-WAN migration in a connected world
Nov 27, 2017
10 steps to a smooth SD-WAN transition.
Every organization wants to deploy SD-WAN with minimal disruption to their day-to-day business operations. We’ve put together 10 steps for a frictionless SD-WAN implementation. They draw on NTT Communications’ experience of deploying the technology for many different companies across multiple sectors.
Gartner announces rankings of its 2017 Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25
Nov 23, 2017
Gartner, Inc. has released its ninth annual Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 ranking. The ranking recognises companies across the healthcare value chain that demonstrate leadership in improving human life at sustainable costs.
UK businesses need to get used to ‘failing fast’ to get out of the productivity doldrums, says Claranet
Nov 23, 2017
The UK will struggle to plug its productivity gap until British businesses can afford to take more risks and embrace a 'fail fast' philosophy.
Black Friday week – don’t forget the importance of your returns strategy
Nov 23, 2017
By Matthew Robertson, Co-CEO, NetDespatch.
As we head towards Black Friday, retailers are once again fully focussed on what will be the biggest UK shopping period of the year. With analysts predicting that consumers will spend in excess of £7 billion over Black Friday week in 2017, retailers can be forgiven for adopting a 'stack 'em high and ship 'em fast' mentality, in a bid to cash in.
Cybercriminal abuse of rewards points
Nov 23, 2017
By Olivia Rowley and Luke Rodeheffer.
Cybercriminal interest in stolen data is not solely limited to financial or personally identifiable information. In fact, Flashpoint analysts have observed increased Deep & Dark Web chatter pertaining to the exploitation of rewards programmes, especially those associated with travel points.
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.
