Prologis, Inc. has released new research that examines why logistics customers in Europe choose certain locations over others.
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.
The rise of Scan and Go technology and how it works
Oct 11, 2017
By Julian Wallis, Sales Director in the Payments Group at Rambus.
Manufacturing sector found to be paying 1541% mark-up on technology products
Oct 11, 2017
IT suppliers managed to seize on chaotic price inflation following the Brexit vote to maximise their profits, according to the annual KnowledgeBus IT Margins Benchmarking Study.
Supply chain warnings are sense not scaremongering, says FTA
Oct 11, 2017
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is today (9 October 2017) urging British and EU negotiators who are meeting in Brussels to heed the warnings from traders and logistics operators on both sides of the Channel, that post-Brexit arrangements will need time and effort if the continued smooth passage of trade is to be established.
Testplant survey reveals critical business 'App Gap'
Oct 11, 2017
Research demonstrating the acute pressure that businesses are under to deliver apps in the IoT and digital era, has just been released by digital automation intelligence specialist, Testplant.
Manufacturer's Digital Transformation projects held back by poor collaboration and skills deficit
Oct 11, 2017
The skills gap and lack of collaboration between IT and organisations' lines of business are the main factors hindering digital transformation in the manufacturing industry.
How will automation impact warehouse operations and management?
Oct 04, 2017
By Eric Carter and Mark Wilkinson, supply chain consultants, Indigo Software.
The warehouse is one of the areas within a business where the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence has progressed more quickly than in other functions.
London set to benefit most from Industry 4.0 job shift, says report
Oct 04, 2017
The increased use of 'Industry 4.0' technologies within UK factories will not have a significant impact on overall employment levels in the manufacturing sector, but will cause a significant swing towards higher skilled positions which will most likely be distributed in London, according to a new study.
Set financial standing rates in pounds not euros after Brexit, says FTA
Oct 04, 2017
The logistics industry has been spared a further rise in the amount of financial standing required for operators to continue trading next January by a matter of weeks, due to a bounce in the strength of the pound in September.
Helping companies improve supply chain management
Sep 28, 2017
Resource management software specialist Ardent Solutions is urging businesses to rethink their approach to supply chain management. Affiliated to the Demand Driven Institute (DDI), the company is behind the demand-driven material requirements planning (DDMRP) compliant software for Microsoft Dynamics 365; DDMRP for Dynamics.
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.
