First Insurance Solutions, a specialist commercial insurance broker, is using 3G vehicle cameras to implement risk management that is reducing insurance premiums for its fleet clients by as much as 55% in some cases.
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 machines and AI in retail and logistics
Aug 02, 2017
Advances in artificial intelligence are destined to make our lives even better, but will machines eventually out-do humans, asks Uwe Hennig, chief executive of tech specialist Detego?
Flexibility and versatility drive demand for smart handheld metrology devices
Aug 02, 2017
Vendors must aggressively expand their smart handheld optical scanner portfolios to capture growth opportunities, finds Frost & Sullivan's Test & Measurement team.
The self-learning supply chain: Turning manufacturing into a self-adjusting process
Jul 27, 2017
By Markus Malinen, Vice-President of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia, Quintiq, a Dassault Systèmes brand.
A key challenge for manufacturers is the need to be ready to meet their customers' demands at all times, but without holding stock unnecessarily.
OEMs critical as Digital Transformation disrupts across verticals
Jul 27, 2017
Dell EMC and IT market research and advisory firm IDC's spotlight on digital transformation for VSPs predicts that enterprises who are quick to embrace digital transformation trends will outgrow their competition, with those too slow to react will struggle to survive.
Legacy infrastructure holding back digital transformation of consumer goods supply chain
Jul 26, 2017
Struggles with the complexity of legacy systems are preventing consumer goods companies from achieving digital supply chain maturity and realising the benefits of end-to-end visibility and real-time access to data, according to research by EVRYTHNG, the Internet of Things Smart Products Platform.
Sustainable supply chains have never been more important
Jul 26, 2017
By Nigel Crunden, business specialist at business solutions provider Office Depot.
With an ever-growing number of consumers favouring companies that demonstrate a commitment to adopting an eco-friendly approach, businesses that take steps to reduce their environmental impact stand to gain significant reputational benefits.
58% of business leaders prioritise trade for Brexit negotiations
Jul 26, 2017
MarketInvoice, the business finance company, conducted a wide ranging survey1 of UK businesses, seeking their views on Brexit, the role of Government and finance.
10 ways to make your warehouse more efficient
Jul 19, 2017
An infographic by Peoplevox.
By analysing the orders you receive throughout the course of a year, you can identify trends that will help you to position your stock more effectively.
Retailer Alert: the EU data privacy landscape has already changed
Jul 19, 2017
With less than a year to go before organisations which process, use or exchange consumers' personal data within the EU need to comply with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), eCommerce systems integrator Tryzens has highlighted how this new directive will impact retailers, and what key steps brands will need to take to mitigate the impact when the regulation becomes enforced from 25th May 2018.
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.
