In logistics or the trade sector, optimised internal mechanisms are a key part of high-quality production processes.
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.
Bridging the complexity gap
Jun 21, 2017
By Stephen Hardy, Managing Director, FPX Ltd.
The business-to-business (B2B) sales ecosystem is an inherently complex space which presents challenges to manufacturers. Regardless of what you sell, how you sell it, and who you're selling to, there are numerous obstacles to ensuring the right product gets to the right customer at the right price via the customer's preferred channel.
The Cloud offers distributors a silver lining for managing product information
Jun 21, 2017
By Colin Wells, Pimberly.
Consumers have more choice and make greater demands than ever before. More products, more channels through which to buy them, more ways to take delivery. But as distributors, more choice means more complexity and more data to manage.
A closer look at Industry 4.0
Jun 15, 2017
By Arno Ham, Chief Product Officer, Sana Commerce.
Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been tabled as a radical change ahead for the manufacturing and production sectors. It'll be brought through the integration of the Internet of Things, cloud computing, data integration and other 'game changing' technological developments as the new 'beating heart' within production and manufacturing systems.
Communication breakdown - the big mistakes that can make negotiations in the logistics sector fail
Jun 15, 2017
A study from Huthwaite International, specialists in sales and negotiations in the logistics industry, has revealed the five most common errors negotiators are making that can risk both parties walking away from the table dissatisfied, unhappy, and in some cases, without a deal at all.
Tech sector SMEs – flagbearers for diversity?
Jun 14, 2017
The Aldermore SME Future Attitudes report reveals that over two thirds (69%) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the IT sector say they have a diverse workforce, with nearly half (45%) stating that improving diversity in the workplace is a focus over the next 12 months.
The revision of ISO 22000 on food management moves one step further
Jun 14, 2017
Revision is ongoing for ISO 22000 on food safety management systems, which has just reached the Draft International Standard (DIS) stage. The revised standard will incorporate a new core structure as well as recognised key elements to ensure food safety at every step of the food chain.
More businesses to manage data on hybrid cloud
Jun 07, 2017
Gartner reports that half of all enterprise content will be machine authored, as well as managed on hybrid cloud systems by 2018.
Apple's announcements signal that the ship will soon sail on voice-activated technology
Jun 07, 2017
As the announcements from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference sink in, developers will seek to unpack the implications of the new technology in a range of settings.
IT and business compete for the Digital Transformation crown, finds CIF research
Jun 07, 2017
IT directors believe that cloud adoption in their organisation is driven principally by their IT function as part of a technology strategy, rather than the need for change driven by business decision makers. This is according to the latest research from the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF).
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.
