As businesses face new pressures to modernise their operations, 2017 will see an inflexion point when legacy mainframes cease being an asset and become a liability.
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.
Research reveals worrying lack of cyber security among UK manufacturing organisations, with over half lacking a digital brand protection plan
Jan 18, 2017
Research from RiskIQ on the state of digital risk management in large, UK organisations, reveals that while 85 percent of C-Suite and senior managers in the manufacturing industry are concerned about the vulnerability of their websites, mobile applications and social media accounts to cyber attack and impersonation, half (52 percent) do not have a digital brand protection programme or team in place.
Manufacturing & Logistics IT editorial planner 2017
Jan 13, 2017
During 2017 Manufacturing & Logistics IT will continue to feature a series of ‘cover story’ end-user interviews from the manufacturing, logistics and retail environments.Also, in each issue of the magazine we will continue to run a specific technology report with comment from the vendor and analyst community.
Manufacturers expect to grow in 2017 despite Brexit disruption, research shows
Jan 11, 2017
More than two thirds of manufacturing firms are expecting to grow this year despite the impact of Brexit - that's according to the findings of a newly published Business Census 2017 report.
Optimising goods-in efficiencies
Jan 11, 2017
For manufacturers, an effective goods-in regime – i.e. taking delivery of components and raw materials for production/sub-assembly and booking them in quickly and accurately – is key to production and storage good practice. However, for many companies this ideal remains a goal rather than a reality.
Retailers must utilise current growth amid 2017 uncertainty
Jan 04, 2017
2016 has been the year of many U-turn events affecting the British economy, none more so than the Brexit vote. However, according to latest Bank of England report on business conditions, retail has seen an unforeseen growth in the final quarter of 2016 despite this political action.
BMW Group to start research with IBM Watson
Jan 04, 2017
IBM has announced a new collaboration with the BMW Group, through which the companies will work together to explore the role of Watson cognitive computing in personalising the driving experience and creating more intuitive driver support systems for cars of the future.
Is price the only weapon in the retailer’s armoury?
Jan 04, 2017
By Andrew Blatherwick, Chairman, RELEX Solutions.
Retail is one of today's most dynamic industries with a constant flow of new ideas, new products and ways to entice customers into the store.
NordVPN analyses online privacy situation and offers predictions for 2017
Jan 04, 2017
It's clear that 2016 was probably the worst year ever in online privacy - considering increasingly restrictive surveillance laws of governments around the world, major online hacks - such as compromised accounts of over a million Yahoo users - and authoritarian regimes blocking Internet to restrict the freedom of speech.
Failure to automate data collection processes is hampering the digital transformation of manufacturing firms, warns InfinityQS
Jan 04, 2017
Despite digital transformation being seen as a critical issue at board-level, research from InfinityQS has revealed that organisations are failing to automate their quality management and data capture methods.
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.
