As leading EDI (electronic data interchange) solutions provider, Data Interchange, celebrates its 30th year, it continues to look to the future.
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.
Complexity and lack of integration hampering Cloud adoption by businesses, according to new pan-EMEA study sponsored by Oracle
Aug 31, 2016
While many European companies are embracing the move to the Cloud, nearly half are struggling, wrestling with increases in Cloud integration costs and data silos according to a new study sponsored by Oracle.
80% of British consumers consider purchasing from brands outside of the UK
Aug 31, 2016
With cross-border online sales expected to more than double in the next five years to reach $424 billion in 2021 according to Forrester, new research from Bronto Software, the commerce marketing automation and a NetSuite company, reveals that 80% of British consumers consider purchasing online from a retailer outside of the UK and 44% have already done so.
No business is an island
Aug 31, 2016
Today, no business operates alone. In order to be successful globally, every business has to rely on an ecosystem of partners – suppliers, factories, logistics providers, financial institutions and others to efficiently serve customers and to find new ways to deliver value. The supply chain has transformed into a supply network – from linear to multidimensional.
Traceability – is your company prepared for a recall?
Aug 24, 2016
By Andy Archer, Regional Vice President UK and Ireland, Epicor Software.
Last year we saw recalls in the food and beverage manufacturing industry rise by an unappetising 78 per cent. We regularly witness news stories about contaminated ingredients or faulty labelling, even in some of the UK’s largest retailers.
The role of big data in the retail supply chain
Aug 18, 2016
By Mikko Kärkkäinen, Group CEO, RELEX Solutions.
Big data isn't only about the amount of information involved; it's also about the ability to process and analyse it from multiple angles.
M-Files and AIIM Survey reveals frequency of information security
Aug 18, 2016
M-Files Corporation has announced the findings from a joint survey conducted with The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) that highlight the prevalence of information security breaches at most organisations.
Risk to investment and growth as manufacturers remain 'reluctant' to borrow from banks
Aug 18, 2016
Growth and investment are at risk because manufacturers remain disengaged from the banking sector with the legacy of the financial crisis still playing a significant role in their attitudes towards external finance, warns a new report:
UK's SME manufacturers losing their creative spark
Aug 18, 2016
Small and medium sized manufacturing businesses in the UK are finding it increasingly difficult to design new products for their customers, citing innovation as a key challenge for the industry as a whole. This is the key finding of this year's 'SME Barometer Research' commissioned by Exact, an annual survey of 2,500 respondents across Europe and the USA.
Retailers and manufacturers missing out on billions of dollars in laptop sales
Aug 18, 2016
On average 71% consumers across the UK and USA will upgrade to a new laptop within two years if retailers guarantee them a rebate of 50 per cent on the original purchase price of their current model, according to a new survey of 1,000 consumers split between the two countries.
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.
