By Dean Frew, Sr. VP for RFID Solutions and Chief Technology Officer, SML Group.
Dissatisfied and unengaged customers are an unfortunate part of the retail industry. Poor customer service can result in the possible loss of a sale or diminished brand loyalty. However, what is poor customer service actually costing your business?
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.
Using RFID to improve the customer experience
Aug 10, 2016
UK businesses say enterprise app failures lead to reputation damage
Aug 03, 2016
Data management company NetApp's research has found that almost a quarter (23 per cent) of UK businesses jeopardise their reputation by not supporting business-critical applications with Flash.
Fleets grow online driver entitlement data usage
Aug 03, 2016
Recent Freedom of Information figures seen by the ADLV (Association for Driving Licence Verification) show a significant rise in the volume and frequency of online driving licence data checking by UK Fleets.
Digital enterprise can save the high-street
Aug 03, 2016
As the latest Eurozone retail sales figures are released, we are seeing 14 high-street stores a day are closing in the UK.
How can retailers adapt to a wearable payments boom?
Aug 03, 2016
MBNA have produced research into what retailers should be doing to prepare for a wearable payments explosion. 72% of consumers believe wearables are the future of in-store shopping, according to a survey from Vista Retail Support .
Failure to invest in technology will slow retail innovation
Jul 27, 2016
Retailing has changed fundamentally over the past decade and the pace of change continues to quicken. The focus is no longer on making incremental gains but embracing new ways of working, including tight integration between retailers and wholesalers to transform in real time the stock range and mix available to customers.
Have you assessed the risk throughout the supply chain?
Jul 27, 2016
A wide range of business-critical risks face today's manufacturers. Typical risks include material shortages, catastrophic property losses from unforeseen events, supply chain interruptions, IT failures and more. The lack of transparency and control among sub suppliers only adds to the risk equations for tier 1 suppliers.
Social ad spend up nearly 50% fuelled by mobile and dynamic product ads, with video growing in importance
Jul 27, 2016
Spend on social advertising has increased by 47% year-on-year (YoY) in the second quarter of 2016, with social ads attracting a 21% higher cost-per-click (CPC) as they become more specialised and valuable, according to the latest quarterly global data from Kenshoo, a global leader in agile marketing.
Connected car infotainment & telematics services to account for 98% of M2M data traffic by 2021
Jul 27, 2016
A new study from Juniper Research has found that new in-vehicle infotainment services such as Apple CarPlayand Android Auto will generate large amounts of new cellular M2M data traffic. Over the next five years, this will account for up to 98% of all M2M data traffic.
Public sector organisations need to give BYOD appropriate consideration
Jul 27, 2016
A recent survey conducted by Annodata, provider of communications, managed print and IT services, reveals that a number of organisations within the public sector still need to give 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) initiatives proper consideration. Only then can security risks be avoided and the benefits of BYOD fully achieved.
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.
