Fleetmatics Group PLC has issued the third edition of its FleetBeat Report, which included an in-depth analysis of the driving behaviour of fleets of customers across the US, incorporating specific regions and industries that experience the most and least severe driving incidents according to the data analysed.
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.
Scattergun sales approach shown in new survey
Mar 16, 2016
Some 70 per cent of business decision makers have admitted that their organisation's salespeople do not have a systematic approach to engaging with customers and prospects. Carried out for sales and negotiation experts Huthwaite International, the national YouGov research found that only 22 per cent of British business decision makers said their organisation has a single sales methodology and eight per cent do not know whether they did or not.
Internet of Things will place greater pressure on companies to modernise
Mar 16, 2016
One of the hottest trends in tech right now is the Internet of Things, or IoT. Morgan Stanley projects that within the next five years, as many as 75 billion smart connected devices will be communicating with each other via IoT.
Generous British IT firms invest in staff certification training and exams
Mar 16, 2016
The majority of IT employers across the UK are investing in their staff by paying for training and certification exams – and employees are reaping the rewards – according to new research.
New apprentice-focused division for logistics recruiter
Mar 16, 2016
Recruiter - Gi Group UK - has established a new Employability, Skills and Learning division (ESL) to help bridge the skills gap and remove the barriers keeping people from employment.
Brands missing out by not letting mobile app content appear in Google searches, finds new study
Mar 10, 2016
Many brands are failing to let content from their apps show up in Google's organic search results according to new research from Searchmetrics. These firms are potentially missing out on valuable app traffic, engagement and conversions.
SOTI warns retailers must put mobile technology at the heart of their customer service strategy or risk losing out
Mar 10, 2016
The presence of mobile technology in brick-and-mortar retail outlets is having a direct impact on customer experience. SOTI is today warning retailers they must ensure they place mobile at the very heart of their strategy.
Retail fulfilment: no longer a back-room concern
Mar 09, 2016
Sometimes you have to stop looking at something the way you always have and consider it from a completely different perspective.
Trailblazer IT apprentices leading the path for women in tech
Mar 09, 2016
The number of women in the technology industry is growing at a rate of 238% faster than men, according to Sphero, showcasing the wide road being paved for the future women in IT.
UK growth remains subdued but firms still positive – CBI
Mar 03, 2016
Economic growth saw a small improvement on January's weak performance in the three months to February, and expectations improved for the coming quarter, according to the latest CBI Growth Indicator.
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.
