Liebherr GB Ltd from Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, has been revealed as the BAE Systems Large Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards at an exclusive ceremony at London's Grosvenor House.
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.
Barcoding, Inc. shares RFID industry trends for 2016
Jan 28, 2016
Barcoding, Inc. predicts the continued growth of the radio frequency identification (RFID) market in 2016.With increased standards, lower system costs, greater solution reliability and higher adoption rates, RFID is poised for an explosive year, according to Barcoding experts.
With demand outstripping supply for junior and mid level procurement professionals salaries rise by 5%
Jan 27, 2016
The results of the Robert Walters Salary Survey have shown that salaries for supply chain and procurement roles in the UK will rise by 5% in 2016.
Learn the lessons from Santa: Deliveries need to come first at Christmas
Jan 21, 2016
By Niklas Hedin, CEO, Centiro.
During Christmas, UK consumers are estimated to have spent a huge £24bn online. So, with crowds of shoppers hitting the web for their festive fix over the Christmas period, retailers really needed to ensure they were able to handle peaks in orders and make sure the experience they deliver is consistent throughout the whole supply chain.
AR and wearable tech is a marriage made for the enterprise, says Beecham Research
Jan 21, 2016
While much of the hype around augmented reality (AR) and wearable devices has been focused on consumer technology, a new report from Beecham Research suggests that it will be business applications that drive growth over the next five years.
Why apparel retailer analytics need item-level RFID
Jan 21, 2016
By Dean Frew, senior vice president of SML RFID Group.
Most retailers today have access to loads of data – much more than in years past. Big data is everywhere, and the name of the game is "analytics". However, if a retailer's inventory data is less than 80 percent accurate, what good is the hottest analytical software? It's like looking at a 1 megapixel image on a 96" HD television.
Digital leadership
Jan 14, 2016
By Mark Newton, Vice President – Applications, UK and Ireland Commercial Industries, Oracle.
Muddy Boots identifies a 140% increase in fresh produce quality management since the horsemeat scandal.
Jan 13, 2016
More than three million items of fresh produce were quality checked by Muddy Boots' QC system in 2015, an increase of 140% since the horsemeat scandal surfaced in 2013.
The tables are turning: research reveals IT Department is now considered crucial to business growth
Jan 13, 2016
A new study from office technology specialist, Altodigital, has revealed the humble IT department could finally be getting the credit it deserves, with business owners placing it as the division second most able to grow their business and bring competitive edge – coming above marketing and production and second only to sales.
Seven tips for ERP success
Jan 13, 2016
Ron Martin, Managing Partner of Enapps, a leading ERP supplier for SMEs gives seven tips for SMEs who may be considering an ERP business system.
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.
