Riverbed Technology, the application performance infrastructure solutions provider, has announced the results of the Riverbed Global Application Performance Survey 2015, the first global survey of business decision makers on the business impact of application performance.
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.
Microsoft’s move to protect data sovereignty will boost the UK cloud industry, says Outsourcery
Dec 02, 2015
Microsoft's recent announcement that it will open its first UK-based data centres should be seen in a positive light and demonstrates an understanding that some organisations, especially those in the public sector, need to keep their data in the UK, says Cloud Services Provider Outsourcery.
What are the benefits of mobile printing in the warehouse?....a Zebra Technologies White Paper.
Dec 02, 2015
How can distribution centres, manufacturers and carriers remain competitive in today’s market and ensure success and efficiency?
An increasing emphasis on cost reduction, coupled with the need to remain competitive, is leading global enterprises to change the way they label and track goods.
Solving the productivity puzzle through workforce optimisation
Dec 01, 2015
By Kevin White, Managing Director of Working Time Solutions.
In the margin-pressured world of manufacturing and logistics it increasingly falls to the warehouse operation to deliver savings by increasing efficiency and lowering the cost per unit.
74% of shoppers believe in-store technology will improve Black Friday, research shows
Nov 25, 2015
Almost three-quarters of in-store shoppers (74%) believe the use of technology such as smartphones, touch-screen kiosks and contactless payment terminals will make shopping on Black Friday a better experience by providing information and discounts along with quicker and more personalised service.
The Internet of Things explosion in 2016 – Top 5 predictions
Nov 25, 2015
By Vincent Smyth, GM & Senior VP EMEA, Flexera Software.
The Internet of Things revolution is set to dramatically alter many industrial sectors during 2016, with of the promise that the software sitting inside devices opens up valuable new revenue streams.
The future is (almost) now
Nov 25, 2015
Buzzwords fly around in industry like wasps at a picnic. Industry 4.0 is one of these hugely popular concepts, particularly when it comes to manufacturing. Here Steve Hughes, managing director of REO UK, gives further insight into Industry 4.0.
Rise in e-commerce fuels soaring demand for sheds with €20billion of new warehouses needed
Nov 25, 2015
The soaring amount of goods bought over the internet is driving up the cost of warehouse and industrial property used by retailers and delivery firms to ship goods from factories to people's homes.
UK manufacturing firms should invest in ERP software to sustain recent growth levels advises Anagram Systems
Nov 23, 2015
Business management software provider, Anagram Systems (Anagram), is advising UK manufacturing firms that investing in systems that streamline production planning, simplify supply chain management and improve customer relationship management is key to sustaining and growing output growth levels.
2016 predictions for the AIDC industry
Nov 18, 2015
By Ken Moir, Marketing Director, NiceLabel.
SMBs and large enterprises alike are making a big shift toward legacy system modernisation. A key component of these modernisation initiatives is labelling.
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.
