The role of the warehouse is changing. No longer just a big space to store inventory, today's warehouse operation is fast-paced and often decentralised. Inventory turns faster than ever as retailers and manufacturers try to keep up with consumer expectations in this 'need it now' culture.
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.
Voice and multi-modal technology – the perfect combination
Nov 12, 2015
Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with Bart Riviere, business development director for speech solutions at Zebra Technologies, about what he believes to be some of the primary reasons why it is time to move to Voice and multi-modal solutions.
Enterprise Labelling Best Practices: How to mitigate risk, optimise processes and improve agility
Nov 12, 2015
The white paper 'Adopting Next Generation Labelling Technology Enhances Enterprise Agility and Reduces Costs' published by NiceLabel identifies the hidden costs, inefficiencies and risks resulting from legacy labelling operations, and how adopting next-generation labelling technology can enhance your enterprise's agility, flexibility, and label quality.
Device management support for better ROI
Nov 12, 2015
Lars Houbak, general manager of Spirent Mobilethink, explains why management support in devices is fundamental for the mobile industry to successfully roll out VoLTE services and for carriers to start getting a full return on investments
Warehouse Management Order Fulfilment Solutions - White Paper
Nov 05, 2015
The warehouse is at the centre of your business. It's the key hub through which nearly everything in your business must pass – from raw materials and finished goods in a manufacturing plant, to pallets and cases in a distribution centre, to a wealth of products in a retail warehouse.
Nine out of ten UK cloud strategies get derailed
Nov 04, 2015
Nine out of ten UK organisations moving to the cloud are held back by hindering delays and diversions, according to new research by UK cloud services provider Redcentric.
Four in ten business drivers have had penalty points when driving at work
Nov 04, 2015
Almost four in ten business drivers have been given points on their license from work-related driving offences, according to research from Masternaut, provider of fleet telematics.
Voice of reason in the warehouse - WMS & Voice Picking Technology report October 2015
Oct 31, 2015
Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke to a number of key spokespeople from the vendor and analyst communities about recent developments in the world of Voice-directed software and hardware and warehouse management systems – including those involving mobility, Cloud/SaaS and Big Data.
Cisco Global Cloud Index projects Cloud traffic to quadruple by 2019
Oct 29, 2015
The fifth annual Cisco Global Cloud Index (2014-2019) forecasts that global Cloud traffic will more than quadruple by the end of 2019, from 2.1 to 8.6 zettabytes (ZB), outpacing the growth of total global data centre traffic, which is forecast to triple during the same time frame (from 3.4 to 10.4 ZB).
Europe shows the way to sustainable development through low carbon manufacturing
Oct 29, 2015
As the disastrous implications of global warming become clearer, the worldwide community has begun corrective actions in earnest to create a low carbon economy.
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.
