The growth of e-commerce increases consumer choice and flexibility, but it also challenges distribution centres to keep pace with consumers' higher expectations for faster and more accurate delivery.
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.
Maximising efficiencies in the supply chain is crucial for SMEs
Oct 07, 2015
UK manufacturing has returned to growth in May after hitting a disappointing seven month low in April. However, manufacturing and engineering SMEs in the UK should still focus on maximising efficiencies in the supply chain in order to achieve sustained and strong growth in H2 of 2015.
Consider legacy integration rather than elimination, says Spargonet
Oct 05, 2015
Moving on from the use of legacy systems is constantly at the forefront of IT issues, as businesses seek to increase efficiency and functionality by embracing more modern forms of technology.
How will connected vehicles affect us?
Sep 30, 2015
By Richard Newbold, founder of Returnloads.net.
Connected vehicle technology is a wireless-based technology which enables vehicles to communicate with each other as well as traffic infrastructure such as traffic lights. They can communicate through devices which are installed on-board the vehicle which receives warning signals ahead of time about road closures, accidents, weather conditions and other potential hazards.
Retail sector ‘missing out on £13.7 billion a year due to poor management’
Sep 30, 2015
Poor management of people in the retail industry is hitting the sector hard, leading to an 8.7 per cent efficiency gap, which equates to £13.7 billion in lost output every year, according to a new study by Investors in People and economic research consultancy TBR.
GaneData calls for change to the way prescription drugs are tracked and traced
Sep 30, 2015
GaneData is calling for the UK to change the way prescription drugs are tracked and traced through an IoT (Internet of Things) supply chain mechanism.
New global research from Xchanging reveals how technology is transforming the supply chain
Sep 30, 2015
Xchanging plc, the business technology and services provider, has issued the third set of results from its 2015 Global Procurement Study, focused on how technology is transforming supply chain operations.
Enterprise labelling for a connected, flexible and efficient supply chain
Sep 30, 2015
By Josh Roffman, VP Product Management, Loftware.
Looking toward the future, businesses are taking a more standardised approach and respecting the importance that labelling solutions play in the supply chain. Companies are beginning to understand that they need to develop a labelling strategy alongside their supply chain strategy.
Few retailers today make money in omni-channel - what does it take?
Sep 24, 2015
By Jason Shorrock, Retail Strategy Director, JDA.
The growth of online and mobile commerce continues unabated, with recent figures from eMarketer estimating that the global e-commerce market will be worth nearly $2.5 trillion by 2018.
Creating Superior Customer Experiences with Modern ERP - an IDC Manufacturing Insights White paper sponsored by Epicor.
Sep 17, 2015
The ability to deliver highly positive and meaningful customer experiences provides a huge competitive advantage for leading manufacturers. At the heart of this is your ability to respond to and service your customers' requirements faster and better than your competitors. Immediate download to this fascinating white paper.
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.
