Those responsible for procuring rugged mobile devices for field services, utilities, logistics and the emergency services are focused on finding hardware that will clearly boost productivity within their company, according to an independent industry survey by conference organiser IQPC.
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.
IQPC Enterprise Mobility Exchange survey reveals rugged mobile device procurement challenge
Mar 12, 2015
Tablet adoption in commercial segment to drive growth in Western Europe, says IDC
Mar 12, 2015
According to figures published by International Data Corporation (IDC), the commercial tablet market will reach more than 11 million units by 2019 in Western Europe, achieving more than 130% growth (CAGR 2014–2019) (IDC EMEA Tablet Tracker Forecast, 4Q14, February 2015).
Frost & Sullivan identifies disruptive opportunities for Internet of Things
Mar 12, 2015
The massive potential of Internet of Things (IoT) to stoke convergence and collaboration worldwide has been reined in by the lack of data security and interoperability among devices and objects.
BCS publishes comprehensive introduction to agile principles
Mar 05, 2015
Agile practice has transformed the way organisations carry out business and respond to change.
Frost & Sullivan profiles back office workforce optimisation market
Mar 05, 2015
The emerging Back Office Workforce Optimisation (BOWFO) market is being viewed as an attractive, emerging category with high growth potential, according to the latest report into the Back Office conducted and launched by analyst house Frost & Sullivan.
The laws have changed: telematics & liability
Mar 05, 2015
Technology is rapidly changing the way fleets operate and insure drivers, cargo, and companies. But utilising telematics for better control over inventory, tracking driver performance, and getting less expensive usage-based insurance for the vehicles can open a Pandora's Box of sorts for exposure to liability in a dynamic, changing legal landscape.
Growth picks up speed in manufacturing sector - CBI
Feb 26, 2015
Activity in the manufacturing sector picked up pace in February, and output is expected to grow faster still in the next three months, according to the latest CBI Industrial Trends Survey.
The survey of 522 manufacturers found that total order books strengthened on already robust levels, climbing to a six month high.
Internet of Things: 101
Feb 26, 2015
By Robb Green, Creative Director at Rockpool Digital.
The Internet of Things will change our lives. It's about extracting data from daily experiences and interpreting it to add value to our lives. Your fridge won't just be a fridge, it'll know when you're running out of milk and order some more for you.
The future of the warehouse
Feb 18, 2015
By Darrel Williams, Regional Director, Northern Europe and South Africa, Vocollect by Honeywell.
As online shopping and demand for services such as 'click – and – collect' continue to increase, retailers and other warehousing and distribution businesses will need to adapt to the shifting landscape. According to figures from eMarketer, B2C worldwide e-commerce sales will reach $1.471 trillion in 2014 – an increase of 20% over the previous year.
Creating intelligent supply chains
Feb 18, 2015
Mark Morley, Industry Marketing Director for Manufacturing at OpenText, looks at how the Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to become one of the most disruptive technologies to impact future supply chains.
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.
