TouchStar Technologies Ltd., a Belgravium Technologies PLC company and specialists in the design, supply and support of rugged mobile devices has published the results of its first annual 'State of the Union' survey for mobile computing.
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.
The retail sector must respond to intranet underperformance
Jul 09, 2014
The underperformance of intranets can no longer be ignored by the retail sector. Jonathan Seal, Strategy Director at User Experience experts Mando Group examines the problem.
Valuing a close connection
Jul 05, 2014
A new ING study measures the strength of the connection and shows what major benefits have resulted from the economic relationship between Western and Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) over the last 25 years.
Budget restrictions could create technology capability gap within transportation industry
Jul 05, 2014
Results of a recent survey by DA Systems into attitudes towards technology amongst firms within the UK transport and logistics industries highlighted that whilst the majority believed in the importance of technology to create a superior service offering, getting access to the financial and operational backing required to make the necessary investments still remains an issue for many companies.
June 2014 Issue
Jul 03, 2014
Special Technology Reports:
AIDC/Mobile Computers
Printing & Labelling
Retail Special Feature:
Smiths News
Manufacturers can reap benefits by focusing on 'returns'
Jul 03, 2014
By Ian Roper, Supply Chain Solutions Divisional Director, Access Group.
Product recalls are an expensive business. In 2010 automotive manufacturer, Toyota, recalled over eight million vehicles worldwide over a faulty accelerator pedal, in 2006 computer manufacturer Dell had to recall four million notebook batteries due to overheating problems, and Bridgestone/Firestone recalled 6.5 million tyres in 2000 when treads separated on models used with Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers. The recall cost Ford $3bn.
Mobile internet is rapidly gaining traction with UK shoppers
Jun 26, 2014
Research by global retail technology group Omnico shows that the mobile internet is rapidly gaining traction with shoppers in the UK.
Mark of approval - Printing & Labelling Technology Report June 2014
Jun 23, 2014
In the June 2014 issue of Manufacturing & Logistics IT magazine editor Ed Holden spoke with a number of leading vendors and analysts from the printing & labelling sector about recent, ongoing and possible future developments in this all-important technology space.
72% of businesses in Europe face tech deficit
Jun 19, 2014
A research report commissioned by Colt Technology Services has identified a tech deficit, which affects almost three quarters (72%) of European businesses.
European and North American companies struggle to use information for competitive advantage
Jun 19, 2014
Organisations understand that information has value but are more concerned with defending their information against data breaches or legal action than they are with using it to drive competitive advantage and growth, according to a new report by storage and information management company Iron Mountain and PwC.
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.
