A research report commissioned by Colt Technology Services has identified a tech deficit, which affects almost three quarters (72%) of European businesses.
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.
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.
Same-day delivery: a key differentiator in multichannel retailing
Jun 12, 2014
Multichannel retailers can make the most of their resources and intelligence to provide this unique service while keeping costs low and customer service levels high.....a Quintiq white paper.
Many companies neglect inventory in their S&OP
Jun 05, 2014
Maximise your cash flow and profitability with optimal inventory levels. Get the insights you need when you send us the form on the right.......a Quintiq white paper.
Companies failing to utilise full potential of mobility
Jun 05, 2014
The corporate embrace of mobile technologies continues, but new research released today by CompTIA, the ICT Industry Trade Association, suggests many companies have yet to implement new policies and processes to tap into mobility's full potential.
Manufacturing and engineering supply chains face ten-year catch up
Jun 05, 2014
A new whitepaper has revealed that the engineering and manufacturing (E&M) industry's supply chains are lagging up to ten years behind other industries including the automotive sector, having been slower to respond to changes in global industry.
Logi Analytics report points to growing consensus that embedded analytics delivers more value than traditional BI deployments
May 28, 2014
Logi Analytics has released findings from its "2014 State of Embedded Analytics" report on how commercial software and SaaS providers are deploying and benefiting from the integration of analytic capabilities within business process applications. The report reveals a growing consensus that embedded analytics is delivering more value than traditional business intelligence (BI) deployments, improving user experience and customer satisfaction while increasing revenue.
EEF partners with Design Council to provide practical design-led support for manufacturers
May 28, 2014
EEF has formed a partnership with the Design Council to provide practical, hands-on design-led support for manufacturing companies that will expose them to design's power to leverage more effective, efficient and profitable businesses.
Driving growth and profits in five easy steps
May 22, 2014
An integrated supply chain unites all channel partners, coordinates their actions, and seamlessly orchestrates the flow of information, goods and services....a Quintiq white paper.
SME concern about business risk rises for first time in 12 months
May 22, 2014
The Zurich SME Risk Index*, which measures the perceived level of business risk faced by British small and medium businesses, has risen for the first time in 12 months – from 41.68 in the fourth quarter of 2013 to 43.19 in Q1 2014*, indicating that businesses are seeing more risk than at any time since the first quarter of 2013.
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.
