A specialist research centre dedicated to finding ways to help businesses improve manufacturing has been set up as a collaborative partnership between Teesside University, the Institute for Manufacturing at Cambridge University and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI).
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 Software Industry facing fundamental challenges as ISVs face new buyer types
Apr 01, 2014
Independent software vendors (ISVs) face a wide-open market with great opportunities, but will need to focus to get the best rewards in the longer term.
Manufacturing and Logistics IT Magazine launches NEWS App
Mar 27, 2014
The leading specialist supply chain IT solutions magazine has launched a new App delivering the very latest articles to your mobile device.
The Manufacturing & Logistics News App has live feeds from LogisticsIT.com and the material handling website LogisticsHandling.com. There are also links to the digital issues of the magazine and a live feed from the Blog zone on LogisticsIT.
Companies relying on ERP for supply chain visibility fall short of goals for the extended supply chain
Mar 27, 2014
GT Nexus has announced the availability of a new report conducted by Supply Chain Insights indicating that despite the explosion of global outsourcing and increased efforts to automate the extended supply chain, the focus of most companies remains on automation within the enterprise, leaving interactions between business partners to spreadsheets and EDI.
Two new-age ways for retailers to engage with consumers
Mar 27, 2014
By Manish Grover, senior director at Mindtree
As the usage of mobile explodes and the digital revolution moves to take centre stage, retailers are investing to shore up their consumer engagement and commerce capabilities.
New report shows businesses failing to realise ROI from IT investments
Mar 20, 2014
According to new research, only one in four companies (25%) in EMEA meet the definition of a ‘Transformer’ – a company that describes its use of IT infrastructure to drive “innovation excellence.” The success of Transformer companies is supported by a number of metrics.
How to tell if you need a new ERP system
Mar 20, 2014
We're being told in the press on a daily basis how the UK economy is growing. How companies have scaled up output in response to stronger inflows of new orders. And, that there is strong demand from the domestic market with rising levels of new business coming from overseas. According to EEF, The Manufacturers Organisation, the forecast for UK manufacturing output growth this year is 2.7%, the fastest rate of expansion in four years.
Is reshoring manufacturing a long-term solution?
Mar 13, 2014
Figures released by the EEF manufacturers' organisation stating that one in six British companies has reshored its production within the past three years marks a positive outlook for the UK manufacturing sector.
Retailers need to wake up to the fact that when it comes to online fraud even good consumers break bad
Mar 05, 2014
Commentators on the retail sector were writing as recently as 2011 that a major advantage of ecommerce was that the financial drain of shoplifting would be alleviated by the shift to direct home deliveries.
5 processes to remember when exporting
Mar 05, 2014
By Ken Peters, Director of Global Solutions at Integration Point.
There are various measures to assess when exporting products internationally.In order to avoid fines, removal of export privileges or jail time, remember to perform the following five export processes to proactively ensure your goods are efficiently moving through your supply chain.
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.
