The smart connected device (SCD) market continued to post strong growth in 3Q13, with combined shipments of PCs, tablets, and smartphones reaching almost 55 million units in the third quarter — up 12% on the same quarter last year, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).
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.
5 things newly appointed CIOs must do to succeed
Dec 05, 2013
New research into the role of the CIO has highlighted what newly appointed incumbents must do to succeed in their new position.
Professor Joe Peppard, from the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin, suggests there are five things recently appointed CIOs must do in order to become credible and legitimate business leaders.
Your choice - CYOD or BYOD?
Nov 28, 2013
By Ed Holden, Editor, Manufacturing & Logistics IT.
We have been hearing quite a lot over the past year or two about Choose-Your-Own-Device (CYOD) – where the organisation owns the SIM/contract, but allows employees to choose their own device – and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – a mobile device policy that allows employees to connect their personal smartphones and/or tablets to the organisation’s network.
Supply issues result in major losses for UK firms
Nov 28, 2013
The knock-on effect of resolving problems with suppliers is costing UK business more than £10 billion every year and consuming the time of the most senior executives' according to the latest research from the Institute of Customer Service.
Snapfulfil puts weight behind apprenticeships
Nov 27, 2013
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK economic growth has increased at its fastest rate in more than three years after a 0.8% increase in national output in the last quarter to September, with national output had growing by an impressive 1.5% in the last year.
4 Tips to effective logistics
Nov 21, 2013
A smooth, responsive, transparent and – above all – reliable supply chain is critical to business success in today's rapid-fire, on-demand environment. But how do companies ensure that their logistics infrastructure supports all those qualities? Tim Garcia, founder and CEO of Apptricity, offers four tips on how to adopt logistics solutions that deliver ROI and hold up under pressure.
5 things that may happen if you don't upgrade your warehouse system
Nov 14, 2013
Clydebuilt highlights 5 things that may happen if you don’t upgrade your warehouse management system, and also points out some of the tangible benefits to be gained by utilising state-of-the art WMS functionality.
Supply Chain – Turning to the Cloud
Oct 31, 2013
By Bill Harrison, President, Demand Solutions.
This 'Cloud thing' is more than just a Cloud thing, much more. I'd call it a revolution in the way applications are delivered.
Technology reports: Warehouse Management and Voice-Directed Picking
Oct 31, 2013
Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with a number of spokespeople from both the Warehouse Management and Voice-Directed Picking vendor community about some of the key developments and innovations that are currently enhancing and broadening the warehousing and voice-picking landscape.
October 2013 Issue
Oct 30, 2013
Special Report:
WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
VOICE-DIRECTED PICKING
Also in this issue:
The factory of the future is nearer than you think
Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2013: Leading in a Digital World
Giving Voice to the pharmaceutical industry
The spreadsheet dilemma
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.
