The Western Union Company, the global payment services solutions provider, has announced the latest findings from the Western Union Business Solutions International Trade Monitor (ITM), the quarterly economic confidence survey of over 600 UK small and medium-sized businesses engaged in international trade.
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.
Insight from Clydebuilt: 5 things that may happen if you don’t upgrade your warehouse system
Oct 17, 2013
It's a bleak outlook. Let's flip this inside out, turn it on its head, and see what may happen if you decide to invest in a warehouse management system for your business.
Ovum outlines challenges and best practices for deploying tablets in the enterprise
Oct 17, 2013
Tablets are ever more prevalent in the workplace, and while they are not usually a replacement for a desktop or laptop, their capabilities provide opportunities for organisations to update and change their business processes, according to global analyst firm, Ovum.
Collaboration could deliver 30% savings in food waste processing across hospitality sector
Oct 17, 2013
A new report commissioned by the Hospitality Carbon Reduction Forum (HCRF), whose members include Whitbread, J D Wetherspoons, Mitchells and Butlers, Nandos and Hammerson shows that food waste management costs could be reduced by 30% and much less food be sent to landfill.
Key factors in choosing stock control software
Oct 17, 2013
Good advice from MACS Software
According to MACS Software, provider of stock management software in the UK, when looking for an effective inventory management system there are many things to consider and investigate but in the beginning there are two simple but vital questions should be answered: What do you need? And what do your customers need? From these principles everything else flows.
Adoption of Cloud computing continues upward trend as a mainstream IT deployment option
Oct 10, 2013
Cloud computing has achieved mainstream deployment in the UK, according to the latest research from the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), with 61 per cent of organisations formally adopting at least one Cloud-based service.
Clients use outsourcing to fuel growth
Oct 02, 2013
A majority of businesses that implement a business process outsourcing (BPO) programme in order to achieve further expansion, will see sales and profits rise, while a significant number will also create more jobs within their organisations.
UK SMEs still struggling with basic IT issues
Sep 26, 2013
While SMEs may look to invest in enterprise class IT solutions, many are still struggling with basic IT issues according to new research carried out by IT solutions specialist Imerja.
Survey reveals manufacturers prefer to deliver bad news Face-to-Face
Sep 19, 2013
A national survey has revealed that manufacturers are braver than the national average when it comes to delivering bad news face-to-face, rather than by email, text, or instant message.
Wi-Fi wake-up call: Hotel Wi-Fi is second only to a comfortable bed
Sep 19, 2013
iPass Inc., provider of mobile services for enterprises and telecom service providers, has published its Q3 Mobile Workforce Report. According to the report, mobile workers around the globe ranked, in order of importance, hotel Wi-Fi, as second only to having a comfortable bed.
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.
