Sophos has released its annual 2024 Sophos Threat Report, with this year’s report detailing ‘Cybercrime on Main Street’ and the biggest threats facing small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs*).
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.
Gartner predicts 25% of logistics key performance indicator reporting will be supported by GenAI by 2028
Mar 14, 2024
By 2028, 25% of all logistics key performance indicator (KPI) reporting will be powered by generative AI (GenAI), according to Gartner, Inc.
Packaging robots is set to grow US$ 7.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 8%
Mar 13, 2024
According to data from Fact.MR, the global packaging robots market is on a significant growth trajectory, expected to surge from US$3.8 billion in 2022 to US$7.5 billion by 2032.
RAIN Alliance reports 32% Increase in global RAIN RFID chip shipments as adoption and usage diversifies across multiple industries
Mar 12, 2024
RAIN Alliance has today announced that 44.8bn RAIN RFID tag chips were shipped globally in 2023. This figure represents year-on-year growth of 32%, and reflects increasing demand across a variety of industries for technology solutions that improve transparency, efficiency, traceability and sustainability.
Red Sea crisis underlines the need for greater data transparency
Mar 12, 2024
The speed with which shipping companies have responded to the crisis in the Red Sea underlines the growth of digitisation and utilisation of diverse data resources to support complex decision making. But data issues, from ownership to a lack of open integration, remain a challenge explains Captain Steve Bomgardner, Vice President – Shipping & Offshore, Pole Star Global.
Making FMCG manufacturing more sustainable through intelligent energy management
Mar 12, 2024
By Patricia Torres, Industry Marketing Manager Food and Commodities Solutions, OMRON Industrial Automation Europe.
Some factory managers take the view that ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. This approach is understandable and, in many instances, valid - particularly if it relates to a process that took a long time to get right in the first place, or a line or machine that is running reliably.
Problems of correct labelling and shipment of "live animals" cargo and specifics of work with this cargo
Mar 08, 2024
By Natalia Spitsyna, International animal transport specialist.
Among all cargoes that are transported by air, there is a special category of cargoes that causes a lot of questions during registration, and also puts airlines and their employees in a state of shock. This category of special cargo is "live animals".
Manufacturers call on skills reform in Spring Budget to stimulate investment
Mar 07, 2024
Commenting on the latest CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index which has risen to 47.5, Mike Thornton, national head of manufacturing at RSM UK, said: “The manufacturing PMI in February continued to show signs of industry stagnation at 47.5, up marginally from 47 in January, with falling new export orders and employment indices reflecting subdued demand and dampened industry outlook.
Navigating e-commerce growth: Choosing the tight tech stack beyond ERP
Mar 07, 2024
Selecting the right technologies plays a pivotal role in facilitating connectivity, driving efficiencies, and ensuring seamless operations as businesses scale and become more complex. A key consideration for many large-scale enterprises is the adoption of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. However, the question arises: is an ERP solution really the right technology solution for ambitious online retailers?
Moody's comment on blocked EU supply chain law & global implications
Mar 06, 2024
Earlier this week, EU countries blocked a proposed law requiring large companies to check if their supply chains use forced labour or cause environmental damage.
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.
