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

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Lumenia Consulting webinar: Key considerations when selecting a new ERP

1 Lumenia Consulting webinar: Key considerations when selecting a new ERP

Lumenia’s latest webinar ‘Key considerations when selecting a new ERP’ will provide insights on how to get your ERP selection project off the ground successfully.  The webinar is taking place on Tuesday 21st June at 11 AM GMT.

Gartner survey finds supply chain organisations at publicly held companies lead the way with representation of people of colour over their private peers

2 Gartner survey finds supply chain organisations at publicly held companies lead the way with representation of people of colour over their private peers

Representation of people of colour (PoC)* in supply chain organisations is much higher at every level when the company is publicly held, according to a survey by Gartner, Inc. and the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

81% of UK business leaders expect industry disruption from quantum computing by 2030, according to EY study

3 81% of UK business leaders expect industry disruption from quantum computing by 2030, according to EY study

EY’s Quantum Readiness Survey 2022, produced in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), has found that 81% of senior UK executives expect quantum computing to play a significant role in their industry by 2030. 

LastPass calls for stronger cybersecurity practices across supply chains amid global pressure

4 LastPass calls for stronger cybersecurity practices across supply chains amid global pressure

LastPass, the password management solutions provider, is calling for organisations to take urgent action to improve supply chain vulnerability. Ransomware and supply chain attacks continue to threaten businesses worldwide and the results from a single attack could be devastating, causing halts in production, monetary loss, or even reputational damage.

More than half of employees admit falling victim to a Business Email Compromise attack in last year

5 More than half of employees admit falling victim to a Business Email Compromise attack in last year

Some 52 per cent of employees have admitted to falling victim to a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack, according to Tessian’s 2022 Psychology of Human Error report.

Retail’s race to retain held back by lack of people tech

6 Retail’s race to retain held back by lack of people tech

Research reveals that just 23% of manager-employee conversations are being tracked using software across the UK retail industry.

15 skills every modern supply chain manager must have to succeed

7 15 skills every modern supply chain manager must have to succeed

By Rabeel Ahmed, guest writer.

Supply chain management (SCM) has become a vital part of any business or organization's success as the time has passed and as raw materials and consumers have become more geographically dispersed. Products must travel far and wide, changing hands numerous times on the way before they reach their destination.

Over 85% of UK businesses plan to move from 'just in time' to 'just in case' model and prioritise UK-based solutions to overcome supply chain challenges

8 Over 85% of UK businesses plan to move from 'just in time' to 'just in case' model and prioritise UK-based solutions to overcome supply chain challenges

SAP SE has announced new research revealing that almost every UK organisation admits their supply chain needs improving, and over half (58%) think their supply chain needs a lot/ significant improvement. In response, 84% of UK businesses are planning to move on from the 50-year-old ‘just in time’ supply chain model, which prioritised costs above all else when selecting suppliers, to a ‘just in case’ approach.

Delays to ERP projects mean UK retailers spend a third more than expected, survey reveals

9 Delays to ERP projects mean UK retailers spend a third more than expected, survey reveals

UK retailers are struggling to get to grips with the spiralling costs and frustrating delays of major ERP projects, according to a new study by Brightpearl, retail operating system.

It’s time to make smarter use of shop floor intelligence

10 It’s time to make smarter use of shop floor intelligence

UK manufacturing SMEs are being urged to link their critical success factors to the shop floor for gathering all-important real time data relating to productivity, quality and safety.

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.

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