The big news in the RFID industry at the start of 2022 was Walmart's announcement — the world's leading retailer revealed plans to expand RFID use from retail apparel to other retail departments.
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.
IDTechEx discusses the effect Walmart's RFID mandate will have on RFID adoption in retail
May 24, 2022
Thermal label market will grow by 4.8% CAGR; sales of paper thermal labels will increase at a high pace
May 23, 2022
The global thermal labels market is slated to grow by 4.8% CAGR as demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions grows across various industries. As per ESOMAR-certified market research, the increasing awareness among the masses and suppliers regarding sustainability is leading to shift towards environment-friendly packaging solution including thermal labels.
How 3PLs can overcome 3 pervasive challenges
May 23, 2022
By Raj Patel VP, Industry Strategy, 3PLs at FourKites.
There are three major headwinds making it difficult for the 3PL industry to differentiate, ensure consistency and, in some cases, just survive. Well, there are likely more but here are the three categories that reflect much of the pain today:
Research reveals UK manufacturing productivity falling behind due to lack of digital maturity
May 23, 2022
iBASEt, supported by the MTC (The Manufacturing Technology Centre), has unveiled research revealing 94% of UK manufacturers believe the industry has fallen behind the US due to a lack of digital investment.
IoT fleet management market is estimated to be valued at US$ 22.2 billion by 2032
May 23, 2022
The global IoT fleet management market is expected to value US$ 22.2 billion in 2032, against US$ 7.3 billion in 2022. The industry is likely to flourish at a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period from 2022-to 2032.
Small businesses in the manufacturing sector among those most likely to predict growth
May 18, 2022
Small businesses in the manufacturing sector are among the most likely of any business sector to predict growth in the next three months. The new quarterly data from Novuna Business Finance reveals that the proportion of small businesses in the manufacturing sector predicting growth (40%) is now higher than that in Q2 2019 (38%) for the first time.
Retailers should digitise to ensure compliance - and reap the rewards that come with it
May 18, 2022
Retail compliance is a necessary evil for businesses to get to grips with quickly if they want to stay profitable, resilient and away from any lawsuits – but going digital to stay compliant also brings a myriad of benefits; says Sam Roberts, Retail Sector Director at mpro5.
Eight in 10 warehouse associates say positive workplace changes are happening amid labour shortage
May 18, 2022
Zebra Technologies Corporation recently conducted a new global Warehousing Vision Study to explore the trends and sentiments driving operational decisions and spend in warehouses. The findings deliver encouraging news: warehouse operators are making significant investments to better fulfil the needs of both customers and workers and make it easier to fill open jobs.
APM research highlights missing project management aspect at top end of organisations
May 16, 2022
A large proportion of business owners (65 per cent) and senior managers (82 per cent) have increased their use of project-based methods on everyday tasks, such as introducing measures to identify and manage risk.
Supply chain and procurement professionals ambitious on sustainability – but struggling to prioritise planet over profit
May 16, 2022
Supply chain and procurement professionals have a key role in progressing their organisations’ sustainability agendas. However, 37% say that a habit of prioritising cost above sustainability in decision making is a barrier to them making improvements in this area, while 59% say that it’s easier to focus on cost savings than sustainability.
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.
