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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76% of organisations suffered downtime and data loss in 2021, system crashes, human error and cyberattacks to blame

1 76% of organisations suffered downtime and data loss in 2021, system crashes, human error and cyberattacks to blame

Acronis, the cyber protection solutions provider, has released its annual Cyber Protection Week Global Report 2022 timed to this year’s World Backup Day.

Warehouse Operators Take Note: These Robots Can Increase Workers’ Worth and Interest in Warehousing Jobs

2 Warehouse Operators Take Note: These Robots Can Increase Workers’ Worth and Interest in Warehousing Jobs

By Marcel Kars, VP, Warehouse Automation EMEA, Zebra Technologies

Prior to the pandemic, warehouse operators who were committing to robotics automation solutions were considered innovative and pioneering. In fact, respondents to a 2019 Warehousing Vision Study conducted by Zebra indicated that the adoption of robotic material handling solutions was only expected to grow by 6-8% in a five-year period.

How to Protect your Workers in Industrial Warehouses

3 How to Protect your Workers in Industrial Warehouses

By Joanne Kirby, freelance writer.

A warehouse can be a dangerous place for workers – especially if the appropriate health and safety measures haven’t been taken. You’re expected to safely lift, carry and store items – some of which can be extremely heavy. In many cases, you’re expected to do so with the aid of machinery which might be dangerous if misused.

Cloud labelling to become table stakes in modern global supply chains, Loftware survey reveals

4 Cloud labelling to become table stakes in modern global supply chains, Loftware survey reveals

Almost three quarters (73%) of  companies believe the cloud will be the preferred method for labelling applications within the next three years, according to an annual report published by Loftware, the global software company specialising in Enterprise Labelling and Artwork Management solutions.

Plan for Tomorrow Today

5 Plan for Tomorrow Today

By Laith Marmash, Zebra Technologies.

Why integrating deep learning with barcode reading makes good business sense.

In traditional production environments, it’s quite a leap from conducting basic barcode reads to implementing deep learning algorithms. But planning to future-proof a business in this way today will deliver key competitive advantages tomorrow.

One in five businesses have paid or would pay a ransom for their data, finds Thales

6 One in five businesses have paid or would pay a ransom for their data, finds Thales

New research from Thales has found that malware, ransomware and phishing continues to plague global organisations. In fact, one in five (21%) have experienced a ransomware attack in the last year; with 43% of those experiencing a significant impact on operations.

New Domo study shows the data decision gap is holding business back

7 New Domo study shows the data decision gap is holding business back

A new study conducted among CIOs, chief data officers and vice presidents in data-oriented positions released by Domo pointed to a significant data decision gap impacting companies’ business intelligence efforts. Organisations around the world are investing in data at a higher rate than ever, but 55% of respondents noted that the process for making decisions had not changed at all in their organisations, with decisions largely made ‘from the gut’ rather than from data.

One in five manufacturing staff involved in cybersecurity incident

8 One in five manufacturing staff involved in cybersecurity incident

One in five staff in the manufacturing industry admit to having been involved in a security breach or loss of sensitive company data, according to a recent survey conducted by Impero Software, provider of software solutions helping people work, learn and connect safely online.

Value chain planning and decision making in times of disruption

9 Value chain planning and decision making in times of disruption

By Andre Miyajima on behalf of 3DS DELMIA, part of the Dassault Systèmes Group. 

During uncertain times, the ability to react and execute are imperative factors for practical results, due to the unpredictability of demand. Speed ​​in decision-making is mandatory, while the need to adjust plans in the face of daily changes, or even to redesign the whole plan due to a new macro element, demands an agile process.

Make UK comment on Spring Statement

10 Make UK comment on Spring Statement

Commenting on the Spring Statement, Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said: “It is right that the Chancellor should prioritise help for the lower paid and those most in need at such a difficult time and business will understand this.

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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