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.
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.
One in five manufacturing staff involved in cybersecurity incident
Mar 28, 2022
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
Mar 23, 2022
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
Mar 23, 2022
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.
Strongest manufacturing price expectations in survey history – CBI
Mar 22, 2022
UK manufacturing output grew at a brisk pace in the three months to March, but the balance of manufacturers expecting to increase prices rose to a survey record high, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey. The survey, based on 229 responses, found:
Impact of Shenzhen lockdown on global supply chain
Mar 22, 2022
China’s zero-Covid policy is putting severe strain on supply chains across the country with factories and warehouses being frequently shut down for short periods and trucks sometimes being stopped from travelling.
Step up to smart warehousing with IoT-based technologies
Mar 22, 2022
By Knud Kegel, VP Product, EMnify.
Disrupted demand cycles, supply bottlenecks, the semiconductor crunch and petrochemical shortages. It’s been a rough ride for many in manufacturing and logistics. Yet the UK manufacturing sector is beginning to see improvements. In February, activity began to accelerate due to an increase in raw material availability and some easing of the supply chain, according to IHS Markit.
Supply chain crisis compounds inflation in 2022
Mar 22, 2022
New research reveals that supply chain issues are exacerbating inflation. The study commissioned by DP World, the provider of smart logistics solutions, found that during 2022 trade is expected to expand further, due to a 16% increase in exports during 2021 and imports by 12%. Production levels have been unable to keep pace with demand leading to supply shortages and will limit import growth in 2022.
Manufacturing & Logistics IT - March 2022 edition
Mar 22, 2022
In this issue we feature a Special Technology Report looking in depth at the latest developments in the world of Transportation Management Systems.
Also included is a special Cover Story ‘The gender gap in IT and what smart organisations are doing to make progress,’ by Christie Struckman, vice president analyst at Gartner.
Well over half of Brits are happy to return to work – but all five days in the office is history
Mar 16, 2022
After two years of homeworking due to Covid-19, UK office workers are heading back to their desks - but the overwhelming majority are not doing a full five-day week in the office. That’s according to the latest research from eFax, the cloud-based fax solution for businesses, which found that only 18 percent of workers are back at their offices for the entire working week.
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.
