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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Zero Trust framework to help cyber leaders deliver future-first security in 2022

1 Zero Trust framework to help cyber leaders deliver future-first security in 2022

Identity Methods has launched a new whitepaper to help security practitioners get to Zero Trust within their organisations.

UK’s ‘cutting-edge’ manufacturers can lead push to net zero, says CBI President

2 UK’s ‘cutting-edge’ manufacturers can lead push to net zero, says CBI President

Action to reform taxes and tackle skills shortages can unleash new investment and galvanise UK manufacturers to lead in the push to net zero.

That is the message from CBI President Lord Karan Bilimoria in his keynote speech to the National Manufacturing Summit today (February 8). 

Aston University degree apprenticeship helps lead the way for women in logistics and supply chain

3 Aston University degree apprenticeship helps lead the way for women in logistics and supply chain

An Aston University degree apprenticeship is helping to illustrate that more women are choosing a career in logistics and supply chain.

AI adoption in the workplace will keep firms competitive, according to a new book from the professional body for IT

4 AI adoption in the workplace will keep firms competitive, according to a new book from the professional body for IT

Artificial Intelligence in the workplace is at a pivotal point, and businesses need to embrace this new way of working to keep ahead of the competition, according to a new book published by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. In The Autonomous Enterprise, renowned technology industry analyst Sarah Burnett predicts how machines will increasingly do the bulk of routine transactional office-based work.

125 textile manufacturers on Made Smarter journey to drive sustainability and growth

5 125 textile manufacturers on Made Smarter journey to drive sustainability and growth

Made Smarter, the technology adoption programme, is urging textile manufacturers to adopt digitalisation to drive sustainability and growth. 125 companies from the sector based in the North West are embracing change by tapping into impartial expert technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help them take their first steps, a leadership programme, digital technology internships, and skills development support. 

Logitech RightSight 2 makes hybrid meetings more equitable for remote participants

6 Logitech RightSight 2 makes hybrid meetings more equitable for remote participants

Logitech is creating more equitable experiences for hybrid workers with RightSight 2 software that now simultaneously presents both a close-up view of the individual speaker and a view of the entire meeting room during video calls. 

61% of supply chain leaders expect permanent hybrid work model for frontline workers: Gartner

7 61% of supply chain leaders expect permanent hybrid work model for frontline workers: Gartner

Sixty-one percent of supply chain leaders believe that the acceleration of remote work due to the pandemic will create a permanent hybrid work model, even at the frontline, according to Gartner, Inc.
The annual Gartner Future of Supply Chain survey of 983 supply chain leaders from August to October 2021 identified the changes that will most likely shape global supply chains in the years to come.

More C-Suite engagement needed in 2022 to mitigate cyber risk

8 More C-Suite engagement needed in 2022 to mitigate cyber risk

Trend Micro Incorporated has published new research* revealing that persistently low IT/C-suite engagement may imperil investments and expose organizations to increased cyber risk.

Optimism returns to the sector, but Ukrainian crisis could imperil supply chains - MHA comments

9 Optimism returns to the sector, but Ukrainian crisis could imperil supply chains - MHA comments

Following the release of the latest UK Manufacturing PMI, Alastair Wilson, Partner at MHA, detects renewed optimism in the sector fuelled by easing supply chain issues and rising consumer confidence, but notes the potential for serious disruption in the supply of energy and materials if developments in the Ukraine worsen

Businesses must be convinced of the commercial case for sustainability if green targets are to be achieved

10 Businesses must be convinced of the commercial case for sustainability if green targets are to be achieved

Large and medium-sized organisations report improving sustainability among the three biggest challenges they face. Greater focus is being put on bringing social and environmental concerns in line with factors affecting profitability, according to new research undertaken by one of the UK's leading business energy suppliers, Gazprom Energy.

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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