With planned industrial action already hitting headlines in the first weeks of 2024, a new study has found that around half of UK frontline or deskless staff working in transport and distribution are still struggling to cover their basic living costs - despite many working longer hours than ever in 2023, to keep up with rising expenses.
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.
Red Sea diversions add nearly a million dollars per voyage to shipping costs while doubling transit time
Jan 29, 2024
The incremental costs of diverting a tanker from Asia to NW Europe via the Cape of Good Hope is accounting for an extra $932,905 USD per voyage while increasing transit time from 16 days to 32 days. This is according to a report by LSEG Shipping Research.
Supply chain resiliency: A key objective in challenging times
Jan 26, 2024
Scott Sutcliffe, Group Purchasing Director at McBride, the European manufacturer and supplier of Private Label and Contract Manufactured cleaning products, discusses supply chain resiliency and the implementation of robust sourcing strategies.
Eco-digital economy expected to double in the next five years to almost $33 trillion
Jan 26, 2024
The untapped potential of digital technologies is vast, and the eco-digital economy, driven by digital and sustainability, is expected to double by 2028.
Zebra study: Warehouse operators get serious about AI, as industry disruption looms
Jan 25, 2024
Zebra Technologies Corporation, the digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people, has found that warehousing operators are getting serious about a range of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as industry disruption looms large, according to the Zebra 2023 Making Modern Warehousing a Reality: Supply Chain Resiliency & Agility research paper.
Fuelling Innovation in Aftermarket
Jan 25, 2024
One section of the motor trade is benefitting from the cost-of-living crisis: with consumers keeping their cars for longer, independent repairers are in huge demand. But they are also under pressure. Older cars need more repairs. They require more replacement parts, tyres and fluids. With car owners looking for value and a fast turn-around, independents are actively seeking the most efficient and effective way to source those parts.....
Logistics UK unveils General Election Manifesto
Jan 23, 2024
The UK’s next government must appoint a Minister for Logistics and Supply Chain if future growth is to be driven across the whole economy, according to business group Logistics UK.
Cost reduction, friendshoring, AI and regulation: the procurement megatrends for 2024
Jan 22, 2024
International procurement and supply chain management consultancy INVERTO, part of Boston Consulting Group, says that there are four megatrends that will dominate the procurement landscape in 2024
Why choose phones with antibacterial surfaces?
Jan 22, 2024
In recent times, there has been a greater focus on hygiene in the workplace, likely spurred on by the COVID pandemic. While some germs are completely harmless, others can cause unpleasant illnesses.
Sustainability needs to top retailers’ shopping lists
Jan 15, 2024
By Nathan Lomax, co-founder of Quickfire Digital.
Retailers have not had it easy of late. Soaring energy and supply chain costs and customers facing pressure through the cost of living crisis have resulted in a loss of 15,000 jobs at the start of 2023.
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.
