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Since Covid , 40 percent of manufacturers said they had increased their UK suppliers
consolidated into an easier-to-manage single contract , leading to lower overhead and improved profitability . One area that could become the keystone in MaaS is additive manufacturing , by offering remote 3D printing services to companies that need components and other critical machined products . Multiple companies are already demonstrating how 3D printing is becoming the most shareable manufacturing asset to date .
It is combining innovation with the power of the sharing economy by providing faster prototyping , quicker time-to-market and the ability to personalize short runs of products .
Resilience and risk management
Supply chain disruptions have underscored the importance of building resilient and robust supply chains . In the future , SCM will prioritize risk identification , mitigation , and contingency planning to ensure uninterrupted flow of materials , components , and finished goods . This may involve diversifying sourcing locations , building redundancy in the supply base , and implementing agile strategies to quickly adapt to unforeseen circumstances .
Sourcing closer to home is also driving a new trend . Since Covid , 40 percent of manufacturers said they had increased their UK suppliers , and 20 percent have increased suppliers in the EU , despite barriers . Strategically sourcing items from a combination of different countries and regions reduces the concern about a single large storm pushing out a shipment or geopolitical issues in one particular country .
Sustainability and ethical practices
Sustainability and ethical considerations will shape the future of SCM in manufacturing . As we ’ re now increasingly seeing , sustainability is no longer about companies merely ticking a box ; stakeholders and consumers are now demanding more . As organizations focus on their sustainability initiatives through the adoption of a robust ESG strategy , manufacturers must take a holistic approach when reviewing their business and workflow processes , to ensure that they ’ re delivering end-to-end solutions with a lower environmental footprint .
Organizations will increase focus on reducing carbon emissions , minimizing waste , and implementing sustainable practices throughout the supply chain . This includes responsible sourcing of raw materials , promoting fair labor practices , and ensuring transparency in supplier relationships . SCM will play a crucial role in managing and monitoring sustainable practices across the entire value ecosystems chain .
Collaboration and partnerships
Collaboration and partnerships will become increasingly important in SCM . Manufacturers will actively collaborate with suppliers , customers , and logistics providers to streamline processes , enhance visibility , and achieve shared objectives . Collaborative platforms and digitization will facilitate information sharing , coordination , and integrated decision-making , resulting in improved supply chain agility and customer satisfaction .
Talent development and skillsets
The evolving nature of SCM in manufacturing will require professionals with diverse skillsets . Future supply chain managers will need to possess a strong understanding of emerging technologies , data analytics , and sustainability practices . The ability to analyze complex data , make data-driven decisions , and effectively collaborate with stakeholders will be critical
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