Robots replacing humans faster than expected
According to a recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, robots will replace humans in factories around the world at a faster pace than expected and will help reduce labor costs by 16%. The report predicts that the investment in industrial robots will increase by 10% annually in the world’s 25 biggest export nations through 2025. Currently, only 10% of jobs which can be automated are done by robots. According to BCG, by 2025, the number will increase to more than 23%. One of the main reasons behind such an increase are lower operating and ownership costs of robots.
To read the full story, click here.
Unrest in the West Coast Ports
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) announced that around 29 West Coast ports suspended the loading and unloading of cargo freighters on Thursday, and will continue to be partly shut on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. However, the clearing of cargo containers, which are stacked up at the ports, will continue at management’s discretion. Disruptions at the West Coast Ports caused shipment problems across the US commercial supply chain and could cost the US economy $2 billion a day. The shutdowns were caused by a disagreement between PMA and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union during contract negotiations.
To read the full story, click here.
New EU public procurement rules
New rules administering public procurement in the EU will come into force on February 26th, 2015. A Procurement Policy Note has been sent out by the Crown Commercial Service. It states that changes have been made to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and were approved by the Parliament on February 5th. The deadline on February 26th has some exceptions, e.g. requirements for the use of e-procurement, which will come into force on April 18th, 2017.
More information about the new EU regulations can be found here.
Have a nice weekend!
