Engineering and Manufacturing supply chains falling behind
According to a recently published white paper commissioned by DHL and written by Lisa Harrington of the lharrington group, engineering and manufacturing supply chains are at least ten years behind other industries. As a result, both industries put themselves at high risk of supply chain disruption due to their apparent inability to adapt to the changing global landscape. The lack of evolution to emerging trends such as manufacturing migration and lifecycle sustainment, leaves them vulnerable to losing their market share to innovative competition and ultimately posting lower net earnings.
To read more, click here.
Beyond conflict minerals
The deadline for companies to inform the American Securities and Exchange Commission whether their supply chains contain conflict minerals has just passed. Recent investigations from several prominent companies into their supply chains have however revealed that they may in fact contain gold sourced from North Korea—currently banned in any form, being imported into the U.S.
Established companies, whose suppliers may have used North Korean gold, include both Hewlett-Packard Co. and Ralph Lauren Corp.
To read more, click here.
Growth in China’s electronic industry
The results of the Annual Electronic Components Distributor Survey, produced by Global Sources, anticipate consistent growth from the Chinese electronics industry. 179 managers working for prominent components distributors and 2,260 engineers and managers from China participated in the study.
Chinese electronics manufacturers are set to increase their spending on components by 26%, climbing up to $34 million in 2014, compared with 2013’s $27 million. In addition, suppliers expect a 3% increase in revenue in 2014 compared to last year. Profit margins have also risen this year compared to 2013, by 5%.
To read more, click here.
Have a great weekend!
