Introduction

The current Covid-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on Manufacturing and Supply Chains throughout the world, with significant disruption to both supply and demand. Such disruption has not been seen since the Second World War. The impact has demonstrated weaknesses and a lack of resilience in many supply chains that have been developed with “lean” just-in-time principles. Many supply chains are low-cost and efficient but not resilient.


Despite this, however, there are examples of supply chains, particularly in the Food and Grocery sector, that have kept going, even through country and global lockdowns. Following initial periods of panic buying from both retailers and consumers, supply is settling down. Due to social distancing rules, however, both the way we buy and our purchasing patterns have changed significantly. There are also longer-term supply risk considerations if individual countries decide to prioritise internal markets.


In other markets, manufacturers have adapted processes to supply essential equipment. Examples include Automotive Companies manufacturing ventilators, Garment manufacturers switching to making PPE and Chemicals and Beverage manufacturers making hand sanitiser.


Other considerations that have emerged include the need to support businesses, especially smaller businesses, that have been impacted by a combination of falling demand, lack of supply and social distancing requirements. This has led to a concentration on cash flow, with some businesses adapting sales channels to online and click-and-collect, and there are many examples of food and other outlets offering delivery services in order to keep going. Governments, too, have stepped in with unprecedented financial packages to help economies survive in this period of lockdown and stimulate economic recovery post-pandemic.

It is clear, therefore, that there are many lessons to be learned from the current pandemic and that this learning could significantly impact future manufacturing and supply chain practices.

Consultation

The IET Manufacturing Technical Network is planning an event early in 2021 to discuss future strategies for Manufacturing and Supply Chains arising from the current crisis. To assist in the planning of this event we are launching this discussion blog to seek input on suggestions for topics to cover.


We invite you to provide detailed comment and feedback to any or all of the following questions:

• What Manufacturing Strategies would minimise impact of future global disruption?

• What will be the impact on future supply chain configurations?

• How can manufacturing companies support lower tier organisations in securing business continuity?

• How can the financial sector help reduce impact and support manufacturing recovery?

• What are the implications of re-purposing on both manufacturing facilities and product design?

• What are the implications for smaller manufacturers (SMEs) and lower tier suppliers?

• What is the impact on Manufacturing aspects of National and Local Industrial Strategy?

• What are the implications for Environment and sustainability for Manufacturing?

• What types of support should be expected from Governments and local authorities?

• What are the implications for the education sector for future skills development?

• Are there any other aspects that need to be addressed that are not covered in these questions?