The recent Industrial Trends survey carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) revealed an air of optimism within the UK manufacturing sector. Domestic orders rose in the three months to January at the highest rate since July 2014 and the weak, post-Brexit pound continues to drive competitiveness in both EU and Non-EU markets. The government has even unveiled a new ‘Industrial Strategy’ to support key UK industries.
Furthermore, a rounded figure of +15% represents the highest optimism for the general business climate since January 2015. However, while some respondents outlined plans for capacity expansion, training, product development and process innovation; the majority of the 461 manufacturing companies researched, shared concerns over growing cost pressures and a shortage of skilled labour.
Not only did manufacturing costs increase at the fastest pace for over five years; the general consensus of opinion among industry experts is that these cost pressures are likely to intensify over the next year or so. Meanwhile, the aforementioned skilled labour deficit is predicted to have a detrimental impact on manufacturing output.
As pressures mount to remain both efficient and profitable, many UK manufacturing organisations are turning to shop floor data capture and employee tracking software as they strive for continuous improvement.
Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture is an industry-leading workforce management solution for manufacturers. Dynamic cost calculation features convert labour activity and machine time into monetary value, ensuring all activity-based costing and employee performance related pay processes are executed to the highest degree of accuracy. Ceequel® Shop Floor Data Capture also provides unparalleled, real-time shop floor productivity analysis including: insights into man and machine efficiency, identification of bottlenecks and comprehensive Work in Progress (WIP) reports.
For a free of charge consultation, please contact ELF Productivity.