Manufacturers on the brink: 19% feel unprepared for a post‑Brexit reality
While a hefty slice of the UK’s big‑box factories cheerfully claim they’re ready for the Brexit aftermath, a sizable 19 percent are still hanging on for dear life. Recent data from a Lloyds Banking Group survey paints a sobering picture for those who still feel like they’re stuck in pre‑May‑2021 mode.
Why the anxiety? The pandemic lit the fuse
Matt Tichon, Vice President of Industry Strategy at LLamasoft, who specialises in AI‑driven supply‑chain solutions, points out that the global manufacturing community took a hard hit when the pandemic started spiking in March. “We can’t let a repeat of that chaos happen now,” he says. “Look, we’ve already learned that surprises can turn into full‑on supply bottlenecks.”
What technology can save the day?
- Digital twins – Think of them as a high‑def simulation of your entire supply‑chain. They let you spotlight weak spots before the real business actually breaks.
- AI analytics – From predicting delays to flagging looming shortages, AI can turn a maze of information into clear, actionable insights.
“If you want to dodge shortages, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and retail, you’ll need an optionality game plan,” Tichon notes. “Digital twins let you experiment with different procurement routes and rough‑cut strategies, then roll out the best one when the clock hits midnight on January 1st.”
Bottom line: Vision + tech = resilience
Manufacturers who embrace these tech tools are not just keeping up; they’re building a future‑proof shield against whatever disruptions come their way. For the 19 percent still unsure, the takeaway is clear: it’s time to put on your digital gear and get ready to stay afloat once Brexit officially takes the stage.
