Manufacturers Remain Optimistic Despite Supply Chain Challenges

Yet, only 10% of manufacturers are “very” confident in their ability to obtain the talent required to support their business strategies over the next 12 months.

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Manufacturers have remained optimistic about their business prospects over the past six months, according to new report from Sikich.

“I’m pleased to see manufacturers’ optimism remain strong, even amid the plethora of challenges they are facing,” says Jerry Murphy, partner-in-charge of manufacturing and distribution services at Sikich. “With the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical turmoil continuing to cast a shadow over the industry, manufacturers should focus on strengthening key parts of their operations to reduce their vulnerability to these external challenges. For example, consider adopting advanced technology that improves supply chain visibility and responsiveness. And work to improve recruitment and retention by focusing on creating a superior employee experience.”

 

From PR Newswire:

  •  Yet, only 10% of manufacturers are “very” confident in their ability to obtain the talent required to support their business strategies over the next 12 months. One-third of survey respondents are sourcing alternative supplies and one-fifth are sourcing alternative products to address supply chain challenges.
  • More than half of respondents experienced an information security event in the past year, and 36% experienced two or more different kinds of security events. Nearly three quarters of manufacturers reported catching email phishing scams.
  • Nearly 34% of companies experienced unemployment fraud in the past 12 months, and 8% experienced a ransomware incident.

 

“While manufacturers are well aware of the cybersecurity challenges they face, attackers are becoming more sophisticated in how they target employees with phishing scams,” says Brad Lutgen, partner and head of Sikich’s security and compliance team. “A security awareness program that includes continuous training and education as well as testing through mock phishing attempts is the best way to help employees avoid falling victim to these scams. A good security program takes a layered approach so it’s also important that manufacturers utilize tools – such as robust email filtering, designed to help detect and quarantine email threats within the business – and not solely rely on training alone.”

 

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