Feature

The path to progress is high maintenance

Recently, I attended the launch of RS’s Performance in Focus 2024 Maintenance Engineering Report, developed in collaboration with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Based on a survey of nearly 400 maintenance professionals across the UK, the report offers valuable insights into the key challenges faced by the sector and the priorities driving its strategies.

04/11/2024 17:13:06

Font size:

Challenges
The report highlighted three key challenges:

1. Skills gap: As mentioned in last month’s column, the shortage of skilled workers remains a persistent problem for all engineers –
and maintenance professionals are no exception. In fact, attracting talent has risen to the top of the agenda this year, with half of respondents now flagging it as a prominent concern
– and 37 percent ranking it as their number one challenge.

2. Inflation and costs: Although price pressures have started to subside, inflation remains a critical issue for 39% of
respondents, with small and medium-sized businesses particularly affected.

3. Supply chain disruptions: Likewise, supply chain issues persist, though there are signs of improvement. Richard Jeffers, Solutions and Technical Director at
RS, pointed out, “the disruptions that have existed since 2020 have started to ease”, leading to businesses “removing some the constraints they have on materials and raw materials in their factories”.

Read the full article in DPA's November 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.