MHI Industry News
   
Emulate3D Ltd.
   
Top Story
Partnering with a 3PL: Best practices for a successful relationship
  
Engaging a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider for outsourced logistics and supply chain services has become a common practice among companies of all sizes. Indeed, research from 3PL consultancy Armstrong & Associates finds that 90% of domestic Fortune 500 companies work with at least one 3PL—a statistic that’s nearly doubled since the firm began tracking this data in 2001. Learn some of the key ingredients needed as companies and their 3PL service providers define and create win-win partnerships, as well as how they measure success.
Innovation. Quality. Service
The Raymond Corporation
It takes a lot to be a global leader. It takes a proud history of engineering material handling solutions that lead the way in innovation. It takes skilled and talented people committed to constant improvement. It requires a level of service that offers end-to-end solutions that anticipate customers’ needs.
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MHI Updates
Handling the US Economy
  
Material handling is an essential part of supply chains around the world and is a vital part of our growing digital economy. This is why MHI worked with Oxford Economics to produce the first-ever Economic Impact Report to quantify the economic impact that this vital industry has across all industries and regions of the United States. That impact in 2018 amounted to more than $173.2 billion in GDP. In addition, the report found that the material handling industry supported nearly 1.6 million jobs in 2018, and workers in the industry earn $73,900 annual income on average.
MHI to preview 2020 Annual Industry Report during MODEX keynote panel
MHI will preview the 2020 Annual Industry Report, "Embracing the Digital Mindset: Connecting Data, Talent and Technology in Digital Supply Chains," during the March 11 keynote panel at MODEX. During the keynote, Thomas Boykin of Deloitte will join George W. Prest, CEO of MHI to present the findings of the 2020 report that details the innovations that are driving this change from traditional to digital supply chains. This is the seventh MHI Annual Industry Report released by MHI in collaboration with Deloitte Consulting.
The importance of matching pallets to rack type for safe handling
Products arrive in warehouses and distribution centers on any number of pallet types these days: two-way entry, four-way entry, skids, slip-sheets, nine-block and more. To ensure that a rack system will safely support the type(s) of pallet(s) an operation is using, it’s critical to share all pallet construction and load details with the rack design engineer to ensure a safe operation and work environment. That’s because the storage rack system is designed specifically to work with a given type of pallet and load, taking into account—among many additional factors—the distribution of the load weight.
AGVS group rebrands as Mobile Automation Group
The Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) Industry Group of MHI has rebranded as the Mobile Automation Group (MAG). The updated name and changed logo is part of a larger overall branding restructuring as a response to the changing face of the industry. Mobile automation in supply chain continues to evolve and change and the MAG is committed to evolve alongside to give its customers the best solutions for their needs.
   
J-tec Industries
      
FOX IV Technologies, Inc.
   
Technology and Innovation
Add up the savings in three key areas for significant returns on ASRS investment
  
Available warehouse space is at a premium and operations managers are looking for solutions. Specifically, automated solutions—such as automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), including vertical lift modules (VLMs), horizontal and vertical carousels, cranes and unit loads, shuttles and cube-based systems. While the initial capital investment is not insignificant, the tremendous cost savings an ASRS solution can deliver will contribute greatly to the overall return on investment. Here’s a look at the immediate and long-term savings an ASRS will deliver in three key categories.
AMRs for flexible workflow
  
Advancements in technology over the past several years have led to a rise in robotics and automation in the supply chain. More recently automated mobile robots, or AMRs, have been rising in popularity because they navigate along the most efficient route based on current conditions. View the new video on the benefits of AMRs.
MHI announces finalists for 2020 MHI Innovation Awards
MHI recently announced the finalists for the 2020 MHI Innovation Awards. After receiving 155 submissions from MODEX 2020 exhibitors, five independent judges completed the initial vetting process. The winners will be announced during Industry Night at MODEX 2020.
Monorails 101: Get the basics on this load lifting and transport system
Typically utilized as an alternative to lift trucks or fixed, floor-mounted conveyor systems, monorails transport heavy, bulky materials throughout a facility or process, then position the loads. By relieving workers from the strains associated with lifting and pushing or pulling loads, monorails improve worker safety and ergonomics. Additionally, monorails free up floorspace, increase performance and throughput, and provide highly efficient movement with precise positioning.
When the Doors are Open
Berner International Corporation
Berner Industrial Air Curtains: Maintain temperatures, keep out flying insects, protect perishables, de-stratify the air. Made in U.S.A., we make it easy to reliably give your customer an energy saving solution for the Shipping & Receiving doors.  Berner air curtains are engineered to perform, built to last, and are simple to install, operate, & maintain.
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Tennant Company
      
Lean Factory America, LLC
   
Automation Upgrades Lower Costs by Thousands
Beckhoff Automation®
NPI’s singulation and sortation solutions leverage EtherCAT-enabled controls from Beckhoff to help a California distribution center reduce difficult-to-fill labor requirements while increasing throughput and decreasing turnaround times. The Beckhoff control platform reassures NPI and its customers that they can scale up to meet future demand. The I/O system also provided impressive savings, including a 50% reduction in cabling which saves $4,700 per system in overall wiring effort.
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Baumfolder Corporation
      
HMS Industrial Networks
   
Workforce
Supply chains are finding a market full of skilled, nextgen talent. Why can’t they hire them?
  
One of the most consistent trends seen across all six of MHI’s Annual Industry Reports is respondents placing a lack of available talent as the biggest barrier to the implementation of digital technologies. But with more graduates with a holistic supply chain perspective entering the market than ever before, perhaps it’s no longer as difficult for companies to find the right people as it is to actually hire them.
The real impact of poor ergonomics, by the numbers
Did you know that U.S. companies spend $94 billion on workers’ compensation costs annually? Improving ergonomics can have a significant impact on reducing those workers’ compensation costs. Here are a few statistics that detail why companies need to be proactive as (opposed to reactive) to reduce both risks and costs.