MHI Industry News
   
Emulate3D Ltd.
   
Top Story
  
This new video explores a new chapter in MHI’s Roadmap: Transformation Age-Shaping your Future that was recently added covering the potential supply chain impacts of COVID-19 as well as insight into what the post-COVID world could look like.
Optimize. Connect. Automate.
The Raymond Corporation
Business is always changing. Always evolving. To keep pace you must run better, manage smarter. At Raymond we are committed to providing innovative intralogistics solutions that will optimize your business, increase productivity, accelerate insights through connectivity and transform operations through automation.
Learn more
Advertisement
MHI Updates
  
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world today due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team at MHI wants to assure all ProMat 2021 exhibitors and attendees that plans are fully underway to hold a safe and productive event in April 2021 in Chicago. Know that we are committed to making ProMat 2021 an exceptional event for both exhibitors and attendees. ProMat 2021 will be a combination of a live, face-to-face event as well as a digital platform to supplement the in-person event.
MHI is pleased to announce two newly elected members to the Roundtable Advisory Committee and the Board of Governors effective October 3, 2020. The new Board members, who will represent the members of the recently acquired Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), are Annette Danek-Akey, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain at Penguin Random House, and Jason Minghini, Vice President Supply Chain Solutions at Kenco Logistics Service.
Overhead single and double girder crane equipment is engineered to lift, lower and move large, heavy and bulky loads horizontally through a facility’s overhead space. Learn how to pick the right solution for your application.
   
J-tec Industries
      
FOX IV Technologies, Inc.
   
To ensure its safe use, it’s important that rack owners only use welded wire rack decking specifically engineered for a given application in accordance with RMI’s ANSI MH26.2: Design, Fabrication, Testing and Utilization of Welded Wire Rack Decking.
WERC Senior Analyst and Chief Process Auditor Steve Murray looks at best practices for commanding and controlling the flow of warehouse operations, with a special focus on how technology supports people and processes.
MODEX 2022 will be held March 28-31 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. MODEX is the largest international supply chain expo held in North or South America.
Technology and Innovation
  
Artificial intelligence is one of the technologies that is poised to influence the future of the supply chain industry. At its most basic level, AI has the capability to make supply chains more efficient by leveraging data that an organization collects. When coupled with advanced analytics, AI can be used to create actionable insights that reduce inefficiencies and improve overall performance no matter the industry.
There simply aren’t as many willing and able individuals as needed to fill job openings in manufacturing, material handling and logistics. Not to mention, COVID has had a significant impact on the labor pool. To compensate, more companies are investing in automated solutions. These technologies help to both reduce the physical demands of warehouse activities, as well as streamline and organize the required tasks for better productivity with fewer workers.
With the CDC recommending social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, automated storage and retrieval solutions can support social distancing in the warehouse through assigned work zones 6-feet apart, reduced labor requirement and zero interaction processes.
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.
Learn More
Advertisement
Education & Professional Development
Since 1952, the College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE), an independent organization founded by MHI, has provided the structure to help develop connections between industry and academic leaders that have allowed for a deep appreciation across the divide and a sharp understanding of the ways university-industry partnerships can lead to valuable insight and benefits to the material handling field.
Workforce development and training continues to be a top concern for MHI members. In an effort to help promote the valuable connections between MHI member companies and academic institutions, we are spotlighting various programs. Today’s focus is on Modesto Junior College Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program in Modesto, CA, led by Joseph Akpovi.
   
Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc.
      
Lean Factory America, LLC
   
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Online
UW-Platteville Online®
Earn a 100% online master’s degree in Integrated Supply Chain Management. Round out your degree based on career aspirations and earn graduate credit with professional credentials. 
Learn more today!
Advertisement
Supply Chain Trends
  
In today’s world, it’s not enough to measure the success of your supply chain by the level of efficiency. Companies that deliver the most return on their investment begin with the customer in mind. A new research report shows that 10% or respondents have been able to successfully reshape their supply chains with a focus on the customer and digital innovation investments to create significant impact on their topline growth.
Although there have been concerns over the years that robots will ultimately replace humans — and take their jobs — in manufacturing, distribution and order fulfillment, their availability during the shutdowns associated with COVID-19 has helped numerous facilities maintain productivity. In industries ranging from automotive, to pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and consumer goods, robots are helping to minimize the impact of workforce reductions and social distancing restrictions while keeping employees safe.
Manufacturing
When it comes to ergonomic solutions in a manufacturing environment, numerous options exist for easing the physical strain on workers. Although the work being performed can vary greatly depending on the location in the plant and the operation required, some basic steps can be taken to reduce the need for lifting, bending and reaching activities.
   
Brother International Corp
      
Tennant Company
   
Workforce
With today’s use of supply chain automation expanding, the need for maintenance technicians who can service these systems will exceed the current workforce supply. As a result, the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) announced a new, industry-led, nationally portable Certified Technician in Supply Chain Automation” (CT-SCA) hands-on training and certification program that will train supply chain automation technicians on installation, maintenance, support and operations of automated material handling equipment and systems which operate the supply chain.