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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.