MHI Industry News
   
Emulate3D Ltd.
   
Top Story
Cutting edge innovations compete for annual honor
  
It’s a great time to be in supply chain and material handling, what with all the new products and solutions contributing to the advancement of our industry. In fact, of the 92 submissions MHI received across three different categories—Best New Innovation, Best Innovation of an Existing Product and Best IT Innovation—the judges were so impressed with the entries that for the first time ever, 10 different finalists were selected for each award. Meet the finalists and the 2021 MHI Innovation Award winners.
MHI Updates
Big data analytics and its value across supply chain operations
  
When successfully harnessed and leveraged, Big Data can give organizations insights into their business operations that enable better decision-making and add value across supply chains, according to a white paper titled “Adding Value to Manufacturing, Retail, Supply Chain, and Logistics Operations with Big Data Analytics.”
ASRS 101: An overview of automated storage and retrieval systems
The ASRS Industry Group of MHI recently released "ASRS 101: An Overview of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems." This document explores the uses and benefits of ASRS technology including a complete list of the 23 ASRS member companies.
How to capitalize on new power and battery technology for material handling equipment
The rise of e-commerce has placed unprecedented demands on supply chains; new material handling power technology, based on lithium battery platforms, increase efficiency in the warehouse environment. Learn real-world examples and practical advice on best practices for integrating Internet of Things (IoT), lithium batteries and opportunity charging to power your fleet of forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks and other material handling equipment during this September 9 webinar.
   
Adrian's Safety Solutions
      
FOX IV Technologies, Inc.
   
New standard for crash testing industrial guardrails and barriers used in warehousing applications released
The members of the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) Industry Group of MHI, recently published a new standard, “ANSI MHI31.2-2021 – Test Method for Crash Testing Industrial Guardrail Barriers and Barrier Posts,” available for purchase. The standard was developed because ProGMA recognized a need to standardize performance and design criteria for the proper utilization of industrial guardrail and post systems. Prior to its publication, no standardized test method had been established to assess the crash performance of these protective devices.
The "Dos And Don’ts" of pushback rack
Engineered to store pallet loads on both sides of an aisle, industrial pushback racking storage systems deliver cubic densities that are approximately 25% to 65% greater than selective racking. In addition to publishing the American National Standards ANSI MH16.1 for Industrial Pallet Rack — which details rack design, engineering, construction, and ownership requirements — the members of RMI have assembled a list of pushback rack owner “Dos and Don’ts.” Following these recommendations will enhance both the integrity and reliability of the system, while reducing the risk of injury for workers as they perform their tasks in and around the racking.
Technology and Innovation
Supply chain complexities increase risk of cyberattack
  
The supply chain is more connected than ever, which means more vulnerabilities exist that allow cyber criminals to gain access to sensitive information. As machines become more intelligent and can “talk” with each other, those connections can create vulnerabilities that allow cyber criminals to gain access to your network.
When the doors are open
Berner International Corporation®
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Education & Professional Development
Education and training trends in 2021
Over the past several months, many industries in the U.S., including the transportation and supply chain sectors, have been facing labor shortages. Among the many reasons for these shortages is an education gap for new recruits. At the same time, technology is changing so rapidly that current workers are at risk of falling behind. Education and training are more crucial than ever, especially in a post-pandemic world that is increasingly reliant on technology.
   
Nilfisk Inc
   
Supply Chain Trends
Advanced analytics informing supply chain insight
  
The emergence of predictive and prescriptive analytics is stretching across industries and changing the way an array of businesses make decisions and manage their supply chain operations with a higher level of clarity and certainty.
E-commerce surge driving faster adoption of digital supply chain networks
Pre-pandemic, retailers and their supply chain partners were preparing for moderate, steady increases in online sales volumes every year. Those projections were blown away in 2020, as e-commerce experienced a 32.4% growth surge. As businesses struggled to handle an unprecedented influx of online orders, it became clear why a digital supply chain is essential to their future success. The push for a digitalized supply chain is coming from the top. Gartner’s 2021 survey of company CEOs found that growth and digitalization were their top two priorities.
Manufacturing
Industry focus: Aerospace
  
The world of aerospace and defense (A&D) is rapidly changing, propelled by new innovations and challenged by the pandemic. It creates both economic difficulties and opportunities—and comes at a time when the push to Supply Chain 4.0 is driving dramatic regulatory changes.
5 signs that a workstation crane needs to be replaced
As with all overhead lifting equipment, workstation cranes should be routinely inspected at a variety of intervals. Sometimes an inspection will uncover damage that can be repaired, though it might need to be removed from service and not used until the repair is completed. Or, if repair is not sufficient, the workstation crane might need to be upgraded or replaced with a new one. To help workstation crane owners make that determination, here are five common signs to look for.
Workforce
Creative ways to find diverse talent
  
In the newly released 2021 MHI Annual Industry Report, survey respondents reported that their organization’s most significant challenge continues to be hiring and retaining qualified workers. This trend is not new. For several years, finding talent has been a burning platform for industry leaders, even during COVID. The secret sauce for all businesses is the people. Progressive companies are getting creative in finding unique skillsets and productive workers by hiring employees overlooked in the talent acquisition process.