From October 13-16, 2019, MHI members met at La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, CA, for the MHI Annual Conference. Take a look back at some of the highlights from the event.

Supply Chain Management Review—The largest companies in the U.S. collected cash from customers faster in 2018 and held less inventory, resulting in the best overall working capital performance since 2012, according to the annual Hackett 1000 cost and cash optimization survey from The Hackett Group, Inc.

Supply Chain Dive—Key performance indicators (KPIs) can make or break supply chain operations and it seems as though there are more to choose from every day. Some KPIs work better for specific supply chains or industries, while some may be applicable across the board.

Industry Week—Though much has been written about the challenges manufacturers face because of the U.S. government’s shifting approach to trade, today’s uncertain environment also offers good opportunities for business. Now is a great time to take advantage of the current market’s opportunities and to plan to outcompete in 2020.

Modern Materials Handling—According to a study by Persistence Market Research, the global industrial racking system market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~7% throughout the forecast period. The industrial racking system market is assessed to twofold its value in the period of 2019-2029, riding high on the surging sales of e-commerce products and warehouse expansion.

Global Trade Mag—It’s crucial to know when your company needs to do something on its own, and when to hire a third-party to do the job for you. For example, if you need goods transported across vast distances, hiring an expert logistics company is an option.

SupplyChain247—Shippers that decide solely to solicit bids to their benefit will face the uncertainty of backlash from carriers, ultimately, bidding allows carriers to understand where they stand in the market and establish lasting carrier-shipper relationships.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive—While Target’s competitors are reportedly losing money as more people shop online, Target says it has found a way to slash costs and make money. According to CNBC, Target’s digital sales were up 31%, with same-day services accounting for 80% of that growth. 

Supply Chain Dive—Anheuser-Busch completed its first zero-emissions beer delivery last week using both hydrogen-electric and electric vehicles in St. Louis. The company​ wants to cut carbon emissions 25% across its "value chain" by 2025 and has already placed an order for 800 hydrogen-electric powered semi-trucks from Nikola.

SupplyChainBrain—Eco-friendly practices affect multiple areas, of which product development is just one. The various stages of production offer supply chain managers plenty of flexibility in incorporating green methods. Sourcing, packaging and transportation all have tangible effects on the environment, but they don't have to be adverse. Green supply chain management can resolve many issues surrounding commercial manufacturing techniques.