Every day we read of evolving tech companies like Alphabet (Google) and Microsoft, staking their futures on AI. The face of software engineering is changing to proficiency in machine learning – essentially another term for artificial intelligence, though some of the definitions will be explored in other posts. Victor Basta of Magister Advisors explains, "A good AI engineer is worth more than many company CEOs right now."

For the last three years, Supply Chain Insight has conducted its Supply Chains to Admire analysis. They are trying to fill a gap in supply chain excellence standards by providing research and data that supply chain companies can use to drive their progress.

MHI recently announced the speaker lineup for its 2016 Annual Conference, held in Tucson, AZ October 17-19. This year, the conference will feature six educational topics and two solutions group education sessions that focus on key themes identified by the US Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics and MHI Annual Industry Report.

The modern, global economy has exponentially increased supply chain complexity, making it a challenge for firms to adapt, increase efficiency and maintain profits. As a result, some firms have turned to Platform Life Cycle Management (PLCM) to drive new supply chain capabilities and work processes.

Social media is where culture intersects with technology bringing us visually closer to what we enjoy most. Instagram is currently the eighth ranked photo sharing app with over 400 million monthly active accounts. If you are like us, we are big fans of the supply chain industry and all that is related. That’s why we have collected these five creative, inspiring and slightly supply-chain-geeky accounts for you to follow on Instagram.

We live in a world where technology changes almost daily. As supply chain technology changes, companies need to adjust their practices in order to stay relevant to customer demands and avoid disruption. The 2016 MHI Executive Summit is addressing this with the theme: Accelerating Change. Watch the new video series preview of this event.

For the first time, ProMat will have exhibits in both the South and North Hall of McCormick Place. The ProMat show floor in the South Hall will be divided into solution-specific centers: Equipment and components for manufacturing/assembly logistics solutions, fulfillment and delivery solutions, and information technology (IT) solutions. Two new Solution Centers will be introduced at ProMat 2017, autonomous vehicle solutions and sustainable facility solutions. These two Solution Centers will be located in the North Hall of McCormick Place adjacent to the collocated Automate show.

On July 10th, 7-Eleven delivered Slurpees, a chicken sandwich, donuts, hot coffee and candy to the home of a family in Reno, NV by using a drone. While 7-Eleven already supported online ordering via apps like Postmates, autonomous delivery via drone and GPS is a new step for both the company and the industry.

The 2016 MHI Annual Conference is featuring a track on Material Handling and Supply Chain Technology. The accelerated change of this technology is driving efficiency but is also disrupting manufacturing and supply chain operations. The two sessions under this topic are designed to help participants learn how emerging technologies, including those featured in the 2016 MHI Annual Industry Report, are impacting supply chains. 

The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) released a report that indicates that this industry plans on investing in automation. The report, based on surveys of manufacturers in the U.S., suggests that this planned investment could reshape the production landscape fundamentally.

MHI view just released a new video on conducting a sustainability audit in supply chain. In the video, Harry Haney, Associate Director of Supply and Value Chain Center from Loyola University, discusses how to audit your business to figure out where waste is present and where improvements could be potentially made.

Technologies are trending exponentially upward, disrupting entire industries and creating new ones. As science fiction becomes science reality, our lives have the potential to get better, but there will be disruption in supply chains as we learn to use these technologies to better serve our companies and our customers. Vivek Wadhwa, one of the keynotes at the 2016 MHI Annual Conference, will be speaking on these technologies and how they impact supply chains, both now and in the future.

It’s not breaking news that American manufacturing is struggling with a skills gap and that many well-paying positions are going unfilled because candidates simply lack the know-how needed to do the job. What can manufacturers do to bust popular myths, correct the talent shortfall and fill the much-needed positions? 

Recently, MHI’s Young Professionals Network (MHIYPN) hosted webinar, Secret to Projecting Confidence in Any Situation presented by Nancy Ancowitz, author of Self-Promotion for Introverts. Nancy presented techniques for projecting an aura of confidence that works in any circumstance, especially when you’re in the hot seat with demanding bosses and colleagues. Here are five impactful takeaways that will elevate your confidence and open new doors in your career.

Women add value and diversity to the supply chain industry. However, it takes a conscious effort by workplace leaders to attract and keep these employees. MHI View just released a new video on strategies for making your business more appealing to women.