MHI Industry News
   
Hawker Powersource, Inc.
   
Top Story
How AI Optimizes Supply Chain Decision-Making
  
AI encompasses many related technologies, including machine learning and generative AI, that simulate human thinking and problem-solving. It can be seen as the next step in the evolution of predictive and prescriptive analytics. As a powerful decision-making tool AI can help supply chain workers be more effective and more productive.
Fresh food is the key to growth for grocery retailers
Cimcorp®
High-quality fresh food is essential for grocery retailers' growth plans. Automation provides an efficient, scalable solution for tackling manual handling issues and labor challenges. By integrating advanced technology with the right strategic partner, retailers can optimize ROI, safety, and scalability to meet increasing consumer demand.
Automation improves efficiency & customer satisfaction in DC’s
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MHI Updates
The Relentless Rise of Cybercrime
  
As the growing risk of cyberattacks takes center stage for supply chains, the need to adapt and strengthen your business defenses is critical. Organizations of all sizes face the challenge of navigating a constantly shifting landscape, where looming risks vary from sophisticated state-sponsored cyberattacks to opportunistic malware. The upcoming MHI Cybersecurity Workshop will cover this topic in a series of webinars simulating a cyberattack and response as well as critical resources to help companies establish a comprehensive cybersecurity program.
WERC Texas Warehousing Conference Coming to Dallas in October
The Texas Warehousing Resource Conference offers the perfect stage for logistics professionals to network with warehousing experts and explore cutting-edge advancements. Located at the Grapevine Convention Center on October 22, this event welcomes both seasoned veterans and newcomers.
MHI Leadership Program Equips Leaders with Tools for Success
Helping companies build strong leaders—and ultimately retain and nurture top talent—is the purpose of the MHI Industry Leadership Program. Targeted to leaders at the outset of their new roles, the program helps them grow their leadership skills and expertise while providing a broad perspective of the supply chain and material handling industry. 
Storage Manufacturers Work to Integrate with New Innovations
Autonomous mobile robots in distribution facilities are “the future”—and members of MHI’s Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) are working to make their products compatible with this emerging technology.
   
Pflow Industries, Inc.
      
FOX IV Technologies, Inc.
   
Technology and Innovation
Supply Chain Technologies that Empower Human Workforce
  
AI, robotics and automation have dominated the supply chain technology adoption conversation over the past year. Recognition of their ability to enhance resilience amid unpredictability and improve environmental responsibility has contributed to companies’ increased investment in these innovative solutions. Now, supply chain organizations are focusing on leveraging these technologies in a human-centric, collaborative way that empowers workers to be more productive and make better decisions.
Four Companies Honored for Supply Chain Innovation
  
Of the hundreds of solutions that filled all three of the Georgia World Congress Center’s exhibition halls during MODEX 2024, four supply chain solutions stood out among the 193 entries to MHI’s 12th Annual Innovation Awards competition. Honors were awarded to Slip Robotics for Best New Innovation; ForwardX Robotics for Best Innovation of an Existing Product; Configura for Best Information Technology (IT) Innovation; and Avery Dennison for Best New Innovation in Sustainability, an award making its debut at MODEX.
The Benefits of Blending Warehouse Automation Technologies in your Operations
Automation has become commonplace in today’s distribution centers. From traditional conveyance and sortation to more leading-edge AS/RS and robotics, supply chain analysts predict continued growth and expansion in the coming years. Drivers for automation are many, with labor availability, retention, and cost at the top of most lists. 
Finding the Right Balance: Traditional vs. Modern Technologies in Warehousing
When comparing traditional conveyor systems to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) it’s important to consider the specific needs and objectives of your warehouse operations. While traditional conveyors offer reliability and efficiency for certain applications, AMRs provide flexibility and adaptability to dynamic warehouse environments. Ultimately, a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both technologies may offer the most comprehensive solution for optimizing productivity and efficiency in warehouse operations.
Streamline Your Document Insertion!
Baumfolder Corporation®
Baumfolder Document Insertion Systems increase accuracy, efficiency, throughput, while reducing labor cost and downtime.  Variable features include Print - Gather - Fold - Verification and Insert.   Baumfolder listens to your needs and provides customers with a solution that fits your needs. 
See us at MODEX 2024 booth # A10522.
Click here for a video
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Sustainability
Prioritizing Safety in Lithium-Ion Battery Expansion
MHI’s Advanced Energy Council (AEC) is an industry group that represents companies that produce, implement and support advanced energy technologies and accessories. Safety is a focus of the group’s efforts. Lithium-ion batteries are the focus of the AEC group. While the batteries represent a relatively new energy source, they are growing in popularity as a sustainable, safe option for powering such material handling equipment as forklifts and autonomous mobile robots
   
InCord
      
Royal Basket Trucks, LLC
   
Supply Chain Trends
Food and Beverage Field Is Ready to Adopt a Growth Mindset
  
As the world grows, global agricultural systems are challenged to produce ingredients and ultimately food, beverages and fuel to meet local and personal preferences. Those in the field are feeling new confidence in a growth mindset to meet these needs by evolving our supply chains to be responsive, flexible, agile and efficient.
Using Automation to Optimize Labor in the Cold Chain
Amid a prolonged labor shortage, many have struggled to hire and retain sufficient manpower, but that task is even more challenging in cold-chain operations where frigid temperatures can erode employee morale. Automation can help bridge the gap.
Introducing fitPACK 500 Right-sized Packaging System
Tension Corporation®
With capabilities to adjust package length, width and height, the fitPACK 500 can create a package according to product dimensions, yielding smaller, right-sized packages that lead to lower shipping costs. Click to learn more on why fitPACK 500 is the perfect fit for your order fulfillment operations.
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Agilox
      
NORD Gear Corporation
   
Workforce
Gartner Survey Finds Significant DEI Advances in Supply Chains 
If you read the headlines over the past year, you might have believed that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts had fallen out of favor with corporations. Not true—at least not within supply chains. According to Gartner, 49% of these organizations have established formal DEI objectives. That’s a 22-point increase over the survey’s 2022 findings.
Global Trade
Potential for Manufacturing and Growth for Second Half of 2024
Global manufacturing and growth were under significant pressure in 2023 and early 2024. But the prospects for the second half of 2024 are more favorable. Despite elevated interest rates, U.S. and Chinese manufacturing PMIs picked up in late Q1 2024, hinting at more upside ahead this year. 
3 Ways to Take Advantage of Seasonal Shifts in Manufacturing
While a summer slowdown might be natural for many businesses, it doesn’t necessarily mean that manufacturing operations must come to a standstill. There are steps that can address these historically slower operational periods, including routine preventative maintenance checks, assessing current infrastructure, and exploring new investments to stay ahead of the curve.