When the Terminator movies hit the big screen in the early 1990’s, it was man versus machine as the human resistance battled robots sent back in time to eradicate it from the world. Fortunately, today’s industrial robots resemble nothing of James Cameron’s infamous robot assassins.

In fact, innovations such as robotics and automation have paved the way for more efficient, productive, and intelligent industrial operations. And with these technological advancements comes the increasingly pervasive Internet of Things (IoT), which delivers increased data and sharing communication that Microsoft estimates could lead to $90 billion in added value for manufacturers annually.

Brent Beabout, senior vice president, e-commerce supply chain, Wal-Mart com. and Sam’s.com was a keynoter at MHI’s recent 2014 Annual Conference.

After his speech, he sat down with DC Velocity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Wal-Mart as it raises its e-commerce profile, and the role its supply chain will play in the strategy.

Seven MHI member companies were recently named as recipients of the 2014 Green Supply Chain Awards. MHI members recognized for their supply chain sustainability efforts are: Crown Equipment Corp. enVista; HighJump Software; Invata Intralogistics; W&H Systems; Westfalia Technologies; Wynright Corp., a Daifuku Webb Company.

When ProMat 2015 opens on March 23 it will include not only 800 exhibits from the industry’s leading solution providers, but also a comprehensive Educational Conference of over 100 sessions that focus on what’s next in best-in-class solutions for manufacturing and supply chain operations.

The ProMat Conference will include four keynotes, 100 show floor seminars and a Workforce Summit. 

MHI Member The Raymond Corporation is commemorating the 75th anniversary of two inventions that revolutionized the material handling industry: the hydraulic hand pallet truck and double-faced wooden pallet. These innovations were developed by George Raymond, Sr., founder of Raymond, and William House, the first engineer for Raymond, and patented on Nov. 7, 1939.

ProMat 2015 is just four months away which brings us even closer to meeting The Woz! Steve Wozniak (AKA The Woz), Cofounder of Apple & Founder, Chairman, & CEO of Wheels of Zeus, is a legend in the IT industry and will be speaking at ProMat 2015 on Wednesday, March 25th.

He will be engaging in a fireside chat with DC Velocity Group Editorial Director Mitch Mac Donald, titled "What’s Next – The Future of Technology." The Woz will share his views on the latest iPhones, smartwatches, and the state of technology and risk in America. He will also make compelling technology predictions and investment strategies for Big Data, robotics, automation and more.

The rush to Asia in the past decade promised major cost reduction for supply chains, but financial gains for many corporations have been short-lived according to a new study by The University of Tennessee’s Global Supply Chain Institute (GSCI).  The study uncovers the downsides of outsourcing by putting the complexity and risk of the global environment into context.

GE recently announced that it will build a new manufacturing facility to drive innovation and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies across GE industrial businesses.

2015 will be a big year for manufacturing and supply chain professionals. MHI will celebrate its 70th anniversary with the largest ProMat ever in March, but that’s just the beginning.

In the supply chain getting the best out of your employees is essential to working as a well oiled machine. Many people struggle at work to stay motivated and reach their full potential. How do you keep your team on track and inspire high quality performance? Here are a few things you can do as a leader to influence your team and generate positive results.

Ergonomic Solutions for Retailers is now available from the Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE) Council of MHI. Designed for retailers and safety experts, this NIOSH booklet has a goal to prevent MMH (manual material handling) injuries in grocery stores.

MHI member and automated material handling solutions provider Intelligrated is one of many companies to use the content of the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling and Logistics as a source for its strategic planning.

The Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. is a charitable organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting the study of material handling, logistics, and supply chain; exposing students to the vast array of opportunities in manufacturing and the supply chain. 

In overviewing the capabilities required to support the explosive—and certain to continue—growth of e-commerce to 2025 (and beyond), the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics discusses the need for retailers to develop omni-channel distribution facilities.