MHI Blog — Although more than 11 million people work in the supply chain-representing 8.6 percent of the nation's workforce- a shortage of skilled workers persists. An estimated 600,000 manufacturing positions in the United States are unfilled for a lack of qualified workers. Further, the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics predicts that by 2018 there will be 1.4 million new jobs in the field.

The Wall Street Journal — At one of the busiest shipping terminals in the U.S., more than two dozen giant red robots wheeled cargo containers along the docks on a recent morning, handing the boxes off to another set of androids gliding along long rows of stacked containers before smoothly setting the boxes down in precise spots. 

Industryweek — Supply Chains are already complex as they are - why on earth would we want to extend them? Because it's an end-consumer driven economy. We expect to purchase products and services through multiple channels and of course we want to have these products delivered the same day. Of course the product is individualized based on my specific requirements, and yes, it goes without saying, that the products need to be compliant to regulations and standards.

MHL News — Nearly nine out of 10 (86%) of sustainability executives surveyed believe that circular economy will be important to their business two years from now, nearly double from two years ago when just 47% felt them important, according to findings of the 2016 UPS/GreenBiz Circular Economy Research Study released March 22. 

MHI Blog — Get the most out of your trip to MODEX (held April 4-7 in Atlanta) by visiting some of Atlanta's top restaurants and attractions. From fine dining to museums, history and wildlife, Atlanta has something to offer everyone. Here are some must-see attractions that make Atlanta one of the most popular destinations in the Southeast.

Industryweek — Last year supply chains across the world faced a number of challenges. One of the largest issues was damages caused by cargo theft, an amount estimated at $22.6 billion, according to BSI's Supply Chain Risk Exposure Evaluation Network.

Supplychain247 — According to the latest market research study released by Technavio, the global material handling robotics market is expected to exceed $20 billion by 2019, growing at a CAGR of more than 8% during the forecast period. The report segments the global material handling robotics market by end-user and can be divided into five broad categories: automotive, chemical, industrial machinery, food and beverage, and electrical and electronics.

The Wall Street Journal — A group of logistics entrepreneurs is launching a Silicon Valley-style accelerator for supply-chain technology startups, aiming to draw new investment and talent to the freight business.



The founders say they will run the Dynamo program alongside a $12 million logistics venture fund in Chattanooga, Tenn. The accelerator will have a $3 million budget raised from the fund and other partners to put toward startups focused on logistics-oriented technologies such as autonomous-truck operations, drones and software.

Modern Materials Handling — A new study by the MAPI Foundation provides compelling statistical evidence on the importance that capital investment and educated labor have on productivity performance. The study analyzed productivity growth in a range of manufacturing subsectors over the past 25 years, exploring. In particular, the study looked for ways that manufacturers who have already invested in capital equipment can increase productivity and innovation.

EBN — From November 2014 until February 2015, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) was engaged in a protracted labor dispute with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), the organization responsible for negotiating labor agreements covering the 29 West Coast ports. Collectively, the West Coast ports account for 43.5% of U.S. trade and more than 70% of imports from Asia.



For a full six months after an agreement was reached to end the West Coast Shutdown, many carriers and shippers continued to feel the effects of inventory buildup, and the ratio of inventories to final sales remained unsustainably high. The shutdown highlighted the fragility of the global supply chain, the dependence of logistics companies on the West Coast gateway and the need for technology to improve port efficiency.

Supplychain247 — Dynamo, a first-of-its-kind accelerator program opens applications to companies in the $1 trillion logistics industry to change the face of supply chain management with entry into its accelerator program, now accepting applications through May 8, 2016. 

MHL News — A spate of accidents involving scissor lifts has caused the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue a hazard alert outlining employers' obligations and preventive measures. Scissor lifts aren't just used in warehousing; they also are common in the construction, retail, entertainment and manufacturing industries, among others.

Industryweek — The supply chain is undergoing tremendous change. Once a complicated, siloed bundle of functions ranging from manufacturing to production and delivery, the supply chain is now extended to reflect the importance of networks to the modern business. These networks not only connect businesses to each other, but they also connect businesses to their customers.

Modern Materials Handling — SAP is the market-leading ERP, and the go-to choice for companies seeking to streamline their operational processes. SAP is the market-leading ERP, and the go-to choice for companies seeking to streamline their operational processes. For SAP users in the supply chain, there are two offerings when it comes to warehousing and fulfillment: Having one of these modules isn't always enough to ensure success.

MHI’s new Career Forum  enables manufacturing and supply chain professionals to view current job postings of MHI member companies. Go to http://www.mhi.org/careers to find the perfect opportunity for you.