MHI Blog — In a just-awarded patent, Google outlined a strategy to ensure that autonomous and remote-controlled robots in a distribution center/warehouse facilities aren't overloaded as they move materials and product.



The patent outlines a series of robots that could be used in a distribution facility or warehouse, and a system for controlling how quickly they move and accelerate to ensure that they can safely load and unload. According to the patent: "Example systems may involve automated loading and/or unloading of boxes and/or other objects, such as into storage containers or to and from delivery vehicles."

Global Trade — Call it a race to the finish. After nearly a decade of construction, the widened Panama Canal is slated to open this June-an action that has spurred ports around the globe to take measures to prepare for the world's biggest ships. Whether deepening their harbor channels, renovating their terminal facilities or remaining confident in their ability to handle Post-Panamax ships, below is the latest update in preparations of many of the ports affected by the expanded locks.

The Wall Street Journal — The proverbial hum on the factory floor is growing louder as a new generation of tiny wireless devices called beacons peppered throughout factories communicate a steady stream of information plant managers can use.



From guiding the tools that customize cars to warning people when they are entering a hazardous area, beacons promise to increase productivity, quality control and safety. "There are a huge range of applications for beacons in manufacturing," says  Stephen Statler, a technology consultant.

Quartz — "OK Google, load up those packages for delivery and ready the drone."



In a patent awarded to Google today, the company outlined a theoretical strategy for ensuring that autonomous and remote-controlled robots in a warehouse facility aren't overloaded as they move cargo around the warehouse. As far as we're aware, Google hasn't said that it's working on any robots like the ones in the patent.

MHI Blog — Innovation is transforming traditional, linear supply chains into ones that are more connected, intelligent, scalable, nimble—and digital.

The Wall Street Journal — Online shoppers who are already pushing retailers to give more for less are about to get even more demanding, a new survey shows. In its latest survey of over 1,000 U.S. consumers, supply chain consulting firm AlixPartners LLP found that consumers expect to wait an average of 4.8 days for delivery, down from 5.5 days in 2012.

Inverse — Sisyphus has nothing on DHL warehouse employees, so help of the robot variety is a welcome addition.



The German logistics company announced today the successful conclusion of a pilot program aimed at testing the effectiveness of using robots to help out the people working in their warehouses.

MHI Blog — Alan Amling presents a fascinating TED Talk where he imagines the future of delivery in our new on-demand economy. He calls this the "my way highway" as a result of consumer driven demand, customization and desire for instant gratification. As Alan paints a picture of the future he takes elements from traditional manufacturing and adapts them to the "my consumer hand" in a way that lowers inventory, costs, and time spent in transportation.

Supply Chain Management Review — The MAPI Foundation - the research affiliate of Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation - notes that supply chain pressures are becoming a transforming influence behind automation. Automation use by competitors, customers, and suppliers were three of the top five drivers of automation investment over the past five years, inferring a supply chain and industry influence on this business decision.

Ebnonline — The increased expectations of consumers, combined with the availability of ubiquitous technology, are changing the way today's electronics supply chains function. Business to business electronic integration (B2Bi) platforms that support and enhance collaboration are joining the list of must-have technologies.

MHL News — Global demand for e-commerce fulfillment centers and distribution centers fueled a 2.8% year-over-year increase in prime logistics rents globally, according to CBRE's Global Prime Logistics Rentsreport. Conversely, urban areas with larger land supplies are showing the lowest rents, including U.S. hubs like Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth and Atlanta.

Ebnonline — The days where paper, pencil or even an Excel spreadsheet is the key tools for supply chain management are long gone.  Even a computer has become equivalent to old school in the current landscape that boasts omnipresent connectivity, data stored in the cloud, and access to information and analysis using a smartphone.  Technology is both making the supply chain more complex and supporting better, faster operation. 

Industryweek — The report, "The New Landscape in American Manufacturing," cites my company, Pratt & Whitney, the 90-year old jet engine manufacturing unit of United Technologies, as one example, as well as Boeing, Caterpillar and Ford. 



The report found that these companies continue to be successful because they embraced the practice of continuous improvement, enabling them to weather the disruption caused by globalization and digitization that caught fire and impacted so many old-line companies in the 1990s and still does into the second decade of the 21st century.

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.

Industrial Distribution — Quite often, even among well-run businesses, the actual costs of inventory are inaccurate, underestimated and incomplete. While most resellers know they have dead inventory, many are unaware of just how much. Our experience, supported by other studies, shows that in even well-run companies, anywhere from 20-30 percent of inventory is dead or obsolete.



While that is huge and alone could have devastating ramifications for a business, how does one calculate the real costs to determine the hit that your business is facing?

Supply Chain Management Review — Strategic sourcing in general provides the policies, guidelines and processes for operative sourcing, i.e. purchasing. So, what is strategic about sourcing?

MHL News — New international standards to protect those working in global supply chains, was made at the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva on June 10. "The ILC has recommended - and empowered - this vital UN body, the ILO, to act to protect countless workers worldwide," said ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) general secretary Steve Cotton.