MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
Inside MHI
The people who work at MHI and its WERC division are the gears that keep the association rolling. They ensure MHI continues to be a valuable association and resource for people involved in the industry and do so with wit, competence and a smile on their face. The goal of this column in MHI Solutions magazine is to give readers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at MHI and “meet” the people who make it a successful hub for everyone involved in the material handling industry.
For this issue, Kai Cianflone gives us a peek into what he does, how he does it, what drives him and what makes him happy after a long, productive day at work.
Kai Cianflone
IT Web Developer
Why were you attracted to MHI and to this industry as a career choice?
I was initially drawn to MHI and the material handling industry because of its rich history and the significant impact the company has had on the industry. MHI’s creation of ProMat and MODEX for their members is particularly inspiring, and I am proud to work for a not-for-profit company that channels revenue from top-tier tradeshows to benefit its members. I am also motivated by the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders and contribute to the growth and development of the field.
What was your first impression of this industry, and has it changed since then?
My first impression of the industry was formed just before ProMat 2023, which was a truly eye-opening experience. Being able to see the tradeshow and glimpse the industry in person was incredible, and my understanding of the industry has since expanded significantly. Witnessing the scale and impact of the industry has inspired me to work on IT projects at MHI that will help further support the industry’s growth.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
As a senior web developer at MHI, I believe that my analytical skills and patience are two key strengths that have helped me excel in my position. Building and improving web properties such as tradeshow websites and apps require a great deal of patience to find the best possible solutions. Collaborating with the MHI IT team also requires analytical skills to take input from various stakeholders and create web apps that engage the industry’s members, industry groups and tradeshow attendees.
What’s a typical day like for you?
On a typical day at the office, I attend a daily standup meeting with the IT team to discuss our ongoing projects, any blockers we might face, and to clear our backlog. I also check for meetings we may have with vendors and other MHI teams. In between meetings, I focus on implementing features and debugging issues with MHI’s web properties.