MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
IN THE FAST‑EVOLVING world of material handling, the Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) industry group of MHI is focused on collaboration, education and innovation. With over 60 member companies spanning original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), component suppliers, integrators and end users, CSS is where ideas are exchanged, challenges are tackled and the future of intralogistics is shaped.
“We’re really focused on creating a collaborative space for people who are passionate about conveyor and sortation systems,” Allison Myers, Chair of CSS and director of marketing and communications at MHI member Fives, said. “From manufacturers and OEMs to vendor partners and end users, we’re all part of the same chain. CSS helps us learn from each other, grow together and build smarter systems.”
Smart conveyor systems have been challenged by the diversity of products flowing through warehouses today.
A VOICE FOR THE CUSTOMER
One of CSS’s top priorities is amplifying the voice of the customer. “We’re building a pipeline of end users to connect with our members,” Mike Drolet, first vice chair of CSS and global director of industry development at MHI member Murrelektronik, said. “Our members have told us that’s at the top of their priority list, bringing the customer’s voice into the room.”
To do so, CSS has brought together end users and speakers “to help us understand the problems they’re trying to solve,” Myers said. “We can put our heads together and develop more flexible, efficient systems that introduce automation and solve real‑world challenges.”
RETHINKING THE LAST MILE
As e‑commerce continues to reshape consumer expectations, CSS members are reimagining how conveyor and sortation systems can adapt. “We’re moving from fixed systems to compact, flexible automation that can fit into brownfield facilities and get closer to the last mile,” Myers said. “It’s not just about sorting standard parcels anymore. People are buying everything online, from furniture to canoes. That’s created challenges for all of us.”
Drolet said that many warehouses still operate with little to no automation. “We’re not expecting every facility to automate overnight, but there are hurdles, technical and commercial, that our members are trying to solve. We’re focused on making those solutions tangible and actionable.”
Conveyor and sortation systems must adapt to changing technology demands.
EDUCATION AND MARKET INTELLIGENCE
CSS is investing heavily in education, especially for smaller businesses that may find automation intimidating. “We’re launching new web pages to help buyers understand conveyor and sortation systems,” Myers said. “It’s a safe space to get educated, see what’s available and learn how to get started.”
On the intelligence front, CSS provides both qualitative and quantitative market research to its members. “We tailor reports through our Annual Conference and Spring Meeting,” Drolet said. “We work with analytics groups to make sure the data is relevant and actionable.”
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