Features

Industry Focus BY TOM GRESHAM The food and beverage industry is a complex one. In the words of Bobby J. Martens, associate professor of economics at Iowa State University, “Food is both global and uniquely local and personal.” It also carries with it distinctive demands that are fast evolving in a rapidly changing world, and the supply chain is at ...

MHI.ORG/CONFERENCE OCTOBER 13-16, 2024JW MARRIOTT MARCO ISLAND BEACH RESORTMARCO ISLAND, FL START CONNECTING The 2024 MHI Annual Conference is an interactive thought leadership event for manufacturing, material handling and supply chain professionals that focuses on the technology innovation taking place across the supply chain industry—and the associated workforce challenges highlighted in the 2024 MHI Annual Industry Report. By attending, you will ...

BY JASON SCHENKER, PRESIDENT OF PRESTIGE ECONOMICS®, CHAIRMAN OF THE FUTURIST INSTITUTE® Critical sustainability developments have occurred this year for companies in the supply chain, logistics and material handling industries. At the top of the list is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule on emissions, which after being approved was put on hold while litigation plays out. Additionally, global ...

DEI Feature BY CHRISTY DULA, CHIEF EXPERIENCE & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, MHI If you read the headlines over the past year, you might have believed that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts had fallen out of favor with corporations. “Pop Goes the DEI Bubble,” pronounced The Wall Street Journal. “DEI is Dead,” declared Fortune. “DEI Goes Quiet,” asserted The New ...

WERC Matters Designed to help emerging leaders hone their management skills, the program builds confidence and connections with industry peers and seasoned mentors. BY MICHAEL MIKITKA, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MHI’S KNOWLEDGE VALUE CENTER AND WERC Most companies consider their employees to be their biggest asset. With the ongoing workforce hiring and retention challenges facing supply chains, many are realizing ...

Higher Education A logistical challenge for retailers and a business opportunity for the material handling industry BY JENNIFER PAZOUR AND JOYJIT BHOWMICK, RESEARCHERS, RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In 2020, about 40% of Americans tried an online grocery service, resulting in a year-over-year increase of 193%.1 While not all these customers kept shopping this way, many people did. Consequently, omnichannel services, such ...

MHI Solutions Community BY CHRISTIAN DOW, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP AND INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP, MHI When professional football players take the field in subzero weather conditions wearing short-sleeved jerseys and no extra layers, they’re touting their toughness. But in reality, they’ve got nothing on the dedicated warehouse workers who handle refrigerated and frozen products day in and day out. It’s ...

Transforming Last Mile Delivery with Real-Time Visibility, Technology and Data Integration BY SARA PEARSON SPECTER In supply chain, perhaps no question is asked more often than “where’s my stuff?” From ocean freight aboard transport ships, ports and inbound logistics via rail or tractor trailer, to receiving at the warehouse or distribution center for crossdocking or put away into stored inventory, ...

DEI Feature BY CHRISTIAN DOW, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP AND INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP, MHI Unconscious biases (also called implicit biases) are the engrained social stereotypes about other people or groups that everyone carries without being aware of them. These attitudes can be related to age, race, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, appearance, political affiliation and many other attributes. Why does ...

Higher Education BY JOANNA LEON, CICMHE MANAGING DIRECTOR In today’s fast-paced world, efficient material handling is crucial for thriving industries. Whether it’s manufacturing, warehousing or logistics, organizations rely on effective handling and management of materials to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve productivity. MHI’s College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE) plays a vital role in driving advancement in ...