Global Trends

Businesses are encouraged to be sensitive to privacy rights and issue during background checks, but where is the line? By Fiona Soltes Today’s tight job market creates all sorts of challenges—including the issue of background checks. Include them, and possibly scare off otherwise suitable candidates? Avoid them, and risk a problematic hire? And what of the often murky waters of ...

Because it provides a safe, yet highly realistic, environment in which to train employees, virtual reality training is increasingly being embraced within supply chains. * By Morgan Pettrone * Because it provides a safe yet highly realistic environment in which to train employees—particularly those learning to safely execute potentially dangerous tasks—virtual reality (VR) training is increasingly being embraced within specific ...

Most breakthroughs in the automotive industry impact the material handling side of this industry, but some trends have a more direct impact—such as sensors and self-driving options. * By Sandy Smith * There is no doubt that the automotive industry is shifting gears—and quite dramatically. At year’s end, a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) announced significant changes in their ...

CEO UPDATE: Data-Driven Supply Chains—Risk Versus Big Reward * By George W. Prest, Chief Executive Officer, MHI  * We can all agree that the risk of becoming a technology laggard is fraught with peril. From the famous Kodak story to more recent examples like Borders, Blockbuster and Toys “R” Us, there are many cases of major brands that failed because ...

Next generation (Next-Gen) technologies are being explored for their potential to bring competitive advantage to supply chains as companies cope with the leading operational challenges of increasing customer demands and a shortage of qualified workers. * By Carol Miller * As covered in the fifth annual MHI Annual Industry Report—released at MODEX 2018 last April—11 different next generation (NextGen) technologies ...

Just as the “Holy Grail” has long been sought after for its great significance, supply chain leaders are eternally looking for a Holy Grail specific to their needs—real time, end-to-end visibility for making decisions. * By Doug Reed * Merriam-Webster defines the term “Holy Grail” as “an object or goal that is sought after for its great significance.” And what ...

AGV technologies are going to be more adaptable and better able to improve efficiency, especially when it comes to their ability to support customization. * By Nick Fortuna * Working in a refrigerated warehouse or distribution center should not mean employees have to be as tough as NFL players who take the field in the middle of winter wearing short ...

Blockchain is starting to make its way into the food industry, and it is making a big impact. * By Sandy Smith * In recent years, fruits, vegetables and meat products have all been susceptible to some sort of scare. And for good reason. Each year, one in 10 Americans is sickened by food, and 400,000 die. Tracking down the ...

Get a preview of the largest manufacturing and supply chain event of 2019—ProMat—coming to Chicago’s McCormick Place April 8-11. Read More…

At the 2018 MHI Executive Summit and Annual Conference, attendees heard from industry visionaries including Gerd Leonard, Ritchie Etwaru, John Sileo, Eric Chester and John Ellis on topics ranging from cybersecurity, blockchain and the workforce crisis. MHI Industry Group meetings and conference sessions gave attendees insights into the latest trends and NextGen technologies impacting our industry. Networking Events Attendees enjoyed ...