Industry Trends

Decision Intelligence Data Platforms Help Companies Optimize Operations BY NICK FORTUNA Supply chain executives are bullish on the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and improve decision-making, but to fully unlock the power of AI, companies need to put a laser focus on their data. It has been said that data is the lifeblood of AI, as it ...

Industry Focus BY TOM GRESHAM The pharmaceutical supply chain saw itself thrust into the spotlight during the pandemic. As a result, there is now a growing appreciation for its importance. “It’s something that people are getting a better grasp of,” said Perry Fri, executive vice president, industry relations and member services, Healthcare Distribution Alliance and COO, HDA Research Foundation. “People ...

CEO Update According to the 2024 MHI Annual Industry Report, the biggest supply chain trends include AI, robotics, automation, cybersecurity and sustainability. The common theme for all these trends is the growing need for transparent, data-driven supply chains. This is no easy task, and you can’t get there without a commitment to data integrity, an innovative workforce culture and supplier ...

Executive Viewpoint BY SCOTT SUMMERVILLE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC AUTOMATION, INC. There was a time when I thought the business end of work was all that mattered, and personal relationships weren’t as important. It was immature and naïve, and I was young. It’s been a journey since then, and I’m fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to do some ...

The 11th edition of the MHI Annual Industry Report found increased investment in human-centric, collaborative technologies that empower workers to be more productive and make better decisions. BY SARA PEARSON SPECTER Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation have dominated the supply chain technology adoption conversation over the past year. Recognition of their ability to enhance resilience amid unpredictability and improve ...

The 12th Annual MHI Innovation Awards saw strong entries across four categories, including the inaugural Best Innovation in Sustainability competition, at MODEX 2024. BY GREG BAER, DIRECTOR OF SALES, MHI Of the hundreds of solutions that filled all three of the Georgia World Congress Center’s exhibition halls during MODEX 2024, four supply chain and material handling solutions stood out among ...

Pandemic-era bottlenecks, soaring geopolitical tensions and other factors have ushered in a new era of globalization as manufacturers bring production closer to where their products will be consumed and create lower-cost, more resilient supply chains. South of the U.S. border, Mexico’s nearshoring boom presents a treasure trove of opportunities as demand for material handling and logistics solutions grows. BY DAVID ...

By the Numbers No. 1 Mexico’s standing as the leading source of U.S. imports after overtaking China in 2023 $475 billion Value of goods imported into the U.S. from Mexico last year $798 billion Total value of U.S.-Mexico trade, making Mexico the largest trading partner of the U.S. $36 billion Foreign direct investment in Mexico in 2023 $300 billion Value ...

Feature BY MARY LOU JAY Sci-fi films may portray artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat to humanity, but in the real world of supply chain, AI provides many benefits to the humans who interact with it. As a powerful decision-making tool, AI helps workers be more effective and more productive. The term AI encompasses many related technologies, including machine learning ...

55% say they are increasing their investment in supply chain tech and innovation and 42% are planning to invest over $10 million A new report released by MHI and Deloitte finds that 55% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments, with 88% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million. Forty-two percent plan ...