Technology

Thought Leaders to Turn MHI Annual Industry Report Findings into Actionable Strategies * By Doug Reed, MHI Executive Vice President of Strategic Development * When MHI plans the content for the yearly Executive Summit and Annual Conference events (to be held on October 14-17, 2018 at JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL), we build the agenda of speakers and ...

Security, Customization and Cost-Effectiveness Are Critical in Aerospace Supply Chain * By Sheryl S. Jackson * The global aerospace and defense sector revenues grew by 2.4 percent to $674.4 billion in 2016, slightly above the estimated global domestic product growth of 2.3 percent, according to a report by Deloitte. Although commercial aerospace manufacturers have been the major driver in industry ...

A shift to more widespread use of artificial intelligence and machine learning promises to streamline supply chain operations. By Nick Fortuna— November 11, 2017, is a date that sticks in the mind of Jim Tompkins, chief executive of MHI member Tompkins International, and he’s working hard to make the events of that day commonplace in the supply chain industry. Two ...

Automation not only delivers ROI, it enhances supply chain jobs and increases worker satisfaction. By Fiona Soltes— A variety of factors are converging to bolster the ROI for automation. Beyond the present and future state of the workforce, the ever-increasing technological sophistication, and the growing understanding that supply chain operations must be faster, more efficient, more accurate and more transparent ...

After receiving a record 111 submissions for this year’s MHI Innovation Awards, five judges comprised of professionals from the material handling and supply chain industry completed the initial vetting process. Four finalists were chosen as the most innovative products in each category – Best New Innovation; Best Innovation of an Existing Product; and Best IT Innovation based on concept, value, ...

CEO UPDATE: Smart, Connected Operations Are the Future of Supply Chains — By George W. Prest Let’s talk about your company’s futureproof strategy to meet the challenges and opportunities of implementing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) into your manufacturing and supply chain operations. Oh, wait. You’re not sure where to start? You’re not alone. According to preliminary results from ...

How the amazon effect is transforming B2B supply chains. By Mary Lou Jay— Amazon’s emergence as a retail powerhouse has transformed the entire consumer shopping industry and its supply chain. Omni-channel has become the rule; no matter how consumers shop for their goods—online, in store, by phone, at home or on the move—they expect visibility and a consistent experience throughout ...

As traffic in cities increases, strategic urban logistics planning that leverages technology to combat congestion, noise and pollution will be key. By Brian Reaves— Although still very much in its infancy, developments within Smart City Logistics continue to occur as municipalities, businesses and academia explore the ways connected technologies can help urban areas address the increasing challenges of congestion, noise ...

Six experts provide answers to five key questions about IIoT and cyber security. By Carol Miller— If you’re in manufacturing, supply chain, material handling or logistics, you’ve probably heard the terms “Internet of Things (IoT),” “Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)” and “Industry 4.0” bandied about with increasing frequency over the last 24 to 36 months. Although the terms are often ...

Current innovations in last mile delivery echo successful strategies of the past. By Sarah B. Hood— Sometimes it seems like we’re living in the world of The Jetsons, the 1960s television cartoon series that predicted robotic maids, flying cars, drones and 3-D printed food. But as change sweeps across the supply chain, many innovations are actually a replay of successful ...