Tag Archives: supply chain

The AI Shift Continues

BY CHRISTIAN DOW, EVP OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP, MHI When did you first notice the shift toward artificial intelligence (AI)? Perhaps during the COVID‑19 pandemic? Or maybe even earlier than that—as far back as 10 years ago or more? The answers to these questions will likely vary according to your distribution center or warehouse. But regardless of where your distribution center ...

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Risk Radar

How AI Helps Supply Chains Predict and Mitigate Disruptions   BY CAROL BRZOZOWSKI THE WORLD OF supply chains looks radically different from what it was a few years ago, according to Aadil Kazmi, head of artificial intelligence (AI) at MHI member Infios. He noted that while software systems built over the past three decades remain resilient, data‑driven optimizers capable of ...

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U.S. Economic Outlook for 2026: Cautious Optimism for Opportunities Ahead

Economic Market Analysis BY JASON SCHENKER, PRESIDENT OF PRESTIGE ECONOMICS® AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FUTURIST INSTITUTE® THE U.S. ECONOMY enters 2026 with renewed momentum for further upside, following a year of on‑trend improvements across the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Throughout much of 2025, both the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) and MHI Business Activity ...

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Ergonomics Plays a Critical but Sometimes Overlooked Role in Automation

BY TOM GRESHAM AUTOMATION IS HELPING to create safer material handling workplaces. However, humans still play a vital role in these environments, and overlooking their involvement can create safety risks without proper care and oversight. That is especially true for ergonomic‑related risks. “We know that it’s difficult to find talent today, so we have to keep the talent that we ...

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The Smart Warehouse

Top Automation Trends Reshaping Logistics in 2026   BY SARA PEARSON SPECTER   WAREHOUSING HAS ALWAYS been about balancing cost, speed and accuracy. But in 2026, the equation is changing. Facing persistent labor shortages, unpredictable demand, and pressure to deliver faster with fewer errors, logistics leaders are turning to smart automation technologies that not only execute tasks but also anticipate, ...

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Third‑Party Logistics Providers Are at the Center of a Changing Supply Chain

Industry Focus BY TOM GRESHAM THIRD‑PARTY LOGISTICS providers, often known as 3PLs, play a vital role in the global supply chain, bringing much‑needed perspective to their clients. Shippers tend to be locked in on their own corners of the marketplace—and with good reason. 3PLs offer a broader view to consider. “As 3PLs, we often see different industries and how one ...

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The Overhead Alliance Packs a Mighty Marketing Punch for Three MHI Industry Groups

BY KATIE KUEHNER‑HEBERT THREE GROUPS COMBINING their marketing muscle pack a much greater punch than working separately. The Overhead Alliance does just that for three MHI industry groups—the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA) and Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI). These three industry groups have many related products and business interests, serve similar industries and potentially even ...

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The Role of Sustainability for Manufacturing and Material Handling in 2026

BY JASON SCHENKER, PRESIDENT OF PRESTIGE ECONOMICS® AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FUTURIST INSTITUTE®   SANSOEN SAENGSAKAORAT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM SUSTAINABILITY HAS BEEN a growing priority in manufacturing and supply chain circles in recent years. It has been the focus of policy discussions, investor reports, corporate strategy decks and MHI presentations. However, throughout this year, the conversation about sustainability seems to have shifted with ...

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Conveyor and Sortation Systems Industry Group Future Focused

Product Spotlight   BY SANDY SMITH 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 ...

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MODEX 2026 Preview

MORE RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAINS START HERE. It’s time to gain a new perspective on what’s new and what’s next for your supply chain operations. As the largest manufacturing and supply chain event in 2026, MODEX showcases supply chains from every angle. The unique combination of hands‑on product and technology demonstrations, education and face‑to‑face connections makes MODEX the can’t‑miss experience for ...

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