Episodes

In today’s episode of MHI cast, we chat with experts in the industry about solutions they've created or seen, challenges they’ve noticed, and perceived gaps in the adoption of these technologies.

The idea of using drones for inventory management has been gaining traction in the last few years. Drones present an opportunity to automate what is normally a very intensive manual process, and there are a number of other advantages as well.

We’re in the process of not only recovering economically from a global pandemic but also building a more resilient supply chain. To give industry professionals some insight into current trends, MHI and Deloitte publish the Annual Industry Report, and in this episode of MHI cast, we’re going to go over what members can expect from the 2022 edition.

In this episode of MHI Cast, we speak with the winners of the MODEX Innovation Awards, as presented by MHI. Guests include Jonathan Katz from Veryable, Jack Smylie from Ancra Systems, and Elliot Katz from Phantom Auto. Each guest shares about the innovations their tech has brought to their respective spaces over the past year.

The supply chain continues to digitize with the inclusion of automation in processes, data collection, and even equipment. Mobile automation equipment, like AGVs, is being adopted more readily, helping to ease the burden on an already busy workforce. Today we talk with two experts in the field, who happen to be members of the MAG Industry Group.

Today’s distribution centers are quickly becoming more complex thanks to increased consumer demands and new technologies. Conveyor and sortation systems can streamline operations - giving customers a superior experience. Incorporating these advancements into a facility can allow for faster and more efficient decision-making, meaning, less downtime, and better productivity.

Women play a pivotal role in building the supply chain of the future. From creating and working with innovative solutions to leading and mentoring the next generation of professionals - women in the supply chain industry are consistently pushing the limits of what’s possible. In this episode of MHI Cast, we hear snippets about technology, integration, and leadership from some of these top talents in our industry.

Safety is key to keeping distribution and fulfillment centers up and running, especially now, when there are so many automated solutions. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a manual operation. Safety sensors can help keep employees, machines, and product safe throughout these facilities.

In this special episode of MHI cast, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect in Atlanta at MODEX 2022. John Paxton and Daniel McKinnon join us for this sneak peek.

One of the most recognizable images of the modern supply chain is the autonomous robot. Today’s solutions are often as simple as a robotic arm, designed to pick product quickly and efficiently. It is these innovations we’re here today to discuss.

The loading dock is one of the most important parts of the distribution center. It is there that product arrives and departs. Finding ways to automate and improve operations in that area can help organizations process orders faster, and move goods more efficiently.

Fulfillment and Distribution centers have adapted to the increased demand brought on by floods of e-commerce orders. Now, having transitioned to picking eaches instead of full containers, more flexibility is required from conveyor and sortation solutions if operators want to keep up.

The supply chain is a long and complicated mechanism with many moving parts. From the point of manufacturing to the last 100 feet, this is an industry that has solutions for every touchpoint along the way. In this episode of MHI cast, we’ll be focusing on that last 100 feet as we talk to the Chair and Vice-Chair of MHI’s newest industry group, SLAM – Scan, Label, Apply, Manifest.

The exponential growth of e-commerce and increased demands for faster deliveries has led to micro fulfillment centers becoming more common. These centers are often optimized with automation technologies such as robotics, AGVs, AS/RS systems, and the latest sensors, to make sure everything runs smoothly. In this episode, we have two experts from Leuze talking about micro fulfillment centers and the role that sensors play in them.

When thinking of a modern distribution center, most people will picture a conveyor and sortation system. And while they are truly fascinating on the surface, what lies underneath, controlling the whole operation is equally impressive. Today we’re talking to some members of MHI’s Conveyor & Sortation Systems industry group about what’s under the hood, so to speak.

Technology is always improving, making human workers faster, stronger, and better able to adapt to their environments. Wearable options are being integrated and are designed to help employees work smarter, not harder. In this episode, we’ll be looking at a category of wearable technology that is designed to ease some of the physical aspects of a job, exoskeletons.

As the pool of potential employees continues to shrink, how can you fulfill what appears to be an ever-increasing demand amidst an explosion of e-commerce? In this MHI cast, we speak to three automation experts to find out where you can best deploy solutions to ease your labor needs.

With demands continuing to rise in the supply chain, the picking of orders has become a prime target for innovation. Augmented reality solutions are one of the possibilities operators can use to level up their workforce and make these time-intensive tasks more efficient.

Leadership is an incredibly important skill, which is why MHI created the Industry Leadership Program available for WERC and MHI members who are looking to grow into leadership positions or perhaps are new to the responsibilities involved.

Today we’re speaking with Christoph Bretgeld about a skills-based approach to hiring. Find out what skills are, how you can evaluate them, and why this approach can help you bridge the labor gap.

Customer demands have grown significantly during the pandemic forcing companies to expand their fulfillment capabilities. One solution that has been growing is micro-fulfillment.

Each year WERC partners with DC Velocity to produce the Annual Survey and Report on Industry Metrics so supply chain professionals can see how they measure up to their peers. For 2021, the study was sponsored by Kenco Logistics, Yale, and Optricity. We’re talking with Joe Tillman, Karl Manrodt and Donnie Williams about the key metrics and trends identified in this year’s survey.

The global COVID-19 pandemic had a massive effect on the world prompting disruptions in global supply chains. However, it also allowed for growth in some areas. In today’s MHI Cast we’re talking about the accelerated adoption of Automation, AI, and Robotics, how the trend began, how it helped businesses during the pandemic, and how it is poised to continue growth in a post-COVID world.

The MHI Innovation Awards are our way of joining the need of the attendees, who came to ProMatDX for their supply chain needs, with the innovative products our exhibitors have developed. In this episode, we’re speaking with the winners of the 2021 MHI Innovation Awards to find out about their solutions and what effect they’ll have on your supply chain.