Material Handling Industry Trends to Watch for in 2023

Nov 11, 2022

The material handling industry is the unsung hero of the supply chain. Some folks may not think of a warehouse or manufacturing center as a place of innovation – but the technology used in the material handling industry is, in fact, innovative and influential. The material handling industry also advances as growth continues in the industrial and construction sectors. 

Even with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business world, the material handling industry continues to rise globally, and the United States market for this industry is projected to reach $156 billion by 2026 . On a smaller scale, this projection means that material handling equipment and systems will continue to advance following technological trends to meet the demand. Let’s examine some of the material handling trends we have already seen in warehouses and will continue to see in 2023. 

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Robotics in industrial spaces often stirs up the debate of whether robots will replace humans at their jobs. The fact is that robotics have been used in the material handling industry since as early as 1956 when a man named George Devol produced an industrial robot capable of moving materials a short distance. Early robotics in the warehouse were mainly arms that could move material from one place to another. 

Now, robots in industrial spaces are more complex. With machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), robots can either assist humans in tasks they would already complete (augmentation) or complete tasks without human interaction (automation). 

A typical example of warehouse robots is robots that conduct inventory cycle counts independently. This task helps inventory accuracy and frees time for your staff to complete other jobs. Some retailers have seen such success with these robots in the warehouse that they have also implemented them into retail spaces – you may have seen robots similar to TagSurveyor in your local Walmart.

Clean Energy and Battery Powered Equipment

Sustainability is still taking the world by storm. Regarding the material handling industry, sustainable choices for equipment often benefit the planet and productivity. Take electric forklifts, for example. Newer models are more energy efficient and used longer, and they tend to be quieter and less distracting to the rest of the warehouse. 

Further, these models may also last longer than their dated counterparts. Other material-handling machines like lifts and cranes are seeing similar sustainable advancements. Even switching the lighting in your warehouse to energy-efficient LED lights is a trend that helps save energy costs and usage.

3D Printing in the Supply Chain

Supply chain issues have been affecting many industries recently, and the material handling industry is no exception. Many companies are looking into using 3-D printing to address gaps in the supply chain. If a part is missing or broken, manufacturers can print the item at the factory or warehouse rather than rely on shipping the part in from somewhere else. 

3D printing is growing in capability, and now companies may be able to save their designs to a cloud-based application. Then, they can connect the printer to this application and print parts from any location with a 3D printer (assuming they also have the suitable material on hand). 

In general, when companies in the material handling industry, manufacturing industry, and other related industries can move more tasks in-house, the supply chain has the chance to move more quickly.          

e-Commerce

Like 3D printing, e-commerce is also bridging gaps in the supply chain. With so many online purchases, companies can get through orders or services more quickly than ever before. Regarding the warehouse, this means productivity must match the pace of e-commerce. 

Inventory management plays a crucial role in the warehouse matching this pace, which circles back to how robotics and AI are used in the materials handling industry. Those involved in the material handling industry should not look at these trends in isolation but see how they can be interconnected. 

Automated Forklifts

A final trend to watch for in the material handling industry in the coming years is automated (driverless) forklifts. Regular forklifts should still be employed and operated for many warehouse tasks by trained workers. 

However, for more straightforward, repetitive tasks, using driverless forklifts can help speed up the process and free up workers to handle more complex tasks. Warehouse managers should consider the operations done each day or most frequently and consider if an automated forklift could be implemented. 

At Benco Industrial Equipment, we want your warehouse to stay on top of these trends and remain prepared in an ever-changing market. Our team of industry experts can point you in the right direction for the best equipment for your project. If you are looking for other ways to improve your company’s warehouse, we can discuss our options for MacroAir fans, forklifts, and many other products and services. Connect with us today !

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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