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55% say they are increasing their investment in supply chain tech and innovation and 60% are planning to invest over $1 millionChicago, IL – A new report released today by MHI and Deloitte finds that 55% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments with 60% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million. Nineteen percent plan to spend over $10 million.This investment includes solutions for orchestrated, end-to-end solutions between tech and human workers, according to the 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report, “The Digital Supply Chain Ecosystem: Orchestrating End-to-End Solutions.” The report provides new insights into trends and technologies that are transforming supply chains and the priorities of the people who run them.As a result of these increased investments, adoption of the 11 categories of technology covered in the report is predicted to rise over the next five years.• Inventory and Network Optimization – 92%• Cloud Computing and Storage – 91%• Sensors and Automatic Identification – 88%• Predictive Analytics – 87%• Robotics and Automation – 83%• Artificial Intelligence – 82%• Internet of Things – 77%• Wearable and Mobile Technology – 72%• Autonomous Vehicles and Drones – 64%• 3D Printing – 57%• Blockchain – 54%The 2025 report, the twelfth in a series of annual industry reports published by MHI and Deloitte, provides updates on the innovative technologies that have the most potential to transform supply chains in an orchestrated way that maximizes performance gains while also empowering workers.Today’s business environment is increasingly complex and volatile requiring a more integrated and agile approach to supply chain management. End-to-end supply chain orchestration, which seamlessly connects every stage of the supply chain, has emerged as a critical strategy for organizations to remain competitive.“These are exciting times for the supply chain industry as we see the orchestration of technology and talent coming to the forefront,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “The future of supply chains will center around striking the right combination of human talent and technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.”AI Adoption is SurgingAdoption of artificial intelligence is expected to rise dramatically, with 28% reporting that it's in use today, and another 54% reporting that they plan to have it in use within 5 years, making the 5-year total nearly triple that of today at 82% by 2029.AI is already adding value in a wide range of supply chain processes, from inventory management to demand planning to logistics. Moving forward, supply chain organizations will be increasingly leveraging AI to enhance all aspects of their operations. Agentic AI—which can operate independently without human guidance or oversight—specifically has the potential to quickly and proactively address disruptions, enhance forecasting precision, and improve overall visibility within the supply chain.“As the promise of agentic AI for warehouse process automation, real-time inventory visibility, predictive maintenance, and demand forecasting grows, high-quality data will be essential to utilizing this technology to drive efficiency and agility. Additionally, predictable and ethical behavior from AI solutions will be a focus.” said Paxton.Inflation and Economic Uncertainty Top the List of Key Trends Impacting Supply Chains in 2025 According to this year’s respondents, the top five most impactful supply chain trends are: inflation (38%); economic uncertainty (37%); workforce and talent shortages (35%); supply chain agility and resiliency (28%); and inventory challenges (25%).1. InflationDespite concerns about inflation, interest rate policies and economic uncertainty, the foundation of the US economy remains robust and current data suggests that year-on-year inflation will ease in 2025, although the evolving tariff policies could alter the outlook. The bottom line is that while inflation is a headwind against investment in new supply chain capabilities, those headwinds will likely be more than offset by the resulting efficiency gains and reducing the reliance on scarce talent.2. Economic UncertaintyOngoing geopolitical tensions and recent political shocks, both domestically and globally, have increased uncertainty for global trade. Trade restrictions will require policy revisions that contribute to economic uncertainty and will have an impact on supply chains.3. Workforce and Talent ShortageA major impetus for companies to automate and implement AI is the ongoing decline in supply chain labor force participation—a trend that seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Also, automated facilities with end-to-end orchestration requires worker reskilling for work in digital supply chain environments.4. Supply Chain Agility and ResiliencyContinued expansion of product portfolios and supplier networks across manufacturers is making supply chains more complex and more vulnerable than ever, creating more potential points of failure and ripple effects across the supply network. This has made supply chain resiliency and agility a top priority that will likely remain for years to come. Technology is driving this resiliency by providing real-time visibility and actionable data for operations.5. Inventory ChallengesGiven all these other challenges, companies are holding more inventory (and paying more to hold it). Also, economic uncertainty is making demand forecasting even trickier.As supply chain organizations wrestle with these forces—and work to embrace and integrate new technologies—they continue to broadly focus on strengthening their operations to withstand future challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities, both of which are crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage in a dynamic global marketplace.The Next Five Tech-Specific Trends Shaping Supply ChainsIn addition to the five trends noted above, this year’s survey identified five additional tech-specific trends that are having a major impact on supply chain strategy and operations.These key tech trends are:6. Cybersecurity and Data SecurityFor many businesses, the supply chain is a leading source of cybersecurity risk—and with supply chains’ growing reliance on technology and digitization, data security is sure to become an increasingly vital issue. Powered by the rise of AI, it seems likely that attacks such as phishing, deepfakes, and ransomware will only grow in volume and sophistication in the years ahead.7. Demand for Real-Time DataLack of access to accurate, real-time data is an ongoing barrier to achieving the vision and benefits of supply chain digitization and end-to-end orchestration. Without real-time data visibility, it is difficult or impossible to make informed, data-driven decisions that enable a supply chain to optimize inventory, react to changing demands and risks, and improve efficiency.8. Digitization and the Pace of Technology AdoptionThe dizzying pace of technological change in supply chains can be daunting for supply chain leaders and professionals alike. Yet, the pace will likely only accelerate as supply chain operations embrace AI in the pursuit of improved visibility, transparency and efficiency. This will make keeping up with the latest developments in digital technology even more challenging, but also even more important.9. Ecommerce GrowthEcommerce grew by leaps and bounds during the pandemic, and that growth is showing no signs of slowing. This is driving companies to find new and better ways to anticipate changes in demand and fulfill orders more quickly and accurately. To that end, supply chains are looking for ways to harness the power of technology— especially AI—to more accurately anticipate customer needs, manage inventories, and accelerate delivery.10. SustainabilityAlthough sustainability is not strictly a technical issue, it remains a high priority and strategic differentiator for many firms—with technology being both a critical enabler and potential source of new problems. Technology advances are helping operations around the world become more sustainable; however, many firms are still wrestling with data issues that make it hard for them to accurately report Scope 3 emissions. AI and machine learning algorithms can help; however, the irony is that AI systems use tremendous amounts of energy. Bottom line is that sustainability goals need to be rooted in the overall business plan.“Leaders must ensure seamless integration of all supply chain components to enhance efficiency and meet customer expectations to further drive innovation, reduce redundancies, and deliver superior value,” said Wanda Johnson, Supply Chain Technology Fellow, Deloitte Consulting.The report also provides real-world case studies of digital supply chain technologies and recommendations for leaders to develop strategies to implement these innovations.The findings of the 2025 report are based on survey responses from over 700 manufacturing and supply chain industry leaders from a wide range of industries at the end of 2024. Eighty-three percent of respondents hold executive-level positions such as CEO, Vice President, General Manager, Department Head, or Engineering Management. Participating companies range in size from small to large, with 53% reporting annual sales of more than $50 million, and 21% reporting $1 billion or more.Download the complete report here.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 970 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking, and solution sourcing for their members, their members’ customers, and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX exhibitions to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics communityProMat 2025 is being held at Chicago’s McCormick Place from March 17-20.About DeloitteDeloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.
Minneapolis, MN – March 17, 2025 – 9 a.m. ET – Dane Technologies, a leader in designing and manufacturing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and power assist solutions, and Brain Corp, the autonomous technology company creating transformative solutions in robotics and AI, today announced the launch of the Dane AiR™ DC, an autonomous mobile robot built to revolutionize inventory management within distribution centers and warehouses. Engineered to deliver inventory visibility with unmatched speed, accuracy, and efficiency, the Dane AiR™ DC provides a smart, scalable solution for inventory management.The manual inventory process used in distribution centers, warehouses, or manufacturing environments can be time-consuming, expensive, and prone to error. The Dane AiR™ DC transforms this manual process into a fully autonomous, AI-powered solution, designed to deliver value in any warehouse. The Dane AiR™ DC delivers faster cycle counts with greater data accuracy, and significantly lower operating costs.“Inefficient Inventory processes have a direct impact on the bottom line,” said Dan Johnson, CEO of Dane Technologies. “The Dane AiR™ DC fully automates the inventory process, delivering accurate and timely data, as well as actionable insights. Those insights drive process improvements at the site and potentially throughout the supply chain. Dane AiR DC helps any warehouse increase process efficiencies and lower operating costs. Those savings combine to deliver a very compelling return on investment.”Key Benefits Include:• Automated inventory tracking at pallet and case levels for complete inventory visibility• Advanced scanning technology with computer vision, RFID, and barcode scanning pallets or items in racks up to 38 feet, as well as bulk storage.• Barcode reading accuracy of 99.5%+ using best-in-class Cognex technology• Simple data integration with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)• Next-gen autonomous navigation powered by BrainOS® for proven, dependable, and safe autonomous operation in dynamic warehouse spaces• Maximized uptime with 10-hour battery run time and fully autonomous 4-hour recharge• High-efficiency scanning, covering over 200,000 square feet in under eight hours• Accelerated ROI with fast and cost-effective implementationFor warehouse and distribution center operators exploring automation, the Dane AiR™ DC offers a seamless, plug-and-play solution—unlike drones, which require specialized infrastructure, have runtime limitations and face flight restrictions, or other robotic solutions that are large, very complex, and have significant operating expenses. Built on the same platform as the Dane AiR™—the robotic inventory scanning solution for retail—its compact design enables precise navigation in dynamic environments, with minimal disruption to existing workflows. Powered by the next-generation BrainOS® Robotics Platform, which has logged over 20 million autonomous operating hours across more than 40,000 robots, the Dane AiR™ DC delivers the performance, reliability, and scalability required for real-world warehouse operations.“Warehouses today face mounting pressure to optimize productivity while maintaining accuracy,” said Mark Garczewski, Vice President of Product at Brain Corp. “The Dane AiR™ DC with BrainOS® brings a new level of digital precision to inventory management, providing visibility and ground truth that empowers teams to work smarter and bridge the gap between the physical and digital supply chain.”Dane Technologies and Brain Corp to Demo Dane AiR™ DC at ProMat 2025Dane Technologies and Brain Corp will showcase the Dane AiR™ DC at ProMat 2025, taking place March 17-20 at booth N7544. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the autonomous inventory scanning robot in action, and learn how it can streamline warehouse operations, enhance efficiency, and drive smarter inventory management.For more information, please visit here.About Dane TechnologiesDane Technologies was founded in 1996 to help retailers address the safety and productivity challenges in their workplace. Dane’s first solution automated the process of returning shopping carts to retail stores, delivering dramatically increased efficiency and reducing the risk of injury. Working together with their clients, Dane Technologies has grown from that single product to become one of the most trusted names in ergologistic solutions – serving clients in retail, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, and healthcare environments around the world. Learn more at danetechnologies.com.About Brain CorpBrain Corp is the global leader in robotic AI software that powers the largest fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) operating in commercial public spaces. Global OEM partners use the company's cloud-connected platform, BrainOS®, to create scalable, self-driving robots that are used by end customers to clean floors and sense environmental data - turning manual operations into automated workflows. Fortune 500 brands across multiple verticals benefit from the growing portfolio of BrainOS®-powered robots and our industry-leading privacy, safety and efficiency tools that make managing and scaling automation easier. Brain Corp currently powers more than 40,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world. Learn more at www.braincorp.com.ContactSarah ScarlataMatter Communications for Dane Technologies and Brain Corp NABrainCorp@matternow.com
Delta, a global provider of IoT-based smart green solutions, today announced its new M∞Vair 30 kW Wireless Charging System, which has recently obtained Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval and METus* certification, will be presented during the MODEX 2024 logistics tradeshow. The M∞Vair 30 kW model boasts 95% contactless power conversion efficiency and can be applied to large industrial e-vehicles, such as electric forklifts, heavy-load AGVs, yard trucks, and airport ground support equipment. Dave Morse, Vice President of Delta Americas’ Industrial and Automation, said, “As Industry 4.0 continues toevolve, Delta has leveraged its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics to develop innovative wireless charging systems capable of supporting the surging demand of electric forklifts and AGVs in smart factories. Our state-of-the-art 30kW wireless charging model is ready to enhance the productivity and energy efficiency of electric industrial vehicles used in the logistics and manufacturing industries across the U.S. market.” Delta’s M∞Vair Series Wireless Charging Systems adopt industrial wireless charging technology, which is licensed by WiTricity, a U.S. wireless charging technology company. The Series features 1 kW and 30 kW models, along with the 3.3 kW and 10 kW ones, expected to arrive later this year. Each model is composed of a primary unit, which is connected to the AC supply, and a secondary unit for battery connection in industrial vehicles. The Series allows wireless charging over a gap of 20 mm to max. 150 mm for various batteries with 93% - 95% power conversion efficiency to reduce unnecessary energy waste for clients. The Series’ FCC and CE certifications are testaments to the safety and stability of its inductive coupling for power transmission and the use of the wireless communication Pad-to-Pad Link (PPL). The PPL communication is developed exclusively by Delta for wireless electrical transferal. It successfully solves the cross-talk issue of WIFI devices and allows a secondary unit of the Series to communicate only with the primary unit at a distance of 200 mm, ensuring the control of the wireless transfer of 30 kW power. This innovation demonstrates both Delta’s capability of cutting-edge technologies and the reliability of our wireless charging solutions. We welcome visitors to Delta’s booth at MODEX 2024, booth B7640, Hall B, Georgia World Congress Center from March 11 to 14 to learn further about our next-generation industrial wireless charging systems. *Note: METus mark indicates that a product has met the minimum requirements of the applicable safety standards. It also validates the product’s continued compliance with these standards as evidenced by periodic factory follow-up inspections. www.deltaww.com About Delta Delta, founded in 1971, is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data centre infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a worldclass corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centres and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents. Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices for 12 consecutive years. In 2022, Delta was also recognized by CDP with leadership level ratings for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain for the 3rd consecutive year. For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com. About Delta’s Power and System Business Group (PSBG) ince Delta started the mass production of switching power supplies in 1983, PSBG has been dedicated to the development of cutting-edge and energy-saving power products and systems to empower the innovation of cloud computing, network connectivity, client devices, industrial, medical, lighting, appliance, e-mobility, and other applications. Together with our global customers, Delta’s PSBG will continue to develop extgeneration power technologies to empower a smart and energy-efficient future. Contact Judy Wu +31 (0)20 655 09 06 / 31(0) 611-581-859 jwu@deltaww.com
Atlanta, GA – A new report released today 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 to spend over $10 million. This investment includes solutions for improved collaboration between tech and human workers, according to the 2024 MHI Annual Industry Report, “The Collaborative Supply Chain: Tech-forward and Human-Centric.” The report provides new insights into trends and technologies that are transforming supply chains and the priorities of the people who run them. As a result of these increased investments, adoption of the 11 categories of technology covered in the report is predicted to rise dramatically over the next five years. • Inventory and Network Optimization – 85% • Internet of Things – 85% • Artificial Intelligence – 84% • Sensors and Automatic Identification – 83% • Robotics and Automation – 82% • Cloud Computing and Storage – 82% • 3D Printing – 81% • Advanced Analytics – 78% • Blockchain – 77% • Autonomous Vehicles and Drones – 76% • Wearable and Mobile Technology – 75% The 2024 report, the eleventh in a series of annual industry reports published by MHI and Deloitte, provides updates on the innovative technologies that have the most potential to transform supply chains in a human-centric and collaborative way that maximizes performance gains while at the same time empowering workers. Supply chain leaders play a pivotal role in creating and enhancing this balance between technology-driven and human-centric approaches. “The focus on technology in supply chains is undeniable. But supply chains are run by people, and human-centricity is the key,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “A human focus on technology implementation encourages the kind of creativity and innovation that builds stronger, more streamlined operations. It also attracts new hires, retains current workers, and empowers team members to higher levels of safety and performance.” Price increases top the list of supply chain challenges, talent shortage, customer demands, and disruption are close behind Price increases due to inflation are the biggest supply chain challenge cited by survey respondents at 53%. However, this was followed closely by the talent shortage (52%), customer demands (51%), insight into customer behavior (50%), and supply chain disruptions/shortages (50%). These challenges are spurring companies to leverage digital technologies to make their supply chains more responsive and resilient, helping them adapt to changing market conditions, anticipate disruptions, and seize new opportunities. The survey found that firms are using technology to enable human workers. Forty-five percent are using technology as an enabler for human decision-making, to improve sustainability/ visibility 42%, and to empower human workers (40%). “Successful firms are dedicating training resources to build the bridge between supply chain technology and the human workers,” said Wanda Johnson Technology Fellow at Deloitte Consulting LLP. AI on the Rise AI adoption and interest are at historic levels, with 84% of survey respondents now reporting plans to adopt artificial intelligence technologies within the next five years. One of the key challenges is to understand and plan how to benefit from AI tools (and how quickly to implement them). AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for improving supply chain resiliency and enhancing worker productivity, satisfaction, and retention. It can be used to rapidly adjust training methods; empower teams to develop new skills; and increase the capabilities, and performance of individual workers through collaboration with a suite of AI helpers. AI can also help leaders make dramatically better, faster, and more confident decisions by rapidly gathering and analyzing diverse data sets and then generating advice that is highly relevant and actionable. Adopting an approach to AI that is technology-driven, human-centric, and collaborative is crucial to long-term supply chain success—boosting productivity and empowering workers to achieve higher levels of performance and innovation than ever before. “AI has the potential to create more resilient supply chains and transform the role of human workers in the space - creating a variety of new jobs and improving real-time decision-making and efficiency,” said Paxton. Leading Trends Impacting Supply Chains in 2024 and Beyond This year’s survey reveals five key trends impacting supply chains were identified that will dictate the course of actions and focus for industry leaders moving forward. These key trends impacting supply chains are: 1. Supply Chain Agility as geopolitical concerns and ongoing risks are impacting operations. Organizations need to ensure their supply chains center on flexibility and adaptability in the face of dynamic market conditions, geopolitical risk, and growing reshoring initiatives. 2. Rising Costs including inflation and cost of capital. While inflation is easing in the U.S. firms will need to monitor and strategically manage rising costs globally, particularly in Europe. 3. Supply Chain Workforce including the talent shortage and changing skill sets. Automation is increasing overall worker satisfaction by making jobs better and more tech-forward. However, culture and flexibility are key in recruiting, retaining, and re-skilling a high-achieving workforce. 4. Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measurement and reporting regulations are on the near horizon and organizations working with their suppliers to meet coming Net Zero goals and responding to risks associated with climate-related disruptions. 5. Visibility and Transparency goals are compelling leaders to prioritize technology-driven investments and supplier collaboration The report also provides real-world case studies of digital supply chain technologies and recommendations for leaders to develop strategies to implement these innovations. The findings of the 2024 report are based on survey responses from over 1,700 manufacturing and supply chain industry leaders from a wide range of industries at the end of 2023. Eighty-one percent of respondents hold executive-level positions such as CEO, Vice President, General Manager, Department Head, or Engineering Management. Participating companies range in size from small to large, with 75% reporting annual sales of more than $50 million, and 17% reporting $1 billion or more. Download the complete report here. About MHI MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 970 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking, and solution sourcing for their members, their members’ customers, and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX exhibitions to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community MODEX 2024 is being held at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center from March 11-14. About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 5,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today’s marketplace — delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Now celebrating 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s more than 312,000 people worldwide make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com.
We’re already using cloud computing and storage in our everyday lives. It’s quickly becoming an integral part of many industries and is poised to make the world’s supply chains more connected than ever before.
We’re already using cloud computing and storage in our everyday lives. It’s quickly becoming an integral part of many industries and is poised to make the world’s supply chains more connected than ever before.
We’re already using cloud computing and storage in our everyday lives. It’s quickly becoming an integral part of many industries and is poised to make the world’s supply chains more connected than ever before. This episode takes a deep dive into how we’re using the cloud and how it’s going to impact the Jobs of Tomorrow.
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