In its 2018 Annual Industry Report, MHI identified 11 emerging technologies that have the potential to disrupt the supply chain. The MHI Digital, Always-On Supply Chain Update series takes an in-depth look at the most relevant topics and case studies from the report. In many past episodes, MHI has taken in-depth looks at many individual technologies and solutions for the NextGen supply chain. But these technologies should not be evaluated in a vacuum; instead, supply chain operations should examine how these technologies can work together to create a single solution.

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Honeywell’s SwiftDecoder™ software scans barcodes within warehouses to increase accuracy, improve stock visibility and help maximize labor resourcesCHARLOTTE, N.C., Mar. 13, 2025 - Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) today announced its SwiftDecoder barcode-decoding software will be integrated into Corvus Robotics’ self-flying inventory drones. This pioneering solution will be used within warehouses and distribution centers (DCs) to make the process of tracking rapidly changing inventory quicker and more accurate for retailers, distributors and manufacturers at the case- and pallet-level.Honeywell’s creation of supply chain solutions that can automate processes for greater accuracy and more efficient use of scarce labor resources supports its alignment of its portfolio with several compelling megatrends including automation.“We selected Honeywell’s SwiftDecoder software for our cutting-edge drones due to the company’s long-standing expertise in the warehousing sector and the software’s ability to efficiently and reliably acquire data, even in complex and fast-moving DC environments,” said Jackie Wu, CEO at Corvus Robotics. “With Honeywell’s software and our in-house proprietary case counting AI technology, we can quickly decode many cases in one location, all at once. Together, Corvus Robotics and Honeywell are empowering warehouses and distribution centers to better manage inventory, reduce operational expenses and streamline the overall flow of goods throughout the supply chain.”The Corvus One™ Autonomous Inventory Management System, equipped with SwiftDecoder software, is able to fly through DCs to conduct inventory audits. It can accomplish this task more quickly than a human could in vast warehouse spaces that often have very high shelves, hard-to-reach racks or products and low-light conditions that can make traditional scanning a challenge. By using computer vision to navigate, scan, map and count inventory in real time, the drones are able to operate without GPS, human operators, Wi-Fi or wireless beacons. This system not only helps ensure warehouses have an accurate picture of inventory, but it also enables companies to deploy limited labor resources in other ways that add greater value to the business.“As the labor shortage continues to plague the supply chain, we know that companies are looking for solutions to supplement their human workforce,” said David Barker, president of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services. “By automating inventory counting and providing real-time data, the Honeywell-Corvus Robotics solution will help retailers keep up with growing demand and complexity, reduce inventory discrepancies and errors and improve overall supply chain performance.”Honeywell’s SwiftDecoder software can batch scan to capture many barcodes at the same time, making it optimal for integrating with autonomous drones for rapid inventory counting. This capability, coupled with Corvus One’s proprietary onboard sensors and cameras, equips the Corvus One Autonomous Inventory Management System with the ability to count the number of individual cartons in a single location. The real-time data that is captured and processed with the combined Honeywell-Corvus Robotics solution allows for immediate insights into stock levels and case counts, which helps businesses make informed decisions quickly, respond proactively to any supply chain disruptions and maintain operational continuity.For more information on Honeywell’s automation solutions across the supply chain, visit: automation.honeywell.com.About HoneywellHoneywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world's toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.About Corvus RoboticsCorvus Robotics provides the first and only autonomous inventory management system with warehouse drones running on an AI world model. Purpose-built in America, its Corvus One product deploys fully autonomous, infrastructure-free drones that fly without human operators, equipping warehouses and production plants with efficient, accurate inventory management. Its data-driven, Robot as a Service model allows companies, such as MSI Surfaces and Staci Americas to quickly respond to changes in demand, reduce labor costs, save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, and enhance the customer experience.ContactCarly IngersollCarling.Ingersoll@Honeywell.comAndrew BurerAndrew@Corvus-Robotics.com

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.

Generix Group, a global provider of collaborative SaaS Software solutions for the Supply Chain and commerce ecosystems, announces Resource Management System, its warehouse resource planning and optimization solution. Facing the growing complexity of order flows and the problems of absenteeism and turnover, companies must be able to anticipate better. Generix Group combines, in a single solution, performance analysis and resource planning services to improve warehouse productivity. Resource Management System is a powerful tool that increases employee loyalty by improving the quality of life at work, which enhance the attractiveness of warehouse jobs. Supply chain managers are dealing with several challenges in the warehouse: performance, flexibility, complexity and granularity of orders and volume variations. In addition, new parameters have emerged with e-commerce, such as customization, deadlines, and volatility, which require organizational hyperagility. RMS provides an answer combining the excellence of the customer promise and the optimization of the first cost item of the supply chain: resources, both human and material. By offering analysis and resource planning functionalities in a single solution, Resource Management System (RMS) is a new performance lever for the warehouse. The solution is available in SaaS mode and can be easily integrated with all the WMS solutions available on the market. Anticipate needs of resources to reduce the costs Increasingly erratic orders, absenteeism and difficulties in recruiting, the challenges faced by warehouses impact their productivity and costs. In addition, meeting the growing demand for new and more personalized services requires flexibility, both for operators and in production resources. Warehouse managers want to anticipate the need of resources by considering both the capacity of their staff and the volumes of work planned for each day to better manage their available resources. They must therefore better decide and anticipate the adequacy of their workloads and capacities to have a better visibility of their daily needs. With RMS, logistics managers maximize their resources by being able to measure their productivity, plan their resources and improve the commitment of their teams with a single tool. Measure productivity to optimize logistics production resources The unique combination of Labor Management and Resource Planning features allows optimal management of logistics production resources in warehouses, which are becoming larger and more automated. With the RMS solution, the forecasting and organization of human and material resources can be automated. Before investing in new equipment, site managers can be sure to get the most out of their existing resources. RMS defines and automates load plan updates as finely as necessary: by task, by day, or even by hour. It calculates the average time required to complete the workload per shift (receiving, order preparation, packaging) and considers working conditions and employee profiles to adapt standards and set objectives. Lastly, it measures the productivity of operators, considering the context of execution, to feed the HR tools. Develop operators' versatility for more flexible warehouses With more and more unitary references and preparations, site managers need to increase their flexibility to improve the ability of their resources to move easily from one task to another: an increasing requirement with variations in volumes and a growing demand for new services. With RMS, they plan the allocation of their resources, both human and material, dynamically and in real time. Artificial intelligence adds a layer of automation to the decision-making process: it anticipates the workloads to be executed and optimizes the distribution of resources, while adapting to the specificities of each warehouse, their objectives and constraints. Some warehouses have absenteeism rates of 50%: calculating real capacity and optimizing the use of the available workforce daily is a major challenge, especially for very large sites. Resource versatility is more than ever a lever to increase flexibility and productivity, considering resource planning and individual performance per shift. RMS allows operators to move from one job to another during the same shift and perform different tasks, reducing fatigue and repetitiveness. The results: increased productivity, smarter scheduling for employees, daily management of employee absences, and a 50% rise in the reliability of capacity forecasts. Better attract, recruit and retain employees, by strengthening its employer brand Salary conditions are no longer a sufficient lever to retain employees. Faced with the difficulties of recruiting and retaining employees, the attractiveness of work sites and the diversity of assignments are a major challenge for both managers and human resources, especially since the use of temporary workers and staff training are very expensive. In addition, companies must address several societal issues: managing long careers with physical tasks, preventing work-related accidents, occupational diseases, and hardship. Thanks to the RMS solution, which dynamically assigns relevant tasks to operators and measures their performance, both individual and global, in an objective and transparent manner, warehouses can reinforce their attractiveness. By considering actual performance and monitoring learning curves, site managers can reward their operators and increase their motivation and loyalty by up to 20%. Another motivator is gamification. Warehouse workers like to participate in challenges like counting their daily steps. Taking part in challenges keeps operators energized and motivated, allowing them to track their activity more accurately, the number of peaks per hour and their personal performance data compared to the group. RMS measures instantaneous productivity against a target. “Today, logistics managers face a major challenge: accurately anticipate what they will be able to produce in the next few hours, days, months. How much would it cost, for example, considering new products, customers, etc. on an existing logistics capacity, while ensuring the loyalty of the teams in place? Warehouses need to be more flexible to meet their objectives and to anticipate and plan the allocation of their resources. With its data analysis, load calculation and forecasting, planning and simulation services, RMS supports supply chain managers daily. The solution is also a way to get the most out of the existing before engaging in more complex and costly projects of integration of new means of production such as robots or automats, for example.”, explains Nicolas PICQUEREY, Chief Solutions & Services Officer for Generix Group. About Generix Group Generix Group is an expert in the Collaborative Supply Chain with presence in 60 countries thanks to its subsidiaries and network of partners. More than 6,000 companies around the world use its SaaS solutions. The group’s 800 employees provide daily assistance to clients such as Carrefour, Danone, FM Logistic, Fnac-Darty, Essilor and Ferrero in the digital transformation of their Supply Chains. Its collaborative platform, Generix Supply Chain Hub, helps companies keep their promises to their customers. It connects companies to all their partners so together they can operate physical flows, digitize information flows, and collaboratively manage processes in real time. Generix Supply Chain Hub is intended for all actors in the supply chain: manufacturers, logistic service providers (3PL/4PL), and distributors. Contact: www.generixgroup.com