Guest blog by MHI Member Company New Age Industrial...

Article from MHI Solutions Magazine Efficient utilization of material handling equipment (MHE) significantly impacts the productivity, profitability and flexibility of production systems...

The EU CRA is a recently enacted regulation that enforces minimum cybersecurity requirements on any PDE placed into the market.

New compatibility expands energy options for Linde customersQuebec city, March 31, 2026 – UgoWork™, a lithium-ion energy solutions provider specializing in the material handling industry, announced today that its lithium-ion battery solutions have been formally approved for use in Linde material handling equipment, part of the global KION Group and one of the world's leading manufacturers for forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, and a solutions and service provider for intralogistics. The company is represented in all major regions around the world through a service network spanning more than 100 countries.This approval allows Linde customers to integrate UgoWork’s UL listed energy solutions alongside KION’s existing battery offering, giving its customers flexibility in choosing the forklift power system that best supports their operational objectives. For material handling teams running multiple shifts and in cold/hot environments, the combination offers unprecedented throughput levels and extends the lifespan of battery investments. “Linde has a long-standing reputation for building robust, precision-engineered lift trucks, and our energy solutions are designed to complement that standard,” said David Mucciacciaro, CEO of UgoWork. “This approval means Linde customers can count on our leading lithium-ion battery solutions that support the performance of their fleet while offering a clear path to efficiency, safety, and long-term cost control. We’re very proud to be part of an energy ecosystem that lets customers choose which OEM solution works best for them.”Following the recent appointment of its new CEO—an American leader based in the Midwest—UgoWork continues to accelerate its expansion across North America. Meet the team at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, April 13–16, at booth C11983 to see what’s next.About KION North AmericaSupply chains must function reliably in the age of e-commerce, adapt flexibly to changing conditions, be energy and cost efficient and work in a resource-saving manner. KION focuses on these requirements.KION equips warehouses, transshipment points, production plants and other hubs of world trade with forklift trucks, warehouse equipment, intelligent automation and control software.We ensure an efficient flow of goods and a seamless flow of information that provides the necessary data in real time.We develop AI-based networks to control complex processes, coordinate the interaction of individual systems and manage the use of resources. Learn more at kiongroup.com.About UgoWorkUgoWork is on a mission to eliminate energy waste in the material handling industry. We develop smart lithium-ion forklift batteries and charging infrastructure engineered for the real world: non-stop pressure, tough warehouse conditions, and constant changes on the floor. Beyond products, we address every energy challenge—from understanding power consumption and grid constraints to optimizing asset life and managing large-scale fleet transitions. We’re vertically integrated, so we control the entire experience, from manufacturing to deployment to service, and training, including plug-and-play integration with your fleet and facility systems. UL Listed and OEM-approved, our solutions are proven safe and the easiest to use.From our base in Québec, Canada, we power some of the largest S&P 500 and Fortune 500 operations across North America—making lift truck energy one less thing to worry about. Learn more at ugowork.com.ContactJean-François MarchandMarketing Directorjf.marchand@ugowork.com

Cattron’s Remtron PatriotPro comes with a distinctive yellow control unit, and a commemorative red, white and blue version will be available from March through the 4th of July, 2024.WARREN, Ohio — Cattron, a global leader in radio remote control, engine and generator control panels and cloud-based monitoring and control solutions formally announced that its next generation of Remtron has arrived with the release of the PatriotPro industrial remote control system. The PatriotPro retains the rugged design and distinctive feel of the time-tested and proven legacy Patriot product, and now boasts a new look and an advanced, future-ready technology platform. The company also announced that a limited edition patriotic, flag-inspired version of the controller will also be offered from March through July 4th of 2024.The operator control unit is available in standard configurations and can be engineered to meet specific application requirements. The transmitter can support up to 18 commands with an engineered system. New systems work with the CBMCU, 10R/17R or 11R receivers. PatriotPro transmitters are also backward compatible with Remtron’s existing Patriot and CommandPro systems, providing a path for upgrading existing systems.Premium features of the PatriotPro radio remote control system include:   Distinctive click-click indication between steps Illuminated PL-d stop switch Wireless closed box Bluetooth configuration for the deployment of spares Logging of essential data and diagnostics Signals are secured with black channel communication protocol Private label options for OEMs and select distributors CattronLink wireless programming tool for system updates Up to a 600-foot operating range“PatriotPro combines our premium radio remote control features into a single, flexible solution that supports operators with advanced technology and security features,” said Brian Fette, vice president of Product Management for Cattron. “With all it has to offer, PatriotPro will quickly become the hero of our Remtron portfolio of industrial remote control solutions.”The PatriotPro Industrial Remote Control System is positioned to cater to the specific needs of industries reliant on precise and efficient remote-control systems applications such as those in industrial automation, material handling and mobile equipment. With its rugged design and advanced technology platform, the PatriotPro is a remote control system built for tomorrow’s demanding industrial environment.One of the standout benefits of the PatriotPro is its flexibility and versatility. The operator control unit can be customized to meet specific application requirements, making it adaptable to a wide range of tasks. Whatever it’s controlling, the PatriotPro’s tailored, user-defined configurations ensure seamless integration into diverse industrial settings. Control units can even be private labeled with a customer’s branding and trade dress.Safety and security are paramount in industrial settings, and the PatriotPro addresses these concerns with its innovative features. The distinctive click-click indication between steps ensures that operators have clear feedback, enhancing their ability to make accurate decisions. The illuminated PL-d stop switch adds an extra layer of safety, making it easy to halt operations in emergency situations. Additionally, the use of black channel communication protocol ensures signal security and integrity during remote control operations.Moreover, the PatriotPro boasts an impressive 600-foot operating range, providing operators with the freedom to control machinery from a considerable distance. This extended range not only increases operational efficiency but also enhances safety by allowing operators to maintain a safe distance from potentially hazardous equipment.Contact a Cattron representative to learn more here: www.cattron.com/contact/. Cattron’s newest generation Remtron PatriotPro is available now and can be ordered through local Cattron partners located here: www.cattron.com/find-a-partner/.To access high-resolution images of the new PatriotPro Industrial Remote Control System, including the commemorative patriotic version, please visit: www.prweb.com/releases/cattron-introduces-remtron-patriotpro-industrial-remote-control-system-for-material-handling-overhead-crane-and-other-industrial-applications.html.To access a video about the PatriotPro Industrial Remote Control System, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch.About CattronCattron is a leading manufacturer of wireless control solutions for safety and mission-critical applications. Since 1946, Cattron has designed, manufactured, and supplied controls that are well-recognized and respected in both the rail and industrial markets. Cattron’s product portfolio includes complementary machine and operator controls. The company is based in Warren, Ohio. To learn more, visit www.cattron.com.ContactChip MillerDirector of Industrial Saleschip.miller@cattron.com

ATLANTA—March 5, 2024—ELOKON, Inc., a leading innovator in automated forklift safety and fleet management systems, will showcase its new ELOshield module for driverless transport vehicles such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) at the MODEX Show March 11-14 in Atlanta. With ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless sensors that offer a 360-degree range of up to 82 feet, the ELOshield AGV/AMR module prevents collisions between these small and often overlooked vehicles in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants and forklifts equipped with the ELOshield forklift safety and pedestrian detection system. The radio-based ELOshield AGV/AMR module acts as stand-alone antenna that can be easily installed on these material handling vehicles due to the module’s small size (3.3in x 2in x0.8in). The module can be used in fleets with all different types and brands of AGVs and AMRs and can be pre-installed by vendors or suppliers or retrofitted onto existing fleets, no matter how long they’ve been deployed. “With driverless transport vehicles an integral part of today’s warehouses, distribution centers and even manufacturing plants, the ELOshield AGV/AMR module significantly increases worker safety while protecting the organization’s major investment in automated material handling technologies,” said Alex Glasmacher, CEO, ELOKON. “When combined with warning lights, gate controls or projectors, as companies often do, they see an even more comprehensive improvement in operational safety without compromising vehicle productivity in any way.” ELOshield, the ELOshield AGV/AMR module and ELOKON’s cloud-based forklift fleet management solutions (ELOfleet) will be shown in booth B9206. ELOshield and ELOfleet are used by many of the world’s largest companies to make their warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants safer and more efficient. Join interactive discussions in three benchmarking material handling equipment safety seminars. In his three seminars, Glasmacher will discuss how to benchmark safety systems for material handling equipment during on-floors seminars each day of the show. The interactive presentations will provide: • An overview of the current state of safety systems in materials handling equipment (MHE), including the latest technology advancements and industry standards. • Discuss real-world case studies and experiences from industry leaders, highlighting the importance of implementing robust safety systems to prevent accidents and injuries. • Present a systematic framework for benchmarking safety systems, including key performance indicators, testing methodologies and evaluation criteria. • Explore emerging technologies, such as UWB two way ranging solutions, UWB RTLS solutions, camera based RTLS solutions, AI, Data Analytics and IoT, and their role in enhancing safety measures within MHE operations. • Facilitate discussions and knowledge-sharing among participants, encouraging collaborative efforts to improve safety standards across the industry. • Provide an innovation outlook on further developments in IoT sensors, machine learning algorithms, Data Analytics and merging telematics and safety systems for even more sophisticated safety solutions. “The rapid advancement of material handling equipment (MHE) technology has significantly improved efficiency and productivity in various industries, but ensuring the safety of both operators and the workplace environment remains a paramount concern,” Glasmacher added. “To address this, we’ll explore the critical need for evaluating and comparing safety systems within the MHE domain. We encourage MODEX attendees to join our interactive discussions at one of these three sessions to help improve safety standards across the industry.” The “Benchmarking Safety Systems for Material Handling Equipment: A Comprehensive Evaluation” seminars are scheduled for: • March 12, 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Theater B • March 13, 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Theater H • March 14, 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Theater C About ELOKON ELOKON is a specialist in forklift telematics and safety systems, providing cutting-edge solutions to help customers enhance safety, efficiency and productivity in their warehouses, logistics and manufacturing operations. Founded in 1986, ELOKON has offices in Germany, the U.S. and Poland, and serves customers in 46 countries worldwide. For more information, visit: www.elokon.com. Contact Anna Gitlin Marketing Manager (312) 900-1407 anna.gitlin@elokon.com

Presented by: The Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) MHI Industry Group As automation reshapes the modern supply chain, the integration between packaging and material handling is more important than ever. In this session, experts from the Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group will explore how automation technologies—such as conveyors, sorters, and smart controls—are creating seamless transitions from packaging lines to warehouse and distribution operations. Attendees will learn: The key touchpoints where packaging and material handling intersect How automation reduces bottlenecks, labor costs, and product damage Real-world examples of integrated systems across e-commerce, CPG, and food & beverage Best practices for evaluating and selecting automation solutions The role of data and software in connecting packaging equipment with material flow systems Whether you’re a packaging engineer, operations leader, or supply chain strategist, this session will help you better understand how collaboration between sectors is driving scalable, sustainable automation strategies. Session Presented by CSS Colin Cartwright Director of Industry Development – Packaging NA at Murrelektronik Dr. Helge Hornis Director of Technology, Americas at Pepperl+Fuchs Allison Myers Director of Marketing & Communications at Fives Intralogistics Corp. Chris Thompson Sr. Marketing Communications Manager at Duravant 📅 Tuesday, September 30 🕧 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Industry Speaks Stage (W-4324) 🔗 View full session details on the PACK EXPO website

THE ESSENTIALS OF MATERIAL HANDLING : AN INTRODUCTION TO EQUIPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEMS - The Essentials of Material Handling is an introduction to the basic principles and equipment used in material handling. The book helps the reader understand how to think about material handling when looking for ways to improve operations. The book also contains an introduction to systems integration and an analysis of how material handling systems evolve from manual to intelligent systems.

Volume 4: Developing Your Soft Skills - Making a Successful Leap from the Classroom to the Workplace is the final textbook in the Fundamentals of Warehousing and Distribution series. The first three volumes in the series gave you an understanding of warehousing, distribution, and the technologies that play a critical role in the supply chain. Volumes 1 and 2 introduced the equipment, technologies, and processes used by all warehouses and distribution centers. Volume 3 described the most common types of warehouse designs, how they perform, and how they differ. This volume will help prepare you for your job in the workplace and help you refine the skills that will help you succeed and grow your career. The goal of this volume is to familiarize you with the responsibilities of the workplace beyond a basic job description and give you the tools you need to succeed. Many of the skills you’ve developed during your school years will help you succeed in the working world. Time management, organization, self-discipline, and relationship building are just as important as the mathematics and grammar skills you’ve practiced as part of your schoolwork. This know-how, along with your understanding of materials-handling equipment and systems, will serve you well in the workplace. Publication Date: 2025. For more information or quotes on special quantity shipping, contact the MHI Knowledge Team (education@mhi.org). 

This guidance document represents user considerations associated with multi-level shelving. It was developed by the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers, or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.

To complement a new educational video, thought leaders representing the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA), an MHI product group, discuss the importance of protecting personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities.ProGMA has recently launched the second in a series of videos about the importance of protective guarding products in the material handling industry. The video titled “Proper Safeguarding for Elevated Work Platforms” followed the inaugural, educational video titled, “Essential Safety Barriers for Automated / Robotic Workcells”. (http://www.mhi.org/progma/videos)Here, representatives of member companies expand on the themes explored within the latest video in the group’s first blog.Before we start, says Arlin Keck, corporate research and development engineer at Steel King (a manufacturer of pallet racks, mezzanines and guardrails), it’s important to clarify what we mean by “mezzanine” in this context. “The technical term for what my company and other members make is work platforms. Mezzanine was an old term for these systems; however, the word mezzanine had to be dropped because mezzanine, as defined in the building codes, refers to a specified type of floor within a building structure and carries with it added requirements for fire safety, egress, parking, and so on,” Keck explains.A typical work platform is design to support the site-specific load that will be placed on the floor, be it palletized loads, pallet jacks, foot traffic, work equipment, filing cabinets, racking or shelving units, to name just a few possibilities.Keck says that the main purpose of an elevated work platform is to add additional floor space into a building or room by taking advantage of surplus ceiling clearance that may exist in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Aaron Conway, president at Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc. (a manufacturer of safety gates to secure the ledges of pallet drop areas on mezzanines and rack picking systems), says, “A company that has utilized all of its ground space can build upward. An elevated platform allows one to use the space for workflow or to store product.”As Hue Schlegel, director of marketing at Wildeck Inc. (a manufacturer of mezzanines and work platforms), puts it, “Move up, not out.” He adds, “Depending on the available height in a building, platforms can be one, two, or three levels high, with the most common height being 10 ft. top-of-deck and supporting a floor load of 125 lbs. per square foot. Their length and width are only limited by facility size.” Importantly, he explains, they cannot occupy more than two thirds of a fire-rated area within a building.Keck says work platforms are also used to create catwalks between separated platforms, and to serve as sortation and conveyance areas for mechanized systems. Conway agrees, adding, “Companies that supply elevated work platforms can fabricate them in virtually any configuration. They can be designed to accommodate specific workflow operations or to fit with existing structures in the building.”Industrial buildings are getting bigger and elevated work platforms are scaling up with them. Say, 50 years ago, facilities were much smaller and ceilings lower so there were fewer requirements for elevated platforms. Further, the equipment to load at such heights didn’t exist. Now, the capability of equipment is greater and taller structures are being utilized as a result. Within them, work and storage takes place on multiple levels.These multi-level work platforms present a danger of personnel and objects falling from height.As the latest video warns, the pallet drop area of elevated work platforms can lead to accidents if the ledge is open without adequate guarding. Falls to lower levels cost employers $5 billion annually in compensation claims in the U.S. alone. OSHA reports that it costs on average 16 lost working days per injured employee.Conway says, “Falling from an elevated level, whether it be people or products, is a serious danger and both should be addressed proactively, securing the situation before an incident occurs.” Schlegel adds, “The worst case, of course, is death; while the best scenario is that a worker survives a fall from the typical mezzanine height of 10 ft. sustaining only broken bones, fractures, and other injuries from hitting the concrete floor below. It is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.”Traditional railing or guarding systems are effective at preventing falls from height as long as they include a kick plate that is installed in conjunction with ANSI MH 28.3-2009. Adding netting or expanded metal and safety products to traditional railing systems provides added protection by capturing small objects that might otherwise fall into the work area below.OSHA Standard 1926.502, meanwhile, requires paneling or screening where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a toe-board or kick plate. ProGMA members also manufacture both netting and wire mesh panels that comply with that standard.However, David Brentz, chairman of ProGMA and vice president of member company Industrial Netting (a manufacturer of plastic netting), says, “That’s only a minimum requirement; added protection is financially prudent. The cost to install netting or wire screens around the perimeter of an elevated work platform pales in comparison to the cost of a single lost time accident. ProGMA members offer several simple, cost effective solutions to protect employees below loose objects that may fall or be kicked off work platforms.”Conway says, “In the past, properly guarding a pallet drop area or installing netting or wire was something that would be retrofitted, either after an incident occurred or after someone pointed out the issue. Designing proper safety guarding for the structure at the time of purchase makes for a much better fit; when retrofitting, there is often insufficient room for proper guarding and concessions have to be made. But, it is important to note that even if proper guarding wasn’t designed with the structure, it still should be installed. There are companies in the ProGMA that can customize solutions to fit these areas.”He continues, “Don’t confuse luck with judgment. If I visit a facility that was built, say, 20 years ago, I’m sure to find open pallet drop areas or insufficient guardrails. Just because these areas have been around for a while isn’t a reason not to properly secure them. I’ve heard the line, ‘Well, we’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and nobody has gotten hurt’. To that I say, ‘You’ve been lucky!’”Schlegel says, “The biggest safety risk is when a forklift access gate on mezzanine is left open creating a fall hazard for someone off-loading a pallet at the upper level. There are many products, provided by ProGMA members, that prevent the gate from being left open or that keep the operator at a safe distance, which should always be installed.”ANSI says, “Any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift up, leaving an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”Dual gate systems such as a rolling gate ensure that the operator is separated from the ledge as well as the load. A pivoting gate ensures the operator is never exposed to the ledge and does not require him or her to walk near an open ledge to operate the gate.Unfortunately, sometimes it can take an incident and a facility to be shut down during an investigation for companies to understand the serious financial consequences of a workplace injury. There are many other companies that understand the risks and proactively secure their work areas. These diligent companies end up ahead in the long run:1. They typically get better solutions because they had the time to design them correctly;2. They get a better price because they can take their time and research the solutions;3. Safety solutions are in place before they need them.Conway concludes, “The large majority of people don’t want to get hurt and are not acting recklessly on the job. Typically, they are performing a repetitive operation, and in their process miss a step or push something too far and someone gets hurt. Proper guarding should be in place to prevent injury if this happens.”About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at http://www.mhi.org/ProGMAAbout MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI 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 customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. http://www.mhi.orgContactAnupam Berry Boseabose@mhi.org704-676-1190

The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) has published a blog to supplement its latest video on safety at pick modules. The video can be viewed at mhi.org/progma/videos.Here at ProGMA, we have produced a series of educational videos on protective guarding equipment in the material handling industry. ProGMA members provide fixed protective guarding products to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. A variety of such items are designed for installation at pick modules, which are multi-level structures typically constructed out of pallet rack that allow multiple pallets of product to be stored, broken down, picked, and packaged into specific orders for shipping.Our video is targeted at end users, system integrators, material handling warehouse design consultants / engineers, distributors, and safety professionals in manufacturing and distribution centers in the material handling industry, as well as students studying the sector. Many household and industrial goods we interact with every day were once stored or passed through a pick module. At the distribution centers of companies like CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid Corporation, for example, goods are stored before being repackaged and shipped to individual stores.As the 2:23min-long video says at the outset, pick modules can have several elevated levels of materials that are handled by both automation and personnel. Although everything in the material handling industry is becoming more automated, separation of full stored cases into smaller, individual shipments is still being completed manually. The size of pick modules has been increasing over the years; in the past, you may have seen a floor plus one level system, then a floor plus two levels, and now it is not uncommon to see three or even four elevated levels. This increases potential hazards.As the video continues, it is of paramount importance that proper guarding is used from the ground up to protect structures, the product they hold and, most importantly, the people working within and around them. Rack upright columns can be difficult to replace and costly to repair because often the area has to be closed off, product has to be removed, and multiple sections need to be disassembled. These components are all dependent upon one another, so if one part fails, the entire system can fail.The video highlights three “easy and affordable” solutions: Free-standing pallet rack column protectors Post cushions Bumper guardsHowever, ProGMA members offer a variety of products for ground-level protection including guardrails, bumper guards, column protectors, bollards, rack guards, and product containment enclosures  (i.e., wire mesh or netting); and for upper-level protection, such as side and back product containment enclosures (wire mesh or netting) to prevent products from falling below.What does ANSI say?The video continues, and quotes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 6.4.3, which states that “…any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift or leave an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”However, it is important to note that there are many mezzanines that were installed before the ANSI standards were created that used more conventional gates, such as removable, sliding, or swinging systems—and that is the same for pick modules. Systems can be retrofitted to achieve conformity with current standardization. There is no grandfather clause for ANSI (or OSHA) so all systems whether new or old should follow their guidelines. Note that many of the protective guarding products found in the video and on the ProGMA site are easily retrofittable to these older systems.As the video stresses, only dual-gate systems should be used. The same gates used on a pick module are also the preferred method for securing all elevated pallet drop areas whether they are in pick modules, on mezzanines, or on elevated work platforms such as storage or production / blending areas. The ANSI standards that recommended the use of dual-gate systems were written specifically for elevated work platforms and since a pick module is a type of elevated work platform that should be applied.The video demonstrates how a dual-gate system uses two counterbalanced and interconnected gates that are configured so when the first gate at the ledge is open, the second gate behind the pallet is closed. Fixed guarding on the sides—often the frame of the pallet rack in a pick module—prevents access into the side of the areas. This allows material to be loaded into the area while keeping employees a safe distance from the ledge and the material. When the rear / operator gate is opened, the ledge gate automatically closes, maintaining a barrier at the ledge while the pallet is accessed and picked. This creates what ProGMA calls a controlled-access area so there is always a barrier between the worker and the ledge.For information, ProGMA members that manufacture such solutions include Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., Wildeck, and Heartland Engineered Products. Although companies still provide swing gates for pallet drop areas where a single pallet is loaded and staged, they are not an acceptable solution according to ANSI and could potentially create a situation where they are in violation of OSHA code.A self-closing swing gate, also featured in the video, should only be used when integrated with pallet flow lanes where multiple pallets are loaded into the system. The pallet flow lanes are pitched so the pallet rolls into the storage area. This allows the gate to immediately close once the pallet is loaded.  By comparison, when used for a single pallet position without flow rails, the staged pallet would hold the swinging gate open, preventing it from closing.For securing multiple deep pallet flow lanes, a dual-gate system is the preferred safety method because not only does it make sure a barrier is in place all times for fall protection, but it also keeps people out of the pallet flow lanes when pallets are being loaded. The two types of incidents we see in these areas are falls from the ledges and pallets being pushed into the legs of employees who have entered the lane. Only the dual-gate system keeps people out of the lanes when the lane is being loaded. The self-closing swing gate, however, does secure the ledge for fall protection.Hand in gloveOftentimes, a safety aspect can be used to increase productivity. For example, the self-closing swinging gate on pallet flow lanes will allow pallets to be quickly loaded into the system. Any time the lift truck operator wants to load a pallet into the area, they just push the pallet through the swinging gates. The dual-gate system has the potential of the gates being in the incorrect position for loading, meaning that the ledge gate is closed when the lift truck is trying to replenish pallets into the area. So they can go to load but a barrier is in place preventing them from doing so.A user can power operate these gates for remote operation but often this isn’t feasible due to the number of areas. Manual operation can actually create a safer and faster environment. The position of the gates in a dual-gate system can be used as a signal between the picker up on the platform and the lift truck operator below. In other words, when the ledge gate is closed that means the picker is picking from the pallets or the area doesn’t need to be replenished.When the picker has finished in that bay or when they notice the pallets need to be replenished in that bay, they just manually close the gate near them, which opens up the ledge gate. Now the lift truck operator can look up and see which areas are safe and ready to be replenished. This is an example of a safety system helping communications among the different workers.In conclusion, it’s evident that, despite automation, people remain at the center of activity in and around pick modules. ProGMA and its members are a one-stop-shop for leading safety solutions, whether it be for preventing hazards associated with falling boxes, product, or workers; or structural protection of the system itself from impact. As the video serves to reiterate, even in automated systems there are still people moving around the facility, either on ground level or on the elevated levels. Even if people are not used for the picking of material, there are areas where empty pallets or totes are removed that need to be guarded.The product-centric video doesn’t feature specific brands, but free-standing pallet rack column protectors, post cushions, and bumper guards are available from ProGMA members including Adrian’s Safety Solutions, A-Safe USA, Bluff Manufacturing, Boplan, DamoTech, Folding Guard, Husky Rack & Wire, Heartland Engineered Products, Jesco, McCue, Slowstop Guarding, SpaceGuard Products, Steel King, Troax, VisiPlas, Wildeck, and WireCrafters.Costs range from inexpensive, light-duty products to more expensive, heavy-duty solutions. Importantly, talking with the manufacturer about the application will help source the right product/s for the facility. No two pick modules or applications are completely alike and that’s what the member companies of the ProGMA are here to help with.The ProGMA website—mhi.org/progma—features details of 22 member companies and hundreds of solutions to help companies with older systems find protective guarding solutions to update / upgrade their pick module system.See the latest video and others in the series at mhi.org/progma/videosShould you be using a ProGMA member to enhance the safety and productivity of your pick modules?About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at mhi.org/progma.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI 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 customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.Contact for editorial enquiries: Ashley Skidmore, askidmore@mhi.org or 704-676-1190

Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions. See also, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Third Party Logistics. Note that all of referenced terms are highly interrelated and their definitions are frequently intermingled.

Logistics Execution Systems manage inventory, space, material handling equipment, labor and transportation resources to assure timely, error-free fulfillment and visibility of order status throughout the supply chain.

Controls refer to the control devices (and software) required to operate powered, mechanical material handling equipment. It is the emphasis on control that ultimately leads to an integrated system and brings about the level of coordination in material and information flow that is desired. With automated information handling, the word "controls" embraces specific pieces of hardware, software, a communication network and the human user interfaces used to capture and transmit data and instruction and invoke action. See also Integrated Systems & Controls .

This is a paid advertisement. Ensign Equipment offers the parcel handling industry the safest and most dynamic high-speed parcel unloader for materials transported in gaylords, carts, hampers, and many other container types. The Ensign Parcel Unloader is fully capable of discharging boxes, polybags, envelopes, and mixed materials of nearly any size and shape. Control configurations range from simple, operator required, manual controls to fully automated. Machines can be designed to integrate with existing or new conveyors and chutes to streamline package singulation as well as AGVs for operator free loading.

Revolutionize your material handling automation with Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs). Efficiently move heavy loads between floors, optimize space, and streamline operations.

Our increasingly aging and obese employee demographic means that our workforce is more prone to injury than ever before. But there’s an easy solution. Instead of forcing an employee into a taxing job that works against them - design the job to fit the worker.

Jet Stream, a leading supplier of plastic pipe for irrigation and sewer systems was looking to improve inefficiencies in their production processes. They wanted to gain better control of their pipe loading and binding process by reducing the manual tasks and integrating material handling equipment that would do the hard work for them. No, small task due to the enormity in size of the pipes and the reorienting requirements coming out of fabrication to get them ready for stacking and binding.

An agricultural company, renowned for its innovative approaches to farming machinery, identified a need for an efficient method to move their newest tractor through various assembly stages. Recognizing the complexity and the high-capacity requirements of the task, they sought an automated solution to streamline the assembly process.

ACCO Material Handling Solutions provided Louden 585 Cranes equipped with Wright Work-Rated Hoists. All motions are controlled by Inverters for smooth operation. Additionally supplied Nutting trailers to transport the plate safety to the burn table.

What does supply chain safety look like in the evolving warehouse environment of 2026? In this episode, we explore how safety is shifting from incident prevention to human-centered design. This episode highlights how recent technology can work together with human expertise to create safer, more sustainable operations.

Dive into the real-world applications of AI-powered safety systems: how they work, why data is their lifeblood, and why now is the most critical time for supply chains to act. Learn how AI is enabling companies to detect risks before they become accidents, enhance workforce safety, and set new industry standards through data-driven decision-making.

Sponsored Content: Join Bastian Solutions' General Manager of Autonomous Vehicles Michael Marcum, as he discusses the future of AGVs in the material handling industry. During the discussion he speaks to how Bastian has seen AGVs support customer objectives by safely and consistently transporting products and materials in manufacturing and distribution operations. He also discusses how automated and autonomous vehicle systems are a cost-effective solution that increase efficiency, improve working conditions, and easily scale to match customer growth.