Material handling equipment represents an integral part of
the supply chain of diverse industries for storage, control and movement of
items, from the raw material stage to the distribution of finished products.
The rising need for global production companies to automate operations, and
foster flow of goods in an efficient manner is the key force driving growth in
the material handling equipment market. According to a report from Global
Industry Analysts, the global market for material handling equipment is
projected to reach $134.8 billion by 2020, driven by the growing emphasis on
production automation.
As technology continues to evolve in leaps and bounds, the
integration of some of the latest tech is becoming a major part of our everyday
lives. In the material handling industry, there is a constant push to be
faster, more accurate, and more efficient.
Wearable
Technology
While not a new idea in material handling, the evolution of
wearable tech in recent years now allows the worker and warehouse to be more
agile and functional than ever before. Wearable computers and headsets for
voice picking have been in use for decades. However, the next-generation
wearables, including smart watches and smart glasses, offer even greater
agility.
Instead of a worker needing to scan material using a wrist
or hand scanner, the glasses could scan a barcode when the worker looks at it,
removing steps from the process. They can also be used to display items and
quantities needed, removing the need for checklists while at the same time
scanning items picked to ensure they are the correct item. Smart watches could
talk to RFID tags in pallets, logging what is being moved. Instead of a worker
needing multiple devices, these watches and glasses also incorporate
microphones and earpieces, allowing the user to communicate or receive verbal
communications while on the move.
The
Internet of Things
Visibility and trackability has always been an area where
retailers have aimed to improve, and as the Internet of Things grows, it
provides incredible promise as far as improving these aspects. RFID tags allow
improved tracking and monitoring, as well as improving the efficiency of
picking and packing at the warehouse level. Real-time data can be analyzed to
improve operations on the fly, instead of waiting for reports and summaries
later.
We invite you to look at these and other trends, and to take
in the latest in packaging and processing technology for Latin America and the
world at Expo Pack Guadalajara 2017,
running from June 13 through June 15. One of the largest expos of its kind, it
will feature manufacturers focused on the material handling industry from
around the world. Our team from PEER Bearing will be in attendance as well –
come visit us at Booth 2530!
One of the major industries we serve at PEER Bearing is the
material handling industry, producing ball and roller bearing systems that are
reliable, efficient, and adaptable. Contact us
to see how we can help meet your material handling needs, and make sure to
connect with us on LinkedIn
and Twitter to stay up to date
with the latest goings-on.