Livin’
in the
future
BY VICTORIA KICKHAM, SENIOR EDITOR
TRENDS FOR 2019
Strategy
WAREHOUSES AND DCs WILL CONTINUE
to implement technology-based material han-
dling solutions in 2019 as they strive to work
faster, smarter, and with fewer human resources.
And though the use of futuristic technologies such
as drones and augmented reality is on the horizon,
“Everyone wants to move fast,” says Norm Saenz, managing
director at supply chain solutions consulting firm St. Onge, point-
ing to the buzz around robotics, autonomous vehicles, and similar
cutting-edge technologies. “What they have to do, though, is make sure
it’s the right investment.”
Daniel Johnson, an account executive with supply chain consulting firm Fortna,
agrees, adding that the more “tried and true” automated material handling solu-
tions make the most sense for many organizations and will become more
widely used in the year ahead. He points to shuttle systems, automated truck
The race toward automation continues, as a rise in
goods-to-person fulfillment, increased adoption of
warehouse execution systems, and greater use of
autonomous mobile robots top the list of material
handling technology trends to watch in 2019.
Livin’
in the
future
