Trade shows can keep you up-to-speed
Mike Flamer, The Dorfman Group -- Logistics Management, 2/9/2007
After attending the ProMat 2007 trade show in Chicago this January, I realized just how ever-changing the logistics, supply chain management, and material handling industries really are. And, I realized just how much of an education these industry trade shows are.
ProMat featured over 750 exhibitors—a new record—covering over 300,000 square feet of the McCormick Place show floor. There were no cutting-edge exhibits, but rather a reflection of the continual progress being made by both the hardware and software manufacturers. These innovations have led to more integration at all levels of the supply chain.
For the logistics professional, this evolution in systems design presents a challenge to maintain your knowledge base: It becomes your obligation and responsibility to be aware of the improvements offered by material handling providers, as well as new concepts offered by consultants and the systems integrators who specialize in logistics and supply chain management.
Distribution technology continues to improve, particularly on the software side of the business. While walking the convention floor, I saw extremely sophisticated displays of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), Inventory Tracking Systems, Pick-to-Light (PTL) hardware and software, and Voice Collection software. All of these offerings are designed to work with systems already in place or can be the nucleus of a new supply chain system for your distribution center. It is crucial for logistics professional be aware of all of these advances.
On the hardware side, I saw an extensive number of exhibits for sorters, carousels, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), RFID and barcode scanners, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and conveyors.While there were no great leaps forward in design or technology for these products, they all now operate much more quietly and with greater reliability. Important knowledge for an up-to-speed logistics manager.
In addition to the show floor, there were countless seminars and presentations. I attended a couple and the sophistication and depth of these presentations would rival any leading university. These seminars were not for beginners or the casual observer, but rather, designed for the savvy professional looking to stay on top of the industry. (By the way, if you want to get tapes or transcripts of these sessions, call the Material Handling Industry Association, 704.676.1190.)
This was the 10th ProMat that I have attended.It was larger, more diverse, and presented a more extensive array of equipment than I have ever seen. The show is a perfect snapshot of what is happening in the logistics and distribution industries today. It should serve as a reminder that logistics and supply chain management are dynamic, and your knowledge base should be equally as dynamic. And, it should remind the savvy logistics professional that trade shows like this are a vital part of industry education.
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