I’ve been attending and participating in the ProMat industry tradeshow for many years now and it seems that with each new show there’s a couple of “in things” that are apparent. The theme for the ProMat 2011 show seemed to be focused on driving and increasing efficiency.

Most businesses are constantly pushing to become more efficient internally and to serve their customers more effectively.  This year, the ProMat show revolved around saving space, reducing cycle times, increasing accuracy and improving safety.

There were 5 or 6 displays featuring Mobile Shelving and Mobile Racking which help consolidate and utilize space.  The pricing of these systems have been reduced with the advent of smarter engineering designs, lower controls costs and improved safety innovations. Folks are recognizing that walking or forklift aisles in front of every pick face doesn’t always make sense. Additionally, these systems are a good option to consider to help avoid or delay the pain involved with moving or expanding your building.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) were everywhere at ProMat this year. Operational travel costs are being eliminated within picking operations through the use of carousels, mini-loads, unit loads, VLM’s and robotics.  These folks have figured out how to integrate all types of technologies into a highly efficient material handling system.  Design options include items such as carton flow, pick-to-light, put-to-light, AS/RS, AGV and even racking and shelving enabling a place for everything and everything to be in it’s place.

Overall, many of the attendees to ProMat 2011 that I met were interested in improving their operations but didn’t have a clear “blueprint” of just what to do.  Many of these folks specifically requested that an “expert” contact them to help sort out their best opportunities for driving further efficiencies.  I think material handling consultants will be very busy helping organizations accomplish their goals to do more work with less people in less space.

Robert Giberson
Principal
PeakLogix
14409 Justice Rd
Midlothian, VA 23113
P: 804.302.1504

C: 804.337.2045

F: 804.794.6515
www.PeakLogix.com