001. Future trends and impacts of the handling sector on the supply chain industry

“Hello and welcome to the first episode of “I LIKE TO MOVE IT”, Rulmeca’s new podcast format about the world of material handling.
I’m Mr R and with my voice I will lead you into this world where we discuss the latest trends and developments regarding the movement of materials, products and goods within a company’s operation.
The first topics that we will explore concern future trends and what is the impact of the handling sector on the supply chain industry.

Automation

One of the biggest trends in material handling is automation. Companies are increasingly turning to automated solutions like robotic systems, belt conveyors and automated storage and retrieval systems to streamline their operations and increase efficiency. These technologies allow for faster and more accurate movement of goods within a facility which can help to reduce the amount of time and resources needed to complete tasks. Automation can also improve safety in the workplace by reducing the need for manual labour and the associated risks of injury.

Digitalization

Moving on to the second trend, digitalization is also playing a significant role in the evolution of intralogistics. The use of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors and data analytics can provide companies with real-time visibility into their logistics operations. This enables them to optimize inventory levels, track goods and improve order accuracy. With the help of digitalization, logistics managers can make more informed decisions about allocating resources, improving delivery times and responding quickly to changing customer demands.

Lean logistics

The third trend in intralogistics is lean logistics, a concept that emphasizes reducing waste and improving efficiency in logistics operations. By streamlining processes, reducing inventory levels and improving communication between different departments, companies can reduce costs and improve their competitiveness. Lean logistics is an approach that can be applied to all aspects of logistics, including procurement, transportation and warehousing. By implementing lean principles, logistics managers can identify areas where improvements can be made and take action to eliminate waste and increase efficiency.
The belt conveyor components cannot be overstated about the transport of goods. Each component plays a critical role in ensuring the conveyor system operates efficiently and safely. By selecting the appropriate components, ensuring they are properly maintained and aligned and monitoring their performance, companies can ensure their conveyor systems operate at peak efficiency and safety.
Belt conveyor components are critical to the efficient and safe operation of material handling systems. The components of a belt conveyor include the belt itself, idlers, pulleys and drive systems. The idlers and pulleys provide support for the belt and guide it along the conveyor path. The idlers must be properly aligned and spaced to prevent belt tracking issues which can lead to excessive wear and tear on the belt and other conveyor components. Motorized Pulleys and pulleys must be appropriately sized to ensure the belt operates at the correct tension and speed. In conclusion, selecting the right components for a material handling system is crucial to ensuring the project’s success and long-term efficiency.

Sustainability

Moving on to the fourth trend, sustainability is becoming increasingly important in intralogistics. With growing concerns about climate change and the environmental impact of logistics operations, companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their environmental performance. This includes using more eco-friendly packaging materials, optimizing transportation routes and reducing energy consumption in logistics operations. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can improve their reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious customers.

Outsourcing logistics

Finally, the fifth trend in intralogistics is outsourcing logistics operations to third-party logistics providers (3PLs). By outsourcing logistics activities such as warehousing, transportation and inventory management to 3PLs, companies can focus on their core business activities and improve their overall competitiveness. 3PLs offer a range of services that can help companies to reduce costs, improve efficiency and expand globally. By partnering with a 3PL, companies can benefit from their expertise, experience and technology which can help them to achieve their logistics goals more effectively.

Market Data

The third-party logistics (3PL) market, closely related to intralogistics, is estimated to reach $1,789.94 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2020 to 2027 according to a report by Fortune Business Insights. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of e-commerce and the need for faster and more efficient logistics services. Concerning some statistics about the market of unit handling, we can say that according to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global unit handling market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2021 to 2026. The report identifies factors such as the increasing demand for automation and the growing e-commerce industry as key drivers of market growth. The report also breaks down the market by product type, which includes conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and robotic systems. Of these, conveyors are expected to have the largest market share due to their widespread use in various industries such as food and beverage, automotive and retail.
In terms of regional analysis the Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the highest growth rate due to the increasing adoption of automation in countries such as China, India and Japan. The report also notes that North America and Europe are expected to hold significant market shares due to the presence of established industries and the high level of automation in these regions.
Summarizing what has been said so far material handling is an essential part of the supply chain and it is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the industry.

Conclusion

The trend towards automation, the use of data and technology and green material handling practices are all shaping the future of material handling. By staying up-to-date on these trends companies can ensure that they are able to meet the demands of their customers and stay ahead of the competition.
The unit-handling market is expected to continue growing in the coming years as companies increasingly turn to automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs in their supply chain operations.
The growth in global export-import activities is increasing the demand for improved supply chains and logistics, further increasing the demand for third-party logistics (3PL) and fourth-party logistics (4PL) services among consumers.
In conclusion, intralogistics is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field being transformed by technology, sustainability and lean principles. By embracing these trends, companies can reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance their reputation. Whether you are a logistics manager, business owner, or customer, these trends are shaping the future of logistics and have the potential to transform the way we live and work.”

That’s all for now!
Thanks again for listening and we’ll see you next time on “I LIKE TO MOVE IT”, the new Rulmeca podcast.
Thank you for your attention and I look forward to seeing you next time to explore together again the most interesting new trends and developments in the world of materials handling.
Take care and keep being awesome.”