Deregulation of the trucking industry increases the variety of truck sizes

Emphasis on JIT leads to more frequent shipments that must be cleared from docks quickly

Concerns about energy costs heighten the need to keep out the elements

Local area networks (LANs) connect data systems

Improved monorails, AGVs and towline conveyors connect physical systems

Small inventories and frequent deliveries lead to a rise in returnable containers

More repetitious handling of parts leads to greater use of positioners, such as lift tables and manipulators, and to greater emphasis on ergonomics

Storage is a dirty word, so warehouses become known as "distribution centers"

Industrial use of PCs grows phenomenally

Better graphics aid computer planning and simulation