If you started 2001 with a different set of expectations than you're finishing it with, you're not alone.

On the one hand, there's the economy. Sure, there were some early indicators as the year got underway that the manufacturing sector was not in great shape. But the success of the ProMat materials handling show in February made it seem reasonable that any downturn would be short. Attendance event was strong. Visitors had budgets to spend. Furthermore, all the "experts" were saying that the economy was generally in good shape. So, who were the rest of us to object?

As it turned out, ProMat was the high point of the year. I did not attend another event that was as successful. Furthermore, materials handling orders steadily got worse from then on. As we all know now, manufacturing is in an extended downturn that has spread to the rest of the economy.

Then there was September 11, and its impact on how we live our lives. Certain expectations were turned on their head. Furthermore, those events put us into uncharted territory in so many regards, including the economy.

But let's not get paralyzed here by uncertainty and the unexpected. Much of what is around us continues on as expected.

You and your peers continue to plan and implement top notch materials handling systems in warehousing and manufacturing. The economy might be slow but it sure hasn't dampened the need to steadily improve your materials handling operations. There are also more tools than ever at your disposal to make your segment of the supply chain the best it can be (see 2001 Product Review Showcase ).

Given the year it's been, I offer you some of the things that I've either learned or been reminded of in 2001.

We are a better nation and people when challenged than when left unchallenged.

Just because we've "always" done things one way doesn't mean there isn't still a better way - no matter how tough it is to make the needed changes.

Technology used to be an enabler of strategies. Now, technology is driving strategies.

Failure has its place. Tom Peters is still right on that one. Early dot com failures such as Webvan are the long-term hope of e-commerce operations.

Perspective matters. Lift truck sales will probably be off 35% in 2001, making it one of the five best years the industry has ever had.

Patience is a virtue. It's also a necessity.

Buying materials handling equipment and systems used to be mostly a technical discussion. Now the conversations are increasingly centered around the supply chain and the bigger picture.

You can't plan for every contingency.

It's easy to get distracted from our core values so we need to remind ourselves of them from time to time.

In the new B2B and B2C supply chains, it's not about the B or the C but the 2.

If the rate of change outside your organization is greater than the rate of change inside your organization, then it's the beginning of troubled times.

We spend too much time focused on what we don't have, and too little time appreciating what we do have.

Here's to hoping your holidays are happy, and the new year a great one.