Modern: involving recent techniques, methods or ideas.

As applied to materials handling, that definition of “modern” seems like a quaint notion, doesn’t it? Sixty years ago it was a necessary attachment. Our publisher—and equipment manufacturers, for that matter—needed to draw a distinction between plain old hoists and those snazzy new hydraulic models that were coming out. Hydraulic hoists were Modern Materials Handling in the '40s.

New century. We’re still talking about manual and hydraulic hoists, but now they’re in the context of ergonomics. What’s Modern about that? To paraphrase Forest Gump, Modern is as Modern does. Modern is YOU.

“What’s this junk? Where’s Gary?”

I heard you. Mr. Forger will soon be applying his considerable knowledge at the Material Handling Industry of America, doing his bit to spread the MH gospel at the industry level. I know Mr. Forger’s talents are considerable because I spent a couple decades competing against them. Now I’m filling his considerable shoes as chief editor of this publication. That’s why, as my first communication with Modern’s readers, I thought it would be a good idea to reintroduce Modern as something you are rather than as some … thing.

Estimates are that almost 20% of retailers and 35% of manufacturers still don’t use bar codes. That will not keep Modern Materials Handling from profiling such companies. Any manager who can keep his plant or distribution center alive without the support of such a mature yet utilitarian technology must be doing something right. Modern will continue to pay as much attention to those simple, smart applications as we do to the sophisticated smart ones.

In fact, let’s start our relationship off by talking more about Modern. What’s it to you? E-mail me 100 words or less how your company fits the definition of “Modern.” Be pithy. I’ll share the best ones in future issues. We may even dig deeper and put your story on our cover. Let Modern show what the Modern do.