Tom Andel

Why Blog About Materials Handling?
September 14, 2007

That’s the wrong question. Anyone who knows Modern Materials Handling readers might ask “What took you so long?” And they’d be right. Modern Materials Handling professionals are complex people with complex jobs and complex problems.

We asked a bunch of them to describe how their roles and responsibilities have changed in recent years, and here’s how some responded:

“Number 1, we are doing a lot more work with fewer people. Two, my job scope and responsibilities have changed and increased. Three, technology has advanced to where I need to become an expert in many more fields.”

“Due to customers operating leaner, the materials handling professional has been forced to be much more design-oriented. Where in the past customers were often very specific regarding their needs, now they are presenting a concept and relying on the materials handling professional to create solutions.”

“Not only must we maintain control over our own sphere of influence, we must also understand how our department fits into the corporate structure. Further, we must be able to communicate with other department heads in terms specific to their departments.”

These are the kind of people who make the best bloggers. They have both challenges and solutions to offer. The fact you’re reading this tells me you do too. Well, you came to the right place. Let’s get the give and take started.

If you’re dealing with a particularly challenging materials handling problem, blog it here. It’s free, so what can you lose? Let’s see what your colleagues have to say about it. It could be the best money you never spent. 

Posted by Tom Andel on September 14, 2007 | Comments (1)