Companies such as MSC Industrial Supply are turning to the back end of their systems for savings.

While many of us are still buzzing from one of the busiest ProMat events in recent memory, this month in Modern we pull our focus in a bit and concentrate on the little things that are making a big difference inside materials handling operations—especially in light of the increasing adoption of high-speed order fulfillment systems.

Collocated with ProMat, Automate's 62% boost in attendance reflects a rising global interest in automation.

Pallets of nonperishable food and paper supplies worth $26,000 were donated to the Addison Community Switchboard.

As an indicator of the continued economic recovery of the material handling, supply chain and logistics industry, U.S. and international attendees registered in record numbers for ProMat 2013--the premier North American manufacturing and supply chain trade expo.

Sure, conveyors, AGVs and AS/RS systems are the stars of ProMat. But wooden and plastic pallet companies were also exhibiting the latest innovations in unit-load handling with pallets. Wood pallet manufacturers emphasized new services for their customers.

Would that which we call a WCS by any other name still be a WCS

Certified lift trucks undergo 200-point inspection from trained dealer technicians, and come with a 2,000-hour warranty.

Certified lift trucks undergo 200-point inspection by trained dealer technicians, and come with 2,000-hour warranty.

It was a great show. Here are some of the things I'm going to be watching over the next year.