Peerless Research Group

Our annual reader survey finds that many are looking to implement or improve their systems across numerous areas, and when it comes to decision factors for evaluating systems, total cost of ownership and integration gained in importance, while concern over parts availability declined.

Capital expenditure expectations for the coming year declined, though there are still signs of sizable automation budgets and interest in warehouse technology. The bigger picture revolves around continued struggles with upstream supply chains, inventory management and space.

Our annual salary survey examines the compensation, job and career history, job responsibilities and career satisfaction for materials handling professionals.

Our annual Peerless Research Group study highlights the current and projected use of pallets in fulfillment centers plus other trends taking place in the pallet market.

Peerless Media Group’s annual “Lift Truck Acquisition and Usage Study” finds that 63% of companies will be buying or leasing new lift trucks within the next two years.

Modern Materials Handling is proud to release this comprehensive, 31-page report covering Lift Truck Acquisition & Usage based on a recently completed survey of material handling decision makers.

Our research shows companies are adopting robots, but it’s a long way to go before they’re commonplace.

As we reported, readers told us they were geared up and ready to embrace more automation and robotics—and they were adding more budget to make it happen.

Warehouse and DC managers are feeling the pressure of e-commerce growth, high order volumes, as well as deep concerns around labor availability and international supply chain snarls. In response, our survey found that they’re ramping up spending for automation—but also spending more on their labor force to ensure an adequate pool of workers to keep goods flowing.

Our annual automation survey finds increasing budgets for automation and rising interest in automated solutions with reliable parts availability, as well as turnkey, integrated solutions. And though budgets are up, stresses show around labor availability, raising its importance as a driver for automation.

The labor crunch is a serious issue, not just for front-line employees in DC and other supply chain sites, but when it comes to higher-level supply chain talent, too. We surveyed supply chain professionals and found less than one-third feel their companies are highly prepared to handle demand with current staff, while two-thirds have increased wages to try to retain more people.

Download the 3PL Benchmark Report to gain insights into growth opportunities, the labor shortage, technology integration, and key trends to remain competitive.

Capex budgets and headcount are both up amid signs of expansion. But underneath those positives are strains, led by concerns about labor and inventory turns. Applying more technology, say respondents, is the path forward.

Capex budgets and headcount are both up amid signs of expansion. But underneath those positives are strains, led by concerns about labor and inventory turns. Applying more technology, say respondents, is the path forward.

Demand for pallets is running high, as reflected by pallet use trends from our 2021 survey. However, there was a sharp rise in respondents having issues with availability and cost with used wood pallets, and a modest rise in readers using semi- or fully-automated pallet wrapping equipment.