Peerless Research Group

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.

In its annual survey of lift truck buy/lease activities and use, Modern finds that decision making and practices fluctuated much less than might have been anticipated given the times. Fleet size has remained stable, and buyers still put price, quality and safety at the top of their checklists.

Our annual reader survey found a nearly 20% drop in respondents holding off on software investments compared to the previous year when readers were struggling through the early months of the pandemic. Our 2021 report shows strong interest in inventory and labor management capabilities.

In this year’s annual survey, the disruption of the past year certainly influenced some short-term trends, but respondents are optimistic going forward. Results reflect more than a bump in the road, however. Companies are deeply concerned about issues like labor availability, workload planning and tighter cycle times, prompting interest in technology and software solutions, better metrics and further automation.

In our second automation survey conducted after the pandemic hit, budgets remain solid and the percentage of respondents expecting an increase in equipment and automation spending went up.

We asked and you told us what you’re paid and where you see your career path heading. And, considering all that’s happened in the past few months, you’re generally upbeat. Read on to see where you fit in our survey.