The logic behind material handling equipment

Good business executives always strike a balance between optimism and caution. There are opportunities in the worst of times and there are risks in the best of times. For example, while many are lamenting the current lack of demand, more forward-thinking leaders point to the fact that more than 200,000 people are born every day. These will be the customers of the future.

On the other hand, they do not ignore the challenges that exist at the moment. One solution they are considering is more automation, not less. This may seem counter-intuitive to many, who associate automation with an expense that will only pay off in boom times. What’s the logic in this?Many material handling experts argue that the industry is already automated and that is part of the problem. For example, robotics was popular until the recession hit and robotics suppliers reported a major slowdown in demand in 2010. Interestingly, requests for new proposals increased dramatically in the third quarter of the year.

The reason for this dramatic increase in interest in automated material handling equipment is that businesses are realizing that if they automate key components of their systems, they can run their business more cost-effectively. There has been a significant shift in thinking targeting those key components.