The Future of Supply Chains Is Sustainable
by John Paxton, CEO, MHI
The pandemic significantly accelerated many supply chain trends and technology adoptions. Sustainability is no different as the drivers shifted from risk management and compliance to the opportunity for new supply chain efficiencies and market differentiation.
As manufacturing and supply chain professionals face demand from employees, customers and investors to deliver on sustainability goals, they are stepping up their environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. According to the 2021 MIT State of Supply Chain Sustainability report, half of the executives surveyed said that customers were now the main source of supply chain sustainability pressures.
To enable real change in a company’s impact on ESG issues, they need to be part and parcel of a long-term strategy that focuses not on just top-tier suppliers, but all suppliers within the chain to address both supply chain visibility and environmental impact reduction. A critical part of supporting and scaling sustainability initiatives are operational improvements that are being realized by the adoption of automation and other emerging supply chain technologies.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to foster an environment for our industry to be change agents for sustainability. This issue of MHI Solutions tackles this important topic by uncovering best practices, tools and real-world examples of how leading firms are investing in sustainability and seeing big payoffs.
Another important resource on this topic will be the 2022 MHI Annual Industry Report. According to preliminary survey results, 46% of our respondents have experienced an increase in supply chain sustainability pressure over the last year. This report will debut during MODEX 2022, the largest manufacturing and supply chain trade event of 2022 being held March 28-31 that we are previewing in this issue.
MODEX will include over 850 exhibits from leading solution providers and a comprehensive Educational Conference of over 110 sessions focusing on best-in-class solutions for manufacturing and supply chain operations. MODEX 2022 exhibits will represent all segments of the material handling, logistics and transportation industry, from traditional, manual equipment to computerized, automated systems and smart, connected and collaborative supply chain technologies.
From manufacturing to fulfillment and delivery with robotics, automation and emerging digital technologies, there will be many exciting new solutions to evaluate and choose.Be sure to attend MODEX 2022 to learn and experience the best innovative solutions for your business.
You can learn more about this important event starting on page 65. I encourage you to use resources like MODEX, the MHI Annual Industry Report and MHI Solutions to research and choose the right solution for your unique supply chain needs.
I hope you enjoy this issue, and that it inspires you to focus on sustainability and innovation to take advantage of these exciting opportunities.
