Warehouses across industries face mounting pressure as e-commerce demands escalate. With labor costs rising and error rates cutting into profits, operations teams seek solutions to break through efficiency barriers. The upcoming "Smart Growth: 2021 Virtual Summit on Material Handling" on July 29 promises insights into transformative technologies reshaping warehouse management.
Summit Overview: Powering Future-Ready Operations
This virtual gathering will explore how automation, robotics, and digital solutions can help distribution centers meet surging demand while controlling costs. Industry leaders and analysts will share strategies for optimizing fulfillment operations during economic recovery. The free event offers on-demand access to all sessions, allowing participants to revisit content at their convenience.
Featured Speakers: Expertise Across the Supply Chain
The summit brings together experts from prominent organizations including Main Pointe, St. Onge Company, Gartner, and Capgemini. Their presentations will combine research findings with practical implementation guidance. Supply chain editors Mike Levans and Roberto Michel will moderate discussions, facilitating knowledge exchange between panelists and attendees.
Key Discussion Areas
Automation & Robotics
From autonomous guided vehicles to collaborative robots, the summit will examine how automation reduces operational costs while improving throughput. Presenters will compare solutions for different warehouse environments, helping operations leaders identify appropriate technologies for their specific needs.
Software & Digital Transformation
Sessions will demonstrate how warehouse management systems, powered by AI and analytics, enhance inventory visibility and order accuracy. Experts will outline digital transformation roadmaps for operations at various maturity levels.
Mobile Tech & IoT
The program explores how wearable devices, mobile scanners, and IoT sensors enable real-time data collection. Case studies will show how these tools optimize warehouse layouts, streamline picking processes, and reduce errors.
AI & Machine Learning
Attendees will learn how predictive algorithms improve demand forecasting and inventory optimization. Presenters will share examples of intelligent decision-support systems that automate supply chain processes.
Sustainable Operations
The environmental impact of warehouse operations takes center stage in discussions about eco-friendly technologies, sustainable packaging, and green transportation solutions that maintain profitability.
Workforce Development
With labor shortages challenging operations, sessions will address strategies for upskilling employees, improving retention, and implementing effective training programs.
Why Attend?
Participants will gain actionable insights to:
- Understand emerging technologies transforming material handling
- Learn implementation strategies from industry leaders
- Network with peers facing similar operational challenges
- Discover solutions tailored to different operational scales
- Position their organizations for sustainable growth
As competition intensifies across logistics sectors, this summit offers timely knowledge for operations professionals seeking to future-proof their facilities. The convergence of expert perspectives and practical case studies creates a unique learning opportunity for those ready to transform their warehouse operations.