Increasing Mobility In The Supply Chain

By Ed McCabe, National Sales Manager, Panasonic Solutions

In June 2010, Modern Materials Handling published a white paper titled "How materials handling operations are using mobile technology to improve processes." The publication interviewed 376 materials handling professionals—from company managers to distribution directors and plant engineers—in its study on mobile technology in the supply chain.

With our current economic climate, it's no surprise that the survey results place an emphasis on reducing overhead and controlling expenses. Not surprisingly, respondents showed an increased commitment to mobile technology in supply chains.

According to the survey, 81% of respondents are already using or planning to evaluate mobile solutions in their operations. In fact, most of the responding organizations are planning to spend at least the same amount as last year, if not more, on mobile technologies. Furthermore, one-half of organizations consider wireless technologies, like RF scanners and GPS, to be essential in developing their supply chain operations.