We’re back from MODEX 2024 and what a week it was! With over 1,100 exhibits spanning 570,000 square feet across the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, the show was bigger and better than ever before. Registrations reached 45,000+, with a notable increase in visitors from top-tier end user companies.
The show’s focus on education was evident with a lineup of 165 seminars covering cutting-edge trends, best practices, and state-of-the-art technology solutions. Between the exhibits and the sessions, attendees were able to experience the full spectrum of the supply chain, from foundational technologies to advanced automated systems and robotics. Here are three significant takeaways that stood out to our team:
#1. Positive Outlook for the Supply Chain in 2024
Throughout the show, visitors to our booth expressed a strong commitment to investing in the future of their supply chain operations. On Day 3 of the show this observation was validated when Wanda Johnson of Deloitte and MHI CEO John Paxton presented the key findings of the 2024 MHI Annual Industry Report titled “The Collaborative Supply Chain – Tech-Driven and Human-Centric.” According to the report, 55% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments, with 88% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million. Forty-two percent plan to spend over $10 million. This investment includes solutions for improved supply chain resiliency and transparency, as well as solutions for the ongoing workforce shortage. You can download the full report here.
#2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Continues to Reshape the Supply Chain
As we observed at NRF earlier this year, AI adoption and interest are reaching new levels. A staggering 84% of individuals surveyed by MHI expressed intentions to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations within the next five years. However, alongside this enthusiasm lies the challenge of strategically leveraging AI’s potential. While AI stands poised to bolster supply chain resilience and enhance workforce productivity, satisfaction, and retention, it’s essential to assess your operation’s specific business needs, budget, and goals before deciding on implementation.
#3. A Successful Supply Chain Will Always Involve People
Labor shortages, supply disruptions and demand surges are continuing to drive organizations to invest in robotics, but it’s important to realize that technology on its own won’t save the day. The key is harnessing technology to work with people, not replace people. Today’s most successful organizations are putting the needs and expectations of their people first and investing in technology second. It’s all about collecting feedback and gaining a full understanding of pain points and reacting to that. In the warehouse, this means automating redundant tasks and allowing humans more time to focus on the strategic, value-added tasks.
Made4net Makes Waves at MODEX
Made4net made waves at MODEX by leveraging the event to connect with partners and customers on a deeper level than ever before. This year, our booth featured several partner solutions. Visitors were able to witness the latest advancements in robotics technology with our demo bots from Locus Robotics and Robust.ai and see how our warehouse management solutions seamlessly integrate with this technology to streamline warehouse operations. We also offered a live pick-to-light system demonstration to showcase how this state-of-the-art system enhances efficiency and accuracy in warehouse picking processes.
Additionally, Made4net recorded a panel session with partners from enVista, Brecham Group, and Bricz, focusing on WMS implementation tips. This insightful discussion will be released soon, offering valuable insights to anyone searching for a WMS. Numerous one-on-one interviews with industry experts during the event, covering topics ranging from supply chain trends to labor challenges and top technology investments, were also recorded. These interviews will be shared over social media in the coming months, further solidifying Made4net’s commitment to knowledge sharing and innovation.
In Summary
MODEX 2024 set the tone for a promising year ahead in the supply chain industry. According to Amit Levy, EVP of Sales and Strategy at Made4net, “MODEX always provides invaluable market access and knowledge, offering solutions to specific operational challenges and fostering a sense of community within the supply chain industry. It was truly a great week and we can’t wait to incorporate what we learned into future solutions or our customers.” If you’d like to learn more about how Made4net solutions can improve your supply chain operations, schedule some time with one of our WMS experts today.
