Where Just In Time was the mantra until a couple of years back, we are increasingly hearing about Just In Case inventory management. This means hoarding materials to avoid the supply chain blockages which have been so challenging since the start of the pandemic.
For materials handling, this probably means increased demand for warehouse space, more intensive use of equipment and further labour requirements.
Much of that is great news for manufacturers and vendors, but not so much for end-users who will not only be working harder, but may also find themselves stretched to meet demand. And the cost of machines will no doubt be on the rise again.