While supply chain is just one of the applications for materials handling, it is becoming an increasingly important one.
As we report this week, data from the US-based Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals shows that this billion-dollar sector is growing and becoming more complex. On the one hand, e-commerce is accelerating, and on the other, input costs like fuel, labour and real estate are placing operators under pressure.
This raises the need for innovation - and we're already seeing a host of changes, from automation to 'uberisation'.
It's fascinating stuff.