The MHI-affiliated Ergonomics Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE) Council and Phoenix, Arizona-based Avnet Inc are co-winners of a 2014 outstanding materials handling logistics content award competition.

The College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE) announced the winners on 6 October during MHI's annual conference in San Diego. The international trade association MHI is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

EASE won for its Ergonomics and Lean Sales Training Program, a training webinar providing an introduction to basic ergonomics and lean manufacturing principles applied to industrial settings. EASE says the content explains the synergies between reducing manufacturing waste, which is a core lean value, and ergonomics measures to minimise risk and improve productivity.

Avnet won for its electronic magazine, "Supply Chain Velocity", which presents information to help MHI members understand supply chain issues. Avnet makes the information vivid through written content and supporting graphics.

The MHI-affiliated Overhead Alliance took third place for its collaborative lecture materials, which provide an overview of technologies used in lifting and moving materials in various applications. The content is aimed at a broad audience, including academics, industry and students at various levels.

Digital Lumens Inc, of Boston, Massachusetts, received an honorable mention for graphically describing 12 myths surrounding industrial LED lighting. Lighting often ranks as a second order problem in warehouses. Digital Lumens says improving the work environment is good for safety, health and productivity.

CICMHE links individuals in academia and industry. The organisation prepares and provides information, teaching materials and events to support materials handling education and research. Founded in 1952, the main body comprises 13 college and university educators. Additional members are drawn from materials handling equipment manufacturers, distributors, users, consultants, business press representatives, and professional staff members from materials handling educational organisations.