Historically, the material handling industry has been highly fragmented but relatively stable. Manufacturers were able to specialize in a particular subsegment, maximizing brand awareness and sales growth. The new millennium has brought eCommerce, artificial intelligence and other factors that are forcing manufacturers and warehouses to keep up with these rapid changes. DJ Products, makers of the electric trailer dolly, identifies four strategies that can help to navigate the new blended environment.
The Changing Landscape of Material Handling
So what are the primary elements driving this shift?
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- Advances in technology have created new subsegments, including AGV (automated guided vehicles) and ASRS (automated storage and retrieval systems).
- Segments are challenged to adapt to trends such as new regulations, response to COVID-19 and increased customer demand.
- Since different segments have varying degrees of market resilience, companies should consider diversifying material handling solutions.
- Cost control is a consistent throughline that runs through all segments and trends.
Four Pathways to Success
1. With the growth in eCommerce, it’s difficult for companies to be equally responsive to challenges such as same-day delivery, fluctuating volumes and urban area logistics. Instead of specialization, companies are better served by expanding into a comprehensive suite of capabilities.
2. Cost control, combined with the need for more efficient distribution channels, means companies can benefit from new delivery models in order to stay competitive. Options include pay-per-use or leasing-and-rental contracts.
3. As labor remains scarce and workforces continue to age, automation is a need, not a luxury. During the transition to more advanced technology, make sure that all subsegments can be integrated with each other to avoid disruptions and reduced productivity.
4. Customers value “one-stop solutions.” Leverage your solutions and partnerships to create a seamless experience for consumers.
Our Trailer Dolly Serves Multiple Needs
Eco-friendly, cost-effective, easy to use, ergonomically designed – the battery-powered trailer dolly from DJ Products checks all the boxes for a state-of-the-art material handling solution. In addition, we offer a wide variety of options for customization to fit any specific applications.
Call 800.686.2651 or use our online chat feature to be connected with one of our friendly and helpful Sales Engineers.