Today we continue our post on future trends that will challenge the material handling industry. Please see our June 6 post for Part I.
- Workplace. The workplace is already changing with a growing number of workers telecommuting and working from home. The traditional brick and mortar office is giving way to mobile and virtual offices. Computers, cell phones, teleconferencing and video conferencing allow people to do business with clients, colleagues and suppliers around the world from any location, including their kitchen table. Nearly 750,000 people already live and work out of their RVs. The blurring of home and work boundaries is already starting to impact how we work and our expectations about work.
- Biotechnology. Genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology are the world’s new industrial frontier. Scientists are creating undreamed of organisms and compounds that are revolutionizing our world, and all in ever more minute packages. Every year brings profound discoveries that will force us to redefine the role of industry, how we produce and use materials, and the role of workers.
- Globalization. A global economy is a growing reality. World markets are becoming increasingly interconnected. To be successful, businesses will have to look beyond local and regional resources to take advantage of market opportunities around the globe. As this occurs will the pressure of business and industrial inter-reliance have an affect on political, economic and social issues around the world. It seems certain that opportunities for global influence and change will be created. The challenge will be to see that they are positive ones.