What are the future trends and latest developments in the material handling sector?
Latest developments and trends in the material handling sector are a result of the intervention of technological and IOT-based solutions. These play a major role in automation, human-machine connectivity, thereby increasing productivity and accuracy in transactions and inventory.Data collection and data analytics help improve the efficiency of operations.

Similarly, lithium batteries would be a major contributor in place of lead-acid batteries which would reduce charging time and increase running hours. There’ll be an intervention of smart features in the times to come which will benefits MHEs.

Why is modern material handling equipment (MHE) so critical for increasing efficiency and reducing downtime?
Modern MHE have gained a special place in the segment. They offer some remarkable benefits, including, increasing productivity, helping better organization of storage, optimizing space utilization, reducing operation cost and creating a sustainable business.

Kindly inform us about the types of Machinery/equipment your organisation uses.
Our focus has always been on building robust warehouses and operating processes for seamless logistics operation at key locations for creating maximum value for our customers. Snowman facilities mainly cater to the storage, handling and transportation of seafood, ready-to-eat food, ice cream, dairy products, quick service restaurants, confectionery & bakery products, fruits & vegetables, pharma, and other products.

We use double deep reach trucks to optimize the chamber utilisation, battery operated pallet trucks, hand pallet trucks, stackers and forklifts in our warehouses.

With respect to automated material handling equipment solutions, how advantageous is it in enhancing productivity especially in warehousing and logistics?
In the recent times, automation is proving an impactful tool for businesses to streamline their operations. From offering increased efficiency and reliability to customers to enabling cost optimisation in organizations, automated material handling equipment solutions are proving beneficial. They help in reducing labour cost and labour dependency, enhancing transparency in data and operations, better handling of e-commerce /customized operations, better management of warehousing during excessive seasonal volume

Could you detail about innovative technologies that have come up recently?
As mentioned above, with technological intervention some recent innovations that have happened in the MHE sector include auto racking adjustment-Height selector, online monitoring systems, safety features, alarms and preventions to avoid accidents and motion sensors.

These are offering a new work dimension to the operators and definitely help in streamlining warehouse operations. We get real-time updates which have helped avoid major mishaps and losses. At Snowman, our IT systems are the best in class and are built to handle 3 lac pallet businesses.

What kind of recovery do you see in the MHE segment in the coming days?
The MHE segment will see an increase in safety, productivity reliability, ease of operation and lesser maintenance issues in the times to come. There’ll be an integration of all activities with MHE operations including online support for maintenance, reduced complexity, mobile connectivity, and capturing and tracking product movements with technology. It’ll be more energy-efficient as well.

What message do you have for the readers as well as the industry?
While tremendous advancements have happened in the MHE segment in the recent times, however there is a need for updated technology solutions that can offer multiple benefits to suppliers, workers, and the overall sector. The platform should be user-friendly with a keen focus on workers safety and comfort and should be available 24/7 with service backups.