Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Demand for robotic goods-to-person systems to quadruple through 2023

Covid-19 speeds demand for non-invasive technologies that can ensure social distancing in warehouses, Gartner data show.

G2P systems on the rise as warehouses look for ways to ensure social distancing
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
By Supply Chain Quarterly StaffJan 27, 2021
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
See Full Bio

Demand for robotic goods-to-person (G2P) material handling systems is expected to quadruple over the next two years as organizations seek ways to enforce social distancing in warehouses, according to data from industry analyst Gartner.

“Fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic is increasing demand for robotics in warehouses and distribution centers,” Dwight Klappich, vice president analyst with the Gartner Supply Chain practice, said in a statement this week. “G2P systems are an easy and economical way to not only enforce social distancing, but also improve productivity.”

Klappich added that robotic G2P systems are especially attractive because they are easy to implement and less invasive than other social distancing technologies, such as those that track employees’ movements. 

“Keeping people in place and using a virus-resistant robot to move goods around respects people’s privacy and keeps them safe at the same time,” Klappich said.

G2P systems also drive broader long-term improvements in efficiency and productivity while offering other benefits, such as greater storage density. 

The G2P data is part of a larger report on supply chain technology trends for 2021 that also predicts accelerated investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics (AA) capabilities among supply chain organizations. The data show that 50% of those organizations plan such investments through 2024, primarily to meet a growing need to make better, more informed decisions faster.

“Leading organizations use AI and AA to dig through the vast amounts of data they generate to understand what is happening in their business now and–more importantly–what is likely to happen in the future,” according to Andrew Stevens, senior director analyst with the Gartner Supply Chain practice.

Companies will continue to invest in applications that embed, augment, or apply AI and AA tools, he said.

“Supply chain leaders should adopt a broad and holistic perspective when it comes to AI and AA. These technologies are increasingly ubiquitous, and there are many ways in which they can be applied–such as data mining for smart manufacturing, visibility tools and autonomous transportation, and to aid customer retention,” Stevens said.

ArticleMoveStore
gartnerquarter 1 2021
ArticleMoveStore
gartnerquarter 1 2021

Recent

An image of the cover page for the white paper "The threat of resiliency and sustainability in global supply chain management: Expectations for 2025."
Plan

CSCMP releases new white paper looking at potential supply chain impact of incoming Trump administration

minority woman with charts of business progress
Procure

Study: Inclusive procurement can fuel economic growth

More Stories

image of laptop against an orange background

Companies need to plan for top five supply chain risks of 2025

The five most likely supply chain events that will impact business operations this year include climate change/weather, geopolitical instability, cybercrime, rare metals/minerals, and the crackdown on forced labor, according to a report from supply chain risk analytics provider Everstream Analytics.

“The past year has been unprecedented, with extreme weather events, heightened geopolitical tension and cybercrime destabilizing supply chains throughout the world. Navigating this year’s looming risks to build a secure supply network has never been more critical,” Corey Rhodes, CEO of Everstream Analytics, said in the firm’s “2025 Annual Risk Report.”

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

aerial photo of port of Miami
Move

East and Gulf coast strike averted with 11th-hour agreement

cargo ships at port
Move

Strike threat lingers at ports as January 15 deadline nears

image of earth from space

Maersk offers 5 steps to make your supply chain “antifragile”

Companies worldwide faced waves of business disruptions throughout the past year, but as 2025 is predicted to be just as complex as 2024, global cargo carrier Maersk has listed five steps for making supply chains “antifragile.”

Maersk’s overall view of the coming year is that the global economy is expected to grow modestly, with the possibility of higher inflation caused by lingering supply chain issues, continued geopolitical tensions, and fiscal policies such as new tariffs. Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions could threaten global stability, climate change action will continue to shape international cooperation, and the ongoing security issue in the Red Sea is expected to continue into 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. and China flags with a photo overlay of Ashray Lavsi

What happens to global supply chains if China attacks Taiwan?

For an island measuring a little less than 14,000 square miles (or about the size of Belgium), Taiwan plays a crucial role in global supply chains, making geopolitical concerns associated with it of keen interest to most major corporations.

Taiwan has essentially acted as an independent nation since 1949, when the nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek retreated to the island following the communist takeover of mainland China. Yet China has made no secret of the fact that it wants to bring Taiwan back under its authority—ambitions that were brought to the fore in October when China launched military drills that simulated an attack on the island.

Keep ReadingShow less

Six logistics trends to watch

As we look toward 2025, the logistics and transportation industry stands on the cusp of transformation. At the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), we’re committed to helping industry leaders navigate these changes with insight and strategy. Here are six trends that we believe will form the competitive landscape of tomorrow.

1. Digital transformation and data integration: Technology continues to reshape every facet of logistics. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are becoming increasingly integrated into supply chain operations, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling proactive decision-making.

Keep ReadingShow less
attendees at the EDGE resource center

Attendees visit the CSCMP EDGE 2024 Resource Center.

Lean into your supply chain community

As I assume the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), I fondly reflect on the more than 10 years that I’ve had the privilege of being part of this extraordinary organization. I’ve seen firsthand the impact we have had on individuals, companies, and the entire supply chain profession.

CSCMP’s journey as an organization began back in 1963. It has since grown from a small, passionate community to the world’s premier association for supply chain professionals. Our mission—to connect, educate, and develop supply chain professionals throughout their careers—remains not only relevant, but vital in today’s world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Copyright ©2025.