What makes an innovative solution?

Technology and design must be at a new level of safety, productivity and efficient operation. In addition, innovation must close a gap in the market, such as improving lifting capacity, making operation and energy use more efficient, reducing working time, working in confined spaces or promoting sustainability. But I am also interested in how new technologies are integrated into the design. The use of machine learning and artificial intelligence is impacting design and operation, enabling machines to work smarter and more efficiently. The use of real-time information through telematics and IoT devices, which provide data for faster decision-making and more flexibility in operations, is increasing. Most importantly, designs need to improve worker safety.

What is the most striking trend in intralogistics at the moment?

In many ways, we are facing the same challenges in the US that Europe and Japan have been struggling with for many years. Retailers want to be closer to customers so they can deliver faster, but land in metropolitan areas is scarce and expensive. It is also difficult to find labor in highly competitive markets. Automation is the answer to both.

How did you get into intralogistics?

I didn’t originally intend to work as a logistics journalist. I was a television journalist, video producer and director for the first 18 years of my career, running a video production facility for a non-profit organization that produced local and national television programs. Then funding for my organization was cut. At the time, my uncle was the editor of a construction technology magazine for the largest business publisher in the U.S. at the time. I had written some freelance articles for his magazine in the past, and he encouraged me to move into the business press. A materials handling magazine at his company needed an editor, and since I was at a crossroads in my career, I decided the time was right to put my writing skills to use in print journalism. Initially, logistics trade journalism was “just” a good opportunity for me to learn, which I planned to take for a year or two until the next opportunity presented itself. However, when I started in this industry, I found it so interesting and challenging that I have been a supply chain reporter for almost 25 years. There are always interesting developments and new products – and that’s why I’m delighted to be part of the IFOY AWARD.