MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
An impressive line-up of speakers will discuss the technology and equipment that will be deployed in future logistics solutions at the forthcoming symposium of the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA).
Taking place on Wednesday 2 May 2012 at Silverstone, the event – entitled ‘Future Material Handling – Getting on track to win’ – will provide a forum for company owners, directors and senior managers to debate developments in materials handling over the coming years and the key role that automation and software will undoubtedly play.
Lord Digby Jones as keynote speaker
The symposium will kick off with a keynote speech from industry guru, Lord Digby Jones, former Director General of the CBI and Minister of UK Trade & Investment. Now an active crossbencher in the upper house, Lord Jones continues to put his business acumen to use in a number of advisory roles for blue-chip companies including British Airways, Jaguar Cars and JCB. Renowned for his original thinking and inspirational speaking, Lord Jones will reveal his predictions for UK business and the logistics sector in his own inimitable style.
Expert insight
Taking the podium at the event will be Brian McDill, Solutions and Operational Director at Norbert Dentressangle, who will discuss how 3PL contracts and short-termism currently inhibit the implementation and scope of warehouse automation, exploring ways in which contracts might be modified to facilitate automation and enable more users to secure its benefits.
Brian will be joined by Professor David Menachof of Hull University Business School, who will reveal current and predicted workforce migration trends within the UK and globally, explaining their impact – along with that of legislative changes – on British business and, in particular, the logistics sector.
Next to speak will be Jason Keegan, Head of General Merchandise Logistics at Marks and Spencer, who – from a user’s perspective – will look at handling automation now and over the next five years, with particular focus on the retail sector. The final podium position in the morning session will be taken by Mike Vernon of AMHSA, who will highlight the advances expected over the next five years in software, picking technologies and service support.
Rounding off the morning’s activities will be a Question & Answer session, allowing delegates to raise issues of particular interest to their businesses and debate future trends and technologies. Lunch will provide the ideal opportunity for delegates to network, not only with representatives from the leading automation providers in the UK and Europe but also with other delegates and the speakers themselves.
During the afternoon session, delegates will benefit from three interesting focus study presentations, delivered by senior executives from Tesco, Microsoft and Lakeland Plastics/The Logistics Business.
Win a driving experience
The venue for AMHSA’s 2012 symposium will be the brand-new Silverstone Wing conference centre at the home of British motorsport, Silverstone, near Towcester. Delegates attending the event will secure their chance to win one of three thrilling driving experiences at the legendary racetrack. The ‘early bird’ delegate rate of £85 plus VAT includes refreshments and a buffet lunch. For more details or to book one of the limited number of delegate places, visit www.amhsa.co.uk.
