Day one of ProMat Expo 2019 in Chicago concluded with thousands of attendees more educated on industry trends, products, and expert insight than when they arrived.

The trade show featured a vast array of massive displays, game-changing products, and innovative technology solutions – from robotics and disruptive AI, to packaging and warehouse solutions to support seamless operations and reduced inefficiencies.

With dozens of education seminars to choose from, the primary themes focused on AI integration and challenged perceptions on trends such as lean manufacturing. Keynote speakers took education one step further through comprehensive analysis and presentations filled with valuable expert knowledge and key takeaways essential for stepping up operations in 2019.

Among the presenting speakers included topic expert Scott Redelman, National Manager with Toyota Forklift in Atlanta, who took the trend of lean manufacturing and debunked common misconceptions on how to successfully integrate lean methods into operations. Redelman emphasized the importance of fully understanding the problems lean manufacturing solves before implementation.

“Lean manufacturing reduces process, not manpower,” he said.

Artificial Intelligence was another topic focal point with an entire morning filled with tech and AI-focused education seminars. Among these topic experts was Omar Rashid, Vice President of Operations Development at DHL Supply Chain. Rashid took a granular look at what drives the integration of AI, citing the goal of a dynamic environment as a key driver. Rashid also made it clear that although AI supports operational efficiencies, “there will always be a role for humans.”

As day two quickly approaches, Global Trade Magazine will continue capturing the best knowledge and industry expertise while learning about new challenges in innovation and technology solutions to share with our readers.