While consumers aren’t necessarily thrilled by the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption, the domestic fulfillment sector is enjoying its strongest performance in three years, with the highest growth rate since the end of the COVID pandemic. The shift in consumer sentiment toward domestic brands (a shift driven, as most consumer shifts are, by costs) has been a boon so far for the US warehousing industry.
Another emerging trend is jidoka, a Japanese term currently being applied to situations impacted by AI. The idea is that AI may be powerful, but it really only works when humans are guiding it. Jidoka refers to the concept of automation with a human touch and intention. Learn more in this week’s look at “The Future of Work.”
Meanwhile, a study from MIT indicates that AI is already embedded in 60% of warehouses, with payback expected in two to three years.
All this and more in this week’s Supply Chain Insights.
—Dave Blanchard
