This week at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, I had the opportunity to spend time walking the show floor, reconnecting with many AIM members, meeting new industry professionals, and seeing firsthand where the material handling and supply chain market is headed. One of the highlights for me was stopping by member booths throughout the week to chat, catch up on what they are working on, and record short videos that we have been sharing on AIM’s social media channels. It was a great way to spotlight the innovation our members are driving while also giving others a look at the people and technologies helping shape the future of supply chain execution.
Another major highlight was our AIM Unwind After 5 networking event on Tuesday evening at Margaritaville, just outside the Georgia World Congress Center. AIM invited members, partners, and industry friends to join us for an informal get-together, and the response was fantastic. With the first drink on AIM, the setting created the perfect opportunity for people to step away from the busy show floor, relax, and have real conversations. What stood out most was how naturally the discussion flowed. People talked about current industry challenges, emerging opportunities, and what they are seeing in the market, but in a fun, low-pressure setting that made it easy to connect. In fact, many attendees stayed well beyond the planned time because the conversations were simply that fun.
As I moved through MODEX, one thing became very clear: the industry continues to push toward more connected, intelligent, and scalable operations. A major theme across the show was the continued importance of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) as a long-term growth platform. More companies are looking at WMS not just as software to manage inventory or labor, but as a way to also handle new customer demands. That has direct relevance to AIM and our members because the value of a WMS is only as strong as the quality and timeliness of the data flowing into it. This is where AIDC technologies like barcode, RFID, machine vision, mobile computing, and real-time data capture continue to prove essential.
Another clear trend was the evolution of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS). Many conversations and presentations at the show were touching on how ASRS provides measurable ROI, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to support any kind of fulfillment demands. For AIM, this reinforces something we have long advocated, that automation works best when it is built on reliable identification, visibility, and interoperability. Whether an operation is using conveyors, robotics, or some form of artificial intelligence, the ability to accurately identify items, locations, and assets remains the key component.
Speaking of AI, I also saw strong momentum around AI-enabled supply chain execution and the need for systems to work more intelligently together. Many of the discussions and sessions at MODEX centered on how AI can help in spaces like warehouse, transportation, and in order management systems. End-to-end visibility was not surprisingly a major theme throughout the show. For AIM, that is an important reminder that our technologies sit at the center of this transformation. AI and other platforms are only as powerful as the trusted data they receive, and AIDC is what helps create that trusted data layer.
To everyone I had the chance to meet this week, thank you for the conversations and the time spent sharing ideas. For those I met at MODEX who are not yet part of AIM, I would encourage you to take a closer look at what our community is building. AIM is a vibrant network of innovators, educators, standards leaders, and solution providers working together to move this industry forward. Reach out to me and we can touch base and get you into our network! Looking forward to building upon the many discussion points gained from the show