How IIoT Business Intelligence Drives Success in Material Handling

Despite tariffs, global uncertainty, and other risks, the outlook for the worldwide automated material‑handling market remains robust. Manufacturers, distributors, and logistics firms are investing in practical IIoT‑powered business intelligence to tap critical, real‑time data that informs strategy and operations. “Both domestic and international material‑handling trends and competitive analysis are essential for suppliers in this sector,” says Søren Block Olsen, director of marketing at TARGIT Business Intelligence & Analytics.

Business‑intelligence dashboards turn raw data into actionable insights—highlighting import/export volumes, supply‑chain dynamics, pricing, revenue, and gross margins. These metrics shape production schedules, cost structures, and strategic plans.

In 2018, U.S. material‑handling equipment new orders reached nearly $40 billion (€35.5 billion), up more than 12 % year‑over‑year, according to the latest report from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA). Automation—particularly pick‑and‑place robotics—drives much of this growth, helping companies offset an aging workforce.

Manufacturers recognize that retaining skilled employees is key to sustained performance. Business‑intelligence tools help leaders implement safety initiatives that reduce repetitive‑use injuries, enabling older workers to extend productive careers.

Facilities are ramping up investments in upgrades and new technology, while emerging markets expand their manufacturing footprints, further propelling the global material‑handling industry.

Demand for Digital Expertise

With growing demands for safety, efficiency, and automation, firms are digitizing their internal systems. The material‑handling sector is set for continuous expansion, and organizations must recruit talent with deep digital expertise to stay ahead. This not only boosts productivity but also keeps companies abreast of the latest solutions.

Embracing Analytics

Today, the industry acknowledges the power of data management and analytics for uncovering smarter business practices. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is expanding within material handling, and the volume of customer data demands a strategic approach to capture and interpret insights.

Historically, fleet management and strategic decisions often rested on gut instinct and past experience. Modern material‑handling enterprises can no longer rely on a “status‑quo” approach. A comprehensive analytics strategy touches every department—streamlining processes, revealing actionable insights, and driving profitability. It also enhances the customer experience, delivering transparency, flexibility, and the clarity needed to navigate a previously complex landscape.

By harnessing and analyzing data, material‑handling companies can tackle daily challenges—from complex billing and scheduling to balancing asset portfolios, managing cash flow, and gaining full visibility into fleet utilisation. These insights support better customer service and a more efficient equipment lifecycle.

With the flow of data accelerating, discerning which metrics matter most becomes critical. Numerous key performance indicators can guide decision‑making. Download our 24‑page eBook for deeper insights.

The author is Søren Block Olsen, director of marketing, TARGIT Business Intelligence & Analytics

About the Author

Søren Block Olsen, Director of Marketing at TARGIT Business Intelligence & Analytics, works with data‑rich marketing systems to uncover customer and market behavior. He specialises in designing processes and systems that turn raw data into actionable information supporting business decisions. With a Bachelors in Global Business Engineering and an MSc in International Technology Management from Aalborg University, Olsen thrives at the intersection of IT and business.