AI as a Business Tool, Not a Buzzword
As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, material handling companies are moving beyond curiosity and into practical application. In this episode of Table Trends, CEO Lauren Reed is joined by MHEDA board members to explore how AI is reshaping operations, decision-making, and customer experience across the industry. From contract reviews to service automation, the discussion highlights how companies are leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency while maintaining human oversight.
Panelists share how AI is streamlining complex and time-consuming processes. Contracts that once took hours to review can now be analyzed for key clauses and risk areas in minutes, helping leaders without in-house legal teams navigate increasingly complex agreements with greater confidence. Others are building customized AI tools to interpret technical manuals, support customer service teams with faster answers, and even create searchable employee handbooks that provide real-time internal guidance.
Operational automation is also taking center stage. One panelist describes how AI-driven analytics are automatically closing thousands of routine preventative maintenance work orders each month, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value tasks and improving billing accuracy. The result is not only greater internal efficiency but also a stronger customer experience through faster, more accurate service.
Featured Guests
- Lauren Reed, CEO, MHEDA
- Lori Palmer, President, REB Storage Systems
- Darin Boik, President, Advanced Equipment
- Steve Strenck, Director of Sales, Gregory Poole Equipment
Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or actively integrating it into your operations, this episode offers real-world insight into how material handling leaders are using artificial intelligence to save time, reduce risk, elevate marketing efforts, and create more meaningful human interaction where it matters most.
