MHEDA TALKS

Taking the Pulse of Material Handling: Quarterly Industry Sentiment Analysis

About This Episode

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards sits down with Tim Dawson, Chief Research Officer at Interact Analysis, to discuss MHEDA's new partnership with Interact Analysis and the launch of a quarterly industry sentiment report. Tim explains how sentiment data provides a timely view of market conditions, explores the key metrics being tracked, and shares how material handling leaders can use industry insights to benchmark performance, identify trends, and make more informed business decisions.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

Introducing the Quarterly Industry Sentiment Analysis

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Katie Richards welcomes Tim Dawson, Chief Research Officer at Interact Analysis, to discuss MHEDA’s new partnership with Interact Analysis and the value of industry sentiment data.

Tim shares how sentiment reports help capture the industry’s collective outlook by measuring trends in areas such as new orders, backlog, sales cycles, deal size, lead times, staffing, and employee retention. Unlike traditional benchmarking reports that require detailed financial input, sentiment reports provide a quick and confidential way for members to share their perspective on current market conditions and future expectations.

The conversation explores how sentiment data complements economic reports and other industry resources by providing a real-time view of how material handling professionals are experiencing market conditions. Tim also explains how members will be able to compare trends across MHEDA’s business communities—including industrial trucks, storage and handling, and systems integration—to gain additional context and perspective.

Listeners will learn how sentiment analysis can help leaders benchmark their business against industry peers, identify emerging trends, and better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the material handling market.

Key Topics Discussed
  • Understanding industry sentiment analysis
  • Key metrics tracked in the quarterly report
  • Industry sentiment vs. economic reporting
  • Using sentiment data to support decisions
  • Benchmarking against industry peers
  • Insights from the MHEDA and Interact Analysis partnership
  • Identifying emerging industry trends and challenges
About Tim Dawson

Tim Dawson is the Chief Research Officer at Interact Analysis, a leading market intelligence firm specializing in supply chain automation, robotics, warehousing, and industrial technology. With extensive experience in market research and economic analysis, Tim leads the company’s research initiatives, helping businesses understand market trends, industry performance, and future opportunities. He is passionate about transforming complex data into actionable insights that support strategic decision-making across the material handling and supply chain industries.

Manufacturing Industry Output Tracker (MIO)

Exclusively available to MHEDA members, this quarterly report provides insights into global manufacturing output and machinery sector trends to help you plan for the future. Explore regional forecasts, understand changes in industrial demand, and gain perspective on the economic forces shaping manufacturing markets. . — Learn More! 

About the MHEDA Talks Podcast

Katie Richards is MHEDA’s Member Engagement & Workforce Development Manager, dedicated to fostering strong connections within the material handling industry. Through MHEDA Talks, she engages with industry experts and thought leaders to explore timely topics, share practical insights, and bring forward conversations that matter most to MHEDA members. MHEDA Talks offers a platform to stay informed, gain new perspectives, and navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities within the industry.

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Gene Marks

CPA, National Business Columnist, Author & Speaker

Gene Marks is a past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post. Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian. Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management. Gene appears on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today. Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and provides actionable insights.

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