What is your number one takeaway from Promat 2025?
We were all pleased to see the large number of exhibitors at this year’s ProMat but more notably, the record number of visitors attending the show. Compared to previous years where attendees were primarily just looking to learn about new automation solutions, we felt that this year more were looking for ideas and had real project needs to be discussed.
They were clearly experienced, knowledgeable users ready to improve their operations.
A related takeaway was the cautious optimism that we heard in many of our conversations with attendees as well as the other exhibitors. Although there was much talk specifically about potential tariffs and more generally about economic uncertainty, the consensus was that the longer-term view was still promising.
What are the three key market trends from your perspective?
We’ve noted an increased willingness of users to consider and adopt new technologies and expect that sentiment to continue for the foreseeable future. We’re especially encouraged that small- to medium-sized firms are now also leaning heavily into automation that improves their productivity and furthers their business.
It also was clear that customers preferred solutions are trending toward being both more flexible and scalable. That was apparent at the show in that the lines between fixed- and mobile- automation are becoming blurred. Customers want solutions that will serve them now and later and one that will not lock them into a system that may not serve them in the future.
How is DMW&H responding to these market trends?
For the last few years at DMW&H, we have developed flexible, scalable solutions powered by our indaGo™ warehouse execution software to meet their needs. A good example is the SURF™ Dispensing Solution that we had on display at ProMat. SURF™ can grow with increased volume and can be paired with fixed conveyor or mobile solutions such as AMRs to provide a custom solution.
On behalf of our customers, we continue to research new equipment and solutions to see where they may fit with our offerings and have partnered with several providers to provide best of breed solutions. We think that this approach will continue to allow us to best support our clients.