- Automation in supply chains is increasing productivity but often at the expense of worker health and well-being.
- The global supply chain remains vulnerable despite technological advancements, especially during unpredictable events like COVID-19.
- While automation promises efficiency, it has also raised concerns about worker exploitation and the future of low-skilled jobs.
Christopher Mims’ Arriving Today takes readers through the modern supply chain, uncovering how products like a USB charger are made, shipped, and delivered. The book shines a spotlight on the intricate systems of global logistics, primarily focusing on how automation and technology have transformed manufacturing and distribution. By highlighting Amazon’s fulfillment centers and the increased use of automation, Mims illustrates both the benefits and costs of these technological advancements. Efficiency has certainly improved, but workers are often left dealing with intensified workloads under harsh conditions, where injury and burnout are not uncommon.
Mims delves deeper into the economic implications of automation, offering insights into why many Americans still work long shifts despite predictions like Keynes’ forecast of reduced work hours. Automation, while making processes faster and more efficient, hasn’t reduced the need for human workers. It has led to a shift in labor, from manufacturing jobs moving overseas to the rise of low-skilled warehouse work in the U.S. Companies like Amazon have increased the pressure on their workforce by implementing algorithms that set the pace for workers, often pushing them to the brink. This, combined with an increased demand for faster shipping, has exposed the vulnerabilities in our supply chain.
A central theme in the book is how automation impacts worker health. The constant pressure to keep up with fast-paced systems can result in injuries, especially when ergonomic design is not prioritized. Mims makes a compelling argument that while automation might eliminate repetitive tasks, it often introduces new challenges that are just as taxing for workers. His comparison of Amazon’s top-down approach to more worker-friendly systems, such as Toyota’s, highlights how companies can manage automation and human labor.
Arriving Today succeeds in giving readers an in-depth look at the future of manufacturing and distribution. Mims offers a balanced perspective, admiring the logistics industry’s ingenuity and cautioning against the human costs of progress. As automation continues to evolve, the book urges readers to consider whether the convenience of quick deliveries is worth the toll it takes on workers behind the scenes.
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