Material handling is a broad phrase that refers to a variety of activities, equipment types, and locations associated with commercial manufacturing and distribution processes. It is a vital component in every logistics or manufacturing endeavour. Material handling is the gathering, storage, management, protection, and movement of items and materials during the manufacture, warehousing, consumption, distribution, and disposal processes.
Ensuring that materials are handled properly, efficiently, and effectively is critical to the success or failure of manufacturing, supply chains, and distribution.
Human-Powered Material Handling Equipment
Manual Material Handling
Manual material handling, the earliest moving method, involves workers physically transporting things. The actions include lifting, lowering, filling, emptying, and transporting items such as commodities, boxes, and containers. Given its physical nature, this profession can be hazardous and exposes personnel to actions that could cause injury.
Inadequately constructed material handling systems cause workplace accidents, body discomfort, and other health concerns. Workers may develop sprains and strains in their lower back, upper limbs, and shoulders. Accidents are likely and can be hazardous, even fatal, thus safety is a key priority throughout the process. In some circumstances, people transport items using devices with wheels and handlebars, such as carts. Mechanical systems do the majority of the work here, yet people have control over the interaction.
Forklifts
Forklifts, often known as industrial trucks or lift trucks, are a broad category of material handling equipment supplies used to transfer products within a factory or warehouse. This type of equipment is operated by a human worker, yet it picks up and sets goods mechanically, eliminating the need for manual lifting and transportation. Lift trucks also available in various sizes and combinations. For example, an order picker raises operators high off the ground, allowing them to access difficult-to-reach products.
Lift trucks have been around for many years, but they are still a popular material handling solution. According to Modern Materials Handling, 63% of companies in a 2022 poll intended to purchase more lift trucks within the next 12-24 months.
Warehouse floor label kits and warehouse signage, such as retro-reflective warehouse barcode labels, let forklift operators navigate the warehouse and find the right spots fast, without wasting time or contributing to warehouse aisle clutter.
Automatic Material Handling Equipment
Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems are mechanical material handling equipment supplies used to transport materials, products, or items from one place to another within a facility or between different locations. They’re commonly used in manufacturing, distribution, packaging, and logistics industries to automate and streamline the movement of goods.
Autonomous Mobile Robots
Autonomous mobile robots use powerful navigation technology to map out a facility and calculate their path as they travel. Their sensors enable them to locate and navigate obstacles.
Automated Guided Vehicles
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are driverless vehicles that convey items throughout a plant. They provide a range of cost-saving and other benefits. AGVs use a variety of navigation systems to follow predetermined courses. Furthermore, they include collision warning systems to avoid crashes.
Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems
An automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) frequently replaces the traditional pick and pack operations used in warehouses. It automatically stores and retrieves materials. Many of these systems feature contemporary designs. Electric automated material handling systems are driving global market expansion due to an increase in demand for more environmentally friendly products and improved fuel efficiency. There are also government efforts promoting growth in this sector.
However, despite the numerous advantages of AS/RS, its implementation faces a number of challenges. For example, developing automated storage and retrieval systems might be expensive. Humans can adapt to a variety of employment demands. Machines are programmed to accomplish a single task. However, continued developments in machine programming, sensing, and robotics continue to bridge the gap, providing increasing levels of automation and stimulating further use.
Storage and Handling Equipment
Storage and handling items keep materials in place when they are not in use or in transit. This category covers storage solutions like racking, pallets, and shelves that allow you to store items in an organised manner. Material frequently sits before entering the production cycle or while waiting for transportation. This equipment includes racks, shelves, stacking frames, and mezzanines.
Racks
Facilities use a variety of racks, including sliding racks, pallet racks, push-back racks, and drive-through or drive-in racks. The racks are intended to store items, make them accessible, and reduce floor space. Racks are often labelled to help warehouse personnel locate the relevant storage places for material storage and retrieval.
Shelves, Bins, and Drawers
Shelves, boxes, containers, and drawers are popular and basic material handling equipment supplies storage options. Drawers and bins are located within the shelf and often hold tiny items. Material handling staff can easily identify materials using barcode labels on containers, pallets, totes, and trays.
Stacking Frames
As the name implies, these items are stacked on top of one another like bricks. Their primary benefit is that they allow fragile or crushable materials kept on pallets to be piled on top of one another.
Mezzanines
A mezzanine is an indoor platform that rises above the floor, equivalent to a second level. Mezzanines are classified into several types, including building-supported, modular, moveable, rack-supported, and freestanding. One important advantage of these pieces of equipment is that they enable a corporation to be more efficient. When a corporation considers its storage design, it improves efficiency.
Such equipment is essential to a warehouse’s production system since it allows employees to swiftly access and carry materials. Warehouses are continuously striving to increase efficiency and meet ever-changing market needs. Companies have a tremendous requirement for improved inventory accuracy to be able to maintain high standards and prevent warehouse hazards.
