Material handling refers to the movement, storage, and control of materials within a warehouse. There are various types of material handling systems used in warehouses, and each has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on the best type of material handling for your company, there are many factors to consider.
The right solution will depend on your specific needs and requirements. It may even be necessary to combine two or more types of material handling to achieve the desired results. It is important to carefully evaluate all of the factors involved in order to make the best decision for your company.
There are three of the most common types of material handling used in warehouses: manual material handling, mechanical material handling, and automated material handling.
This is the most basic form of material handling, and it involves the use of human labor to move materials within a warehouse.
This method is often used for small-scale operations or for handling lightweight materials. Manual handling can be performed using a variety of tools and equipment, such as hand trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts.
The rise of e-commerce has led to an increase in the number of warehouses and shipping/receiving facilities. In order to save on time and costs, many of these facilities are located near transportation hubs. However, this can create a challenge when it comes to finding a workforce who live close to those transportation hubs. As a result, new solutions may be needed to address this challenge and improve the efficiency of material handling in these facilities.
2,Mechanical material handling
This type of material handling involves the use of machines and equipment to move goods within a warehouse.
Some common examples of mechanical handling equipment include conveyor belts, cranes, and hoists. This method is typically used for handling heavy or bulky materials, and it can greatly improve the efficiency and productivity of warehouse operations.
On the other hand, they can be expensive and time-consuming to install. Additionally, conveyor systems are static, meaning they are difficult and costly to move once they are in place. This lack of flexibility can be a problem when workflow changes. In such cases, the conveyor system used to move items between repair and storage would need to be scrapped or reconfigured, which can be costly and tedious.
This is the most advanced form of material handling, and it involves the use of advanced technologies like robotics.
Automated handling systems are often highly customized and tailored to the specific needs of a warehouse, and they can greatly improve the accuracy, speed, and safety of material handling operations.
When deciding on the best type of material handling system for your facility, there are several factors to consider, including:
