Material handling equipment helps businesses move, protect and store raw materials. It also facilitates the movement of finished products. From traditional equipment like forklifts and cranes to advanced automation systems, this industry encompasses a wide range of technologies.
The right material handling solution can boost work efficiency, reduce wastes and halting production because of damaged or lost materials, and speed up just-in-time delivery and manufacturing. This type of equipment is especially critical in warehousing, food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and facilities management operations. The right material handling equipment can help meet the demands of a business in an ever-changing supply chain environment.
When choosing a material handling system, the first step is to understand the different types of machinery available. The type of machine you need will depend on the size and shape of your unit load, which can include a container, tote, or pallet. This can vary significantly based on the specific industry.
A conveyor system can move a large amount of material quickly. It’s a good option for moving unit loads that are bulky or require a great deal of space. The right conveyor design can also improve a company’s workflow by optimizing space.
Other forms of material handling equipment include hoppers and silos, which are designed to safely store bulk materials. They can be used for short-term storage or longer-term inventory. Other bulk handling equipment includes reclaimers and stackers. These are used to retrieve and stack bulk materials on docks or warehouse storage areas.
If you need to transport heavy, bulky units on a tight schedule or in a limited space, then the best choice is to use industrial trucks. These are powered by diesel, electric or hybrid engines and include a wide variety of vehicles, from manual to articulated forklifts to hydraulic lift trucks.
Other options for material transportation include robotic delivery systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (AR/RS), and automatic guided vehicles, or AGVs. The advantage of these fully automated systems is that they can handle high volumes with fewer employees.
Saving money is always a priority for any organization, especially with declining profit margins in the construction and logistics industries. While investing in material handling equipment can cost an organization initially, the productivity and efficiency improvements it brings will save big bucks in the long run. It will also minimize the number of people needed to sort, package and ship items, which can significantly lower shipping costs. This is particularly important for companies that rely on just-in-time shipping and fulfillment to deliver products to customers in a timely manner. This allows them to retain customers and attract new ones through positive customer referrals. This type of system will also reduce the risk of injuries and damage to goods in transit, which can increase the overall customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. This is a great way to keep a business competitive and profitable in today’s highly demanding world of logistics and manufacturing.