What is Material Handling?

Warehouses are very busy working environments, with constant movement of goods being at the forefront of operations. Warehouses and distribution centres alike are heavily involved in material handling, but what does it mean and what does it entail? In this article, we’ll be going through what material handling is, what it involves and the equipment you need at your disposal to get the job done. 

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What is material handling & what does it involve?

It refers to the movement of goods from A-to-B. It usually occurs in settings such as warehouses and distribution centres. In addition, it’s carried out using specialist equipment and machinery, such as warehouse racking, forklifts, automated software systems and more. 

As well as the movement of goods in different settings and capacities, material handling also refers to the protecting, storing and controlling of stock and inventory. It must be done in a safe manner. As such, training is given to those in work in the industry of material handling. Not only does this ensure their safety and protection, but it also protects your machinery and your stock in the process. 

To make things easier, and as technology progresses and advances, material handling has shifted from being less of a manual process, with more semi-automated and automated equipment being used to get the job done. We’ll delve further into the different types of material handling equipment available to use in the warehouse in just a moment. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect from material handling and everything that it entails.

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What are the different types of material handling equipment?

Material handling equipment can include and refer to a variety of different things within the industry. From machinery to systems and services, material handling equipment is a vast array of helpful resources that are imperative for the smooth-running of any warehouse and/or distribution centre. Material handling, typically, falls into different categories, like: storage, handling, bulk material, industrial trucks and engineered systems. Let’s take a closer look at those categories:

• Storage and handling – this can include reference to warehouse racking and shelving, as well as mezzanine flooring, bins, drawers, containers, boxes and stacking frames

• Bulk material – this refers to moving large quantities or bulky goods in the warehouse. Bulk material equipment can include things like: conveyor belts, stackers, reclaimers, bucket elevators and hoppers

• Industrial trucks – industrial trucks can include machines like: forklifts, hand trucks, pallet trucks, sideloaders and order pickers, to name just a few

• Engineered systems – this includes things like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

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What are the benefits of material handling?

You might be wondering what the point of material handling is and how it can benefit you, your business and your employees, whether you work in, or own, a warehouse or not. Once an effective material handling system and process is in place, it can actually provide your company with a wealth of different benefits. From preventing workplace accidents to cutting costs, here are the advantages of material handling:

It prevents workplace accidents

A recent survey has found that overexertion was one of the main causes of workplace accidents in 2021 in a material handling setting, this comes first to falls and being struck by falling objects. By adopting material handling equipment and software, as well as making things easier for your employees, you’ll also work to reduce or completely mitigate workplace accidents. 

This is because, with the right machinery and training, your workers will be able to navigate their way through the workspace as safely and responsibly as possible. With the right training, especially, they’ll be a lot more aware of the hazards that can present themselves, together with how to overcome them safely. If you’re looking to prevent workplace accidents in your workplace, then look to material handling systems for help.

It improves employee satisfaction & morale

If you have implemented new or additional machinery to help get the job done, such as order pickers, pallet trucks and more, then this makes the job of your employees far easier and more stress-free. Gone are the days of using people for stock transportation. Lifting heavy weights is dangerous as it can cause serious injury.

If you offer your workers an alternative, not matter how simple, they’ll be sure to get the job done. But they’ll also enjoy it in the process, because they have everything they need to make life easier. This will funnel down into their everyday working life and how satisfied they feel in their role. It’s in your best interest to make sure that their work satisfaction and morale is high. This is because they could leave to find a job elsewhere because they simply aren’t happy. 

In addition, employees may have to leave work because they’ve become injured doing something a machine could have instead. Don’t let there be a reduction in your workforce and keep checking that your employees are happy. This is all made possible by implementing warehousing solutions from Multy Lift.

It increases efficiency & productivity in the warehouse

Material handling is essential when it comes to boosting the efficiency and productivity in the warehouse. When carried out correctly, it can cut waiting times and delivery times. It can also keep the wheels turning in a way that is never-ending and, more importantly, consistent. A warehouse and its operations never end. People work around the clock to make sure that items are distributed in good time. Material handling, with the right equipment available, can help a warehouse to do just that. Boost your efficiency and productivity in your warehouse with the right methods and machinery.

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What are the material handling principles to streamline warehouse operations?

There are principles that need to be considered to ensure that warehouse operations run as smoothly as possible. By following these principles, you’ll achieve the aforementioned, like efficiency and productivity that is unrivalled. If you’re not sure what the material handling principles are, we’re on hand to tell you:

Material handling principles

• Planning – from the layout to stationing employees at different departments, plan your warehouse and material handling processes to ensure clarity

• Standardisation – this refers to the flexibility in your warehouse. Keep the rules the same and don’t change the goal posts once processes have been established

• Work – this involves reducing unnecessary workloads. It can be achieved by getting rid of old equipment and replacing it with a new alternative

• Ergonomics – implement ergonomically-designed products to make employees as comfortable as possible

• Unit load – this refers to things like containers, boxes and pallets

• Space utilisation – get the most out of the space you have. Optimise the storage space to take on additional inventory or to implement new machinery

• System – this can include things like tracking tools that can identify materials and products throughout every stage

• Environment – is the warehouse equipment eco-friendly? For example, electric forklifts are more environmentally-friendly than diesel forklifts

• Automation – automation processes and software can be used in a warehouse. It’s done to streamline operations

• Life cycle cost – this is done on warehouse equipment in order to establish durability, longevity and sustainability

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Multy Lift is pleased to have over three decades of material handling experience behind us. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise to draw upon, you’ll always be able to count on us to provide you with a wide range of different material handling equipment, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers and more. If you would like further information about the products and services we have to offer, including used warehouse equipment and commercial cleaning equipment, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.