What Is Material Handling In Warehouses?
Material handling is an abstract phrase that you might have come across in the warehousing industry, but it is something that few people try to understand fully. Today, we will try to understand what exactly constitutes material handling in warehouse operations. We will also identify how you can incorporate material handling solutions to improve your business processes.
What Is Material Handling?
Semantically speaking, material handling is a noun that simply refers to handling materials. A broader definition of it implies the storage, protection, and control of various materials and products throughout warehousing, distribution, consumption, manufacturing, and disposal.
Material handling is a process used in warehouse operations that incorporates different manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic systems and equipment that make the supply chain more efficient. Material handling offers several benefits to warehouse operations, including but not limited to:
- Better resource allocation
- Improved forecasting
- Efficient production planning
- Enhanced flow and process management
- Organized inventory management
- Improved customer delivery
- Excellent customer service and support
- Minimizes workplace accidents
- Saves you money by improving overall efficiency in warehouse operations
- Reduces product loss by preventing the chances of damage
- Cuts down indirect labor costs
- Significantly maximizes space utilization through proper storage of materials
What Is A Warehouse Material Handler?
Warehouse material handlers are professionals playing a crucial role in warehousing operations. They locate products or materials stored on shelves in a warehouse, pull them, pack them, and load them onto delivery trucks. Material handlers are also responsible for unloading various materials from trucks and storing them in suitable locations in warehouses.
A warehouse’s production area requires material handlers to ensure that the warehouse is adequately stocked and has the products necessary to fulfill customer orders quickly.
Types Of Storage & Retrieval Systems Used In Warehouse Material Handling
Material handlers rely on various material handling solutions to make their processes more efficient, accurate, and safer. Some of the storage and retrieval system solutions material handlers use include:
- Unit loads
- Micro and mini loads
- Monorails
- Hoisting equipment
- Conveyors
- Industrial robots
- Cranes
- Automated guided vehicles
- Carousels
- Lift trucks
- Shuttles
- Automated data identification and collection
- Micro and mini loads
- Vertical lift modules
Warehouse Material Handling Solutions By IPP
Comprehensive warehouse material handling systems can significantly improve the overall production and efficiency of your warehousing operations. Industrial Products Plus (IPP) offers a wide range of automated warehouse solutions to help you maximize efficiency and productivity. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help your warehouse business reach its maximum potential.