With companies looking to become more efficient and productive in order to surge ahead of their competitors, improving material handling in the warehouse has become one of the main concern for business organisations. Material Handling Equipment are automated industrial devices which carry out tasks like storing, protecting, moving transporting products and goods inside the floor of the warehouse or factory. Almost all industries such as food, manufacturing, automobile, logistics and pharmaceuticals use automated handling equipment which ensure better performance and reduce the risks of undesired factory accidents.
The Various Types Of Handling Equipment:
The equipment is divided chiefly into two categories, conventional ones and computer operated ones. Conventional devices work using manual power and the computer aided devices are operated by a superior computer which follows a pre written algorithm and a set of commands to perform tasks.
Conventional Material Handling Devices:
These equipment are not controlled by computers and are run by the usual motorized systems. They can be classified into three main sub categories:
- Bulk Material Handling:
Used for handling, storing and moving heavy and bulk material. They are adept at handling loose materials like food products and chemicals. Conveyors, bulk containers and grain elevators are perfect examples.
- Storage Equipment:
They mainly help to store and protect different products and help to keep the factory floor clean and organised.
- Industrial Trucks:
They are trucks used to lift and transport material across the warehouse or factory floor. Forklifts, walkie stackers, pallet truck and cranes are the perfect examples.
Computer Controlled Equipment:
The new generation of material handling equipment which are completely automated and can make their own decisions and adjustments according to the change in situation. They are subdivided into three types:
Automated Conveyor Systems:
These are conveyors that are controlled by a master computer and have scanners which can read markers located at different zones. They help to move and transport materials faster without any intervention from human workers. Conveyors used in the assembly line are the best examples.
Automated Robotic Delivery Systems:
These comprise robots which can transport, store or retrieve material and are also used in the assembly line. They can move in all directions and can carry out various tasks in an efficient manner. They are used extensively in warehouses, logistics and in the manufacturing industry.
Automated Guided Vehicles:
They are automated devices used to transport material between the various parts of a factory or warehouse. They make use of the latest technology like optical guiding systems and power cables embedded under the floor. The high cost involved means that only large industries can use them.
Advantages On Offer:
- Reduce physical labour and shipping errors.
- Reduce damage to goods.
- Reduce labour, shipping and production costs.
Major Disadvantages:
- Reliable Inventory Management system is needed.
- Free space for the movement of equipment is required.
- Require quick data tracking and processing to be done.
- Are expensive to install and have high maintenance and repair costs.
Installing the right material handling equipment can help companies increase safety, cut down labour costs and achieve greater success and profits. Automation is the future and all industries should look towards using automated systems if they want to exist in a highly competitive market today.