What do you need to know about getting the most out of material handling? The processes, innate and implemented, by which material handling product is moved or stored in your facility dictates its overall comprehensive function. When those processes are flawed or broken, daily operations are affected.

If you find yourself at this juncture, it is imperative to define and implement the best possible solution (s) to make the most out of the space and equipment in your facility. To do so, it may require an openness for change—changes to daily processes or to the existing material handling equipment that feeds product and inventory. In turn, those changes, big or small, undoubtedly set you up for success. Simplifying processes may be required to include and target various aspects in the functionality of movement, solidifying the ‘cleanliness’, efficiency, and accuracy in those processes.

Maximizing throughput is a key ingredient to material handling. Higher throughput levels generally equates to higher productivity and efficiency. To maximize throughput, the workflow and processes need to be evaluated—determine where, if any, the problems or bottlenecks occur. And address any areas requiring fine tuning to smooth out the wrinkles. Additionally, you can minimize any downtime by keeping your equipment properly serviced and maintained, eliminating issues and unexpected interruptions.

Optimizing your warehouse is another critical and necessary ingredient. Facilities come in all shapes and sizes and it is extremely advantageous to utilize all allotted space with the best suited material handling components, (equipment, controls, or other) improving processes across the board. The larger question at hand…which independent or system components can enhance your facility’s daily operations and ultimately propel it to the next level? Optimization can be achieved by applying the best fitted solution (s) unique to your facility to meet the material handling need (s) at hand.

Space saving solutions enhance your recipe for success. They are specifically tailor-made to utilize the existing footprint to maximize capabilities. There is no shortage of space saving solutions in material handling. Whether in need of a cost-effective mezzanine to create additional floor space or something more complex in the form of a vertical lift module, minimizing its footprint, to improve storage organization and capacity, the options are abundant. The key here is to find the right solution, utilizing specific warehouse space, both vertically and horizontally, to adequately and effortlessly move and store product and inventory throughout. Optimizing storage capacity within the boundaries of any warehouse space saves time and costs, maximizing on efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

Embrace technology. There is certainly no shortage of innovative automated technologies in the material handling industry. From a single conveyor solution to a complete turnkey system, automation provides proficient solutions to your material handling challenges to optimize efficiency, productivity, and accuracy in all of your daily operations. They allow for greater flexibility throughout your facility. Taking any advanced automated technologies and developing a thorough plan to incorporate and implement them into everyday routine profoundly transforms material handling. And in doing so, ensures that you are getting the most out of (your) material handling.

Author: Heather Connors, Director of Marketing, Conveyor Handling Company