Material handling is a fundamental aspect of many industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, construction, and logistics. It involves the movement, storage, protection, and control of materials and products throughout various processes. Of the many components, processes, and solutions that drive this industry forward, here are our top 10 basic fundamentals of material handling:

1. Material Flow: Understanding the flow of materials, within a facility, and its process is crucial. This includes the movement of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products. Optimizing material flow can improve efficiency and reduce production bottlenecks.
2. Automation and Technology: The integration of automation and technology, such as robotics, conveyor systems, and material handling software, can improve efficiency and accuracy in material handling processes.
3. Equipment: Carefully consider and implement the appropriate equipment for material handling tasks based on specific requirements of the material and facility layout. Factors such as type, weight, and size of the material/product are important considerations when implementing any material handling equipment.
4. Storage: Efficient storage and warehousing solutions are vital to material handling. Properly designed storage areas and shelving systems help organize materials and ensure easy access. Inventory management systems can be used to track and control the movement of materials within a warehouse.
5. Safety: Safety is paramount. Train employees on proper practices and provide necessary safety gear. By implementing ergonomic processes, such as applying safe lifting techniques and utilizing specialized equipment with low risk for operators, you can significantly reduce the chance of injuries and alleviate physical strain on your operators.
6. Maintenance and Inspection: Ensuring the safety and reliability of your material handling equipment is of utmost importance, which is why regular maintenance and visual system inspections are crucial. By incorporating preventative maintenance measures, you can effectively avoid breakdowns and minimize costly downtime.
7. Space Utilization: Optimizing the utilization of available space is of utmost importance when it comes to material handling. By strategically designing and arranging the layout of your facility to include the horizontal and vertical footprint, you can effectively enhance storage capacity and simplify the flow of materials.
8. Material Packaging: Proper packaging helps in protecting materials from damage and contamination during handling and storage. Packaging should be designed to be stackable, durable, and easy to handle.
9. Material Identification and Labeling: Clear identification and labeling of materials and products help prevent errors in handling, storage, and shipping. Barcodes, RFID tags, and other tracking methods can be used for this purpose.
10. Cost Management & Sustainability: Many organizations are increasingly focusing on sustainable material handling practices to reduce waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. This can include recycling, and using eco-friendly materials such as LED industrial lighting. Effective material handling strategies aim to minimize costs while maximizing efficiency, ultimately reducing waste, minimizing product damage, and optimizing efficiency in workforce and equipment utilization.
    

Understanding these basic fundamentals of material handling and implementing best practices in your facility can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety. It’s important to remember that material handling processes should be regularly reviewed and improved. Taking advantage of any valuable insights obtained from employee feedback and performance data will not only help to identify areas for improvement, but also refine your material handling strategies and guide you towards long-term success.

Author: Heather Connors, Director of Marketing, CHC