Impact of Material Handling Systems on Warehouse Efficiency
Published on : Friday 03-05-2024
Significant technological advancements will continue to boost the demand for automated material handling systems, says Benedicta Chettiar.
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Let’s say, you are in charge of a bustling warehouse where goods are constantly coming and going. And you are trying to manage all of that without leveraging the right tools at your disposal. It could be frustrating, time-consuming and not very effective, right? This is where material handling equipment plays a monumental role in keeping operations running like a well-oiled machine.
So, the question is how exactly do material handling systems create a significant impact on warehouse efficiency?
Material handling simply is the movement, storage, control, and safety of materials throughout the supply chain. It has various use cases ranging from loading and unloading to transportation and inventory management to order fulfillment and packaging.
Fundamental principles of material handling comprise: ● Planning, ● Standardisation, ● Mechanisation and Automation, ● Ergonomics, ● Flexibility, ● Space Utilisation, and ● Safety.
Maximising warehouse efficiency
In a warehouse setting, time is very important and precious like money. Every minute spent on inefficient processes or manual labour is a waste of time. Material handling equipment slashes down those invaluable minutes by automating tasks that would otherwise take a lot of hours. From forklifts to conveyor belts, material handling machines play a crucial role in streamlining operations, whisking goods from point A to point B within seconds.
Apart from this, safety is also crucial in a warehouse setting. Handling heavy loads manually poses a significant risk of injury to warehouse workers. Material handling equipment removes such manual handling and takes on the heavy lifting, quite literally. By reducing the need for manual labour in physically demanding tasks, it does not only minimise the risk of injuries but also fosters a safer working environment for all.
Material handling operations bring several significant benefits to warehouse management. These include: Increased Efficiency; Cost Savings; Improved Productivity; Enhanced Accuracy and Quality; Reduced Risk of Injuries and Accidents; Faster Order Fulfillment; Better Space Utilisation; Scalability and Adaptability, and Environmental Sustainability.
Warehouses are often vast, cavernous spaces filled to the brim with products waiting to be shipped out. However, without proper organisation and utilisation of the space, warehouses can face chaos. By strategically leveraging material handling equipment, warehouse managers can arrange goods to maximise every square inch of available space. Think pallet racks, mezzanines, and automated storage systems – they are like the architects of efficiency, ensuring that every part of the place is put to good use.
Automation is shaping the warehouse of the future. The significant technological advancements will continue to boost the demand for automated material handling systems within the industry. By 20230, the global automated material handling systems market is predicted to witness a staggering value of US$70.1 billion, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the timeframe of 2023-2030.
Material handling robots are another significant technological development that will penetrate warehouse management while lessening the need for workers. According to an Interact Analysis report, there will be more than 53,000 sites where the deployment of mobile robots would happen by 2025.
Types of Material Handling Equipment include, but are not restricted to: Forklifts, Conveyors, Pallet Jacks, Stackers, Cranes, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Shelving and Racking Systems, Lift Tables, Carton and Tote Handling Equipment, and Robotic Systems.
From warehouses to manufacturing facilities, the right equipment can make all the difference in streamlining processes, minimising costs, and boosting overall productivity.
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The future ahead
Anticipating future trends, embracing innovation, and investing in adaptable solutions can ensure that your material handling operation remains efficient, competitive, and resilient in the face of change. With evolving customer expectations, the future of material handling equipment in warehouse efficiency will be exciting and transformative.
For more insights on automation, visit https://www.industrialautomationindia.in/
Benedicta Chettiar is Director, IED Communications and Manager, Strategic Developments, Industrial Automation. Besides these roles, Beni, as she is known, is also actively managing the affairs of Jyothi Process, a state-of-the-art printing press.
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