Material Handling system and equipment’s:
Material handling systems have become one of the essential elements of any production system. First, we will research the various types of materials handling systems in operation. Afterwards, we shall choose a typical kind of Material Handling system, example, a conveyor to see how a conveyor system is designed for a factory.
In any production system, (either industrial/ Agricultural), the producer is always confronted with a problem of the material handling system and equipment’s. The necessary raw material has to be transported to the production site or machinery, and after the completion of the production processes the finished goods have to be transported from the production site or machinery to the warehouse for storage, or for disposal and marketing. If the production processes consist of more than one processing step or a number of equipment and machinery, then the producer has to arrange for additional handling facilities to transport material from one production unit to the other.
In a primitive system of production as in the agricultural production in India or in the shop of a village blacksmith, the raw material and finished goods are carried manually or by bullock cart. In a giant structural fabrication shop, or in a large foundry or forging shop, the raw materials and finished jobs may be moved with heavy duty EOT (Electric Overhead Travelling), Crane or Jib Crane.
What is Material Handling?
Material handling refers to mobilization, storage, security and monitoring of material in a facility operations, machinery and guidelines.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)
In a sophisticated production system, as adopted nowadays in the developed countries, there may be complete automation in handling system employing robotics or AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles).
It is necessary in the sense that every production process requires one or the other type of material handling arrangement. But a material handling system does not add to the value of the raw material or finished goods, yet simply increase the cost of production. So while selecting a material handling equipment or arrangement, critically analyze whether the selected equipment or arrangement will yield optimum productivity.
Material Handling equipment for assisted work
Human muscle can do a lot of work, but the assistance of technology makes it even more effective. This covers lifting facilities, transport equipment, storage equipment and ergonomic protective equipment.
Software for Material Handling System
Product monitoring is a central feature of material handling schemes. Orders are carried out much faster if it is understood exactly where goods are in a shop, so that shoppers can continue to receive feedback on their products in real time. Effective processes depend upon appropriate knowledge, and as data become more readily accessible, applications can begin to evolve more effectively.
Essential Of Good Material Handling System:
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Efficient and safe movement of materials to the desired place.
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Timely movement of the materials when needed.
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Supply of materials at the desired rate.
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Storing of materials utilizing minimum space.
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Low cost solution to the materials handling activities.
Advantages of Material Handling System:
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Improve efficiency of a production system by ensuring the right quantity of materials delivered at the right place at the right time most economically.
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Cut down indirect labor cost.
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Reduce damage of materials during storage and movement.
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Maximize space utilization by proper storage of materials and thereby reduce storage and handling cost.
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Minimize accident during materials handling.
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Reduce overall cost by improving materials handling.
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Improve customer services by supplying materials in a manner convenient for handling.
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Increase efficiency and sale-ability of plant and equipment with integral materials handling features.
Disadvantages of Material Handling System:
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Additional capital cost involved in any material handling system.
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Once a material handling system gets implemented, flexibility for further changes gets greatly reduced.
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With an integrated material handling system installed, failure/stoppage in any portion of it leads to increased downtime of the production system.