Material handling equipment is any type of machinery that helps move, store, organize or control materials in a warehouse or manufacturing plant. Examples of this include forklifts, cranes, conveyor systems and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). These machines are used to help streamline operations and make the flow of materials in a facility much easier. In addition, these pieces of equipment can reduce time spent on manual processes, save space and improve the overall production efficiency.
The first benefit that material handling equipment provides is a higher level of safety for employees. Using equipment like forklifts, cranes and conveyor systems can eliminate the need for workers to manually lift heavy objects, thus eliminating the risk of injury caused by overexertion. This is especially important in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing and retail, where manual lifting is a common cause of workplace injuries.
Another advantage of material handling equipment is the increased productivity it provides for a company. Machines can perform tasks more quickly and accurately than humans, so companies that use this equipment can increase their output without hiring additional staff or exceeding their budget. This type of equipment also makes it easier to keep track of inventory and maintain a well-organized warehouse.
A third benefit of material handling equipment is the cost-savings it provides for a company. Since these machines are designed to be more efficient than humans, they can handle a larger amount of work with fewer resources. This can result in a significant savings on labor costs and overhead expenses, which is important for any business that is looking to improve its bottom line.
Finally, the use of material handling equipment can increase a company’s reputation in the industry. This is because the use of these machines makes the company seem more advanced than those that do not use them. This can attract more employees to the company and increase its overall workforce.
The specific types of material handling equipment that a company needs depends on the size and complexity of its operation. For example, a small company may only need basic forklifts and pallet jacks to move items around its facility. A more expansive warehouse may require mezzanines to maximize square footage, a crane to move large or heavy items, and a reclaimer to sift through stockpiles of granular materials. In addition, different types of storage equipment work best with certain types of conveyor systems. For example, reach-type forklifts are ideal for double-deep pallet racking, while drive-in racking requires a more compact machine. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a professional about the right equipment for a particular application. A good resource to consult is a material handling system specialist. They can provide a detailed breakdown of the various types of equipment and help businesses determine what will be the most effective solution for their business. This will ensure that the company is getting the most out of its investment in material handling equipment.
