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Day: May 15, 2023

Tips to Help Optimize Your Warehouse Layout Design

Posted on by accconuttingmain

Warehouse design optimization consists of assessing the existing warehouse floor plan, storage areas, warehouse processes and workflows, and traffic patterns.

What is Warehouse Design Optimization?

Warehouse Design Optimization consists of evaluating a distribution center’s available space and determining the most efficient warehouse layout for the specific operations that take place. This process includes assessing the existing warehouse floor plan, the warehouse storage areas, warehouse processes and workflows, inbound and outbound traffic, and more.

As ecommerce becomes more prevalent, having a warehouse that is effective and efficient has become the priority across the whole supply chain. Our team at Nutting is committed to helping your facility operate efficiently with custom carts and trailers. Our order picking carts can handle tight turns while creating a safer, more comfortable working environment for your pickers. Having the right equipment is only part of the equation. Evaluating your warehouse layout can go a long way to improving operations at your facility.

While your evaluation may lead you to the conclusion that it’s simply time to look for a new warehouse, it’s often a good idea to audit how your current space is being used to see if a different layout design can make it more functional and efficient for your warehouse operations.

Benefits of a Well-Planned Warehouse Layout

An optimized warehouse layout can benefit your company in a variety of ways. Here are just a few to consider:

Improved Warehouse Efficiency

An optimized layout can improve order fulfillment workflows that reduce bottlenecks, increase throughput, and improve the flow of goods throughout the warehouse space.

Increased Safety

Enhanced floor space organization can improve the traffic flow of material handling equipment and forklifts, leading to a safer and more efficient workspace.

Improved Inventory Management

An efficient warehouse layout supports effective inventory management. Optimized storage systems, organized pallet racks, efficient packing stations, and organized picking processes are all key to maintaining inventory visibility.

Cost Savings

You can expect some reductions in operating costs by making the most out of potentially limited storage capacity, reducing the wear and tear on your material handling equipment, and maintaining high inventory visibility. 

Key Factors in Warehouse Layout Optimization

Analyze Your Current Operations

Before you begin adjusting your aisle widths and moving your storage area to the other side of the building, take inventory of what has been working and what hasn’t. Having a clear picture of the flow of materials and workers, bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and even processes that are consistently performing well will help you understand where you may need to start in your plan to optimize.

Maximize Space Utilization

Many warehouses that feel cramped or cluttered actually have ample space for operations. They simply need to utilize the available space better. The optimization process is a bit like Tetris – how can you take everything that needs to be included in the facility and arrange it to maximize open space and minimize traffic flow through the area? It helps to think about how each area works together, the direction of the flow of materials, how often certain materials need to be moved vs. stored, etc., to understand better how to utilize the space.

Optimize Product Storage

Product storage is a common culprit when it comes to cluttered facilities. One solution when optimizing your facility is implementing dynamic and static storage spaces. Static storage, where a particular location is permanently, or semi-permanently, assigned a specific item can make items easier to find. Dynamic storage, where the items at a particular location change based on what is currently in high-demand can reduce travel time/strain for warehouse staff.  Consider placing dynamic storage stations near packing/working stations , while placing static storage is out of the way to be used to replenish the dynamic storage and house bulky or not-so-high-demand items that would otherwise take up precious floor space.

Prioritize Safety

One primary goal of warehouse layout optimization is to reduce the chance of accidents or collisions. When mapping out your new space, try to minimize the distances people and materials need to travel. This will reduce physical strain as well as reduce the opportunity for accidents.  Along with distance, reducing the number of times people will cross paths with machinery will also minimize injury due to collisions.

Incorporate Automation and Technology

When designing a new layout in your facility, warehouse automation should be a consideration. And never underestimate the power of a sound warehouse management system (WMS) to show you where potential hangs up may occur in your warehousing operations. This insight is invaluable as you continue to monitor and make changes to your layout to meet the demands of your material handling processes.

3 Common Warehouse Layouts

Finding the ideal warehouse layout will depend on a variety of factors that are unique to your business operations, but here are three layouts that are commonly found in warehouses that may offer some insight:

U-shaped Warehouse

In U-shaped warehouses, the inbound and outbound docks are parallel, allowing the docks to share equipment, personnel, and material handling products. The staging areas border the docks while the storage rounds out the rest of the U shape. The advantages of this layout include minimal space requirements and the separation between inbound and outbound areas, which can reduce bottlenecks.

I-shaped Warehouse

An I-shaped warehouse is typically used for large operations with high production volumes. In this layout, the shipping and receiving docks are on opposite ends of the I shape, allowing ample space for each process.

L-shaped Warehouse

An L-shaped layout is typically only chosen when the layout is being designed to fit an already L-shaped building. Similar to the I-shape layout, the receiving and shipping areas are separated, and the picking areas serve as the elbow portion of the building.

Depending on your flow of materials, available space, and storage capacity needs, one of these layouts may be a better fit than the others.

At Nutting, we specialize in custom-built material handling carts and trailers designed to easily navigate any warehouse layout. Learn more about how our products can benefit your warehousing operations today!

Signs it May be Time to Invest in an Electric Tugger

Posted on by accconuttingmain

Electric tuggers can move heavy loads when the weight of the load requires excessive manual exertion from workers, increasing occupational safety.

Material handling operations play a crucial role in any warehouse or distribution center. And choosing the right equipment can make all the difference in the efficiency and safety of your operations.

One popular tool favored among warehouse operators is the electric tugger, which can significantly reduce the physical demands of your warehouse workers while improving productivity and safety.

But how do you know when it’s time to invest in an electric tugger? And how much can your warehouse workers realistically push day in and day out? Well, the answer is that this all depends heavily on a variety of factors, but there are currently no weight regulations for manual pushing and pulling of materials and carts in a warehouse setting.

 In this article, we’ll explore some key signs to look out for, so you can decide whether an electric tugger is the right investment for your warehouse.

What is an Electric Tugger?

An electric tugger is a motorized machine that moves heavy loads within a warehouse or manufacturing facility. The tugger typically consists of a power unit and a trailer which can be attached to form a train of carts. The operator usually walks alongside or behind the tugger and uses a steering handle to accelerate and steer the tugger through the facility.

Electric tuggers are useful for moving heavy loads when the weight of the load requires excessive manual exertion from warehouse workers.

This tool is commonly used in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, as well as industries like aviation, healthcare, and hospitality.

Risk Factors of Manual Material Handling

Repeatedly lifting, moving, and pushing hand carts carrying maximum loads can take their toll on the human body. Here are a few common risk factors associated with manual material handling:

Overexertion

Workers required to lift, push, or pull heavy objects may experience symptoms of overexertion, like musculoskeletal disorders, including sprains, strains, and lower back injuries.

Repetitive Motion

Repetitive movements requiring workers to exert push and pull forces can result in repetitive motion injuries, including carpal tunnel and tendonitis.

Awkward Postures

Musculoskeletal disorders may also result from repeatedly working in awkward positions while bending, twisting, and lifting loads. Proper equipment with thoughtful ergonomics can help remedy this hazard.

Man picking up box in warehouse distribution center

Heavy Lifting

Repetitive heavy lifting tasks can cause upper body injuries to the back and shoulders as well as chronic low back pain.

Collision Hazards

Collisions of heavy loads in the warehouse space can cause significant damage to materials and equipment and severe bodily injury to the workers involved.

When it comes to material handling, it’s important to consider how much weight can be safely and efficiently moved by a single warehouse worker using a hand truck. This maximum weight will vary depending on the type of manual material handling cart and the person operating it, but here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

How Much Weight is Too Much Weight?

OSHA has not established maximum weights that can be lifted, pushed, or pulled by workers, but the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created a mathematical model to help managers predict the risk of injury associated with frequently lifting heavy loads.
Task (Single Person) Ideal Weight Limit Maximum Weight Limit
Horizontal Pushing
Less than 50 pounds
100 pounds (occasional)
Horizontal Pulling
Less than 50 pounds
100 pounds (occasional)
Vertical Pushing or Pulling
Less than 50 pounds
70 pounds (occasional)
When they developed this model, NIOSH researchers acknowledged that the weight of the loads being transported was far from the only factor in injury risk. There are several other considerations to take into account when deciding if electric tugger assistance is a good idea for your facility.

Assess the required amount of force to move materials

How much force each worker can reasonably and safely exert will depend on various factors, including their body weight, overall fitness, and any individual limitations they may experience. If you notice that your workers are struggling to move materials safely and efficiently, it may be time to look into electric tuggers for your facility.

Evaluate the distance of travel

The distance your workers transport materials plays a huge role in whether or not you need the assistance of electric tuggers. If your workers are quickly moving materials over short distances, you may be just fine relying on manpower and hand carts for your operations. Pallet jacks and electric tuggers may be in your best interest if the distances are longer or require precise maneuverability.

Analyze the frequency of material handling tasks

How often are your workers transporting materials throughout the facility?

Consider the layout of the warehouse

Electric tuggers may be helpful for your operations if maneuverability is important to safely and efficiently transfer materials throughout your warehouse. While the required pull or push force may be reasonable when exerted over a smooth, horizontal surface, be sure to evaluate the amount of added force required to transport carts over uneven surfaces, up ramps, or around corners in your facility, as this can be significantly greater than a simple horizontal force. The weight of the carts can also play a role in the overall exertion required of workers, especially on elevated surfaces or when old casters are not functioning smoothly.

Examine the productivity and occupational safety of current manual handling tasks

OSHA recommends warehouse managers periodically interview employees on the difficulty of their pushing and pulling tasks as well as any reported back pain they may be experiencing. On their walkabout of the facility, managers should also observe workers’ postures during lifting tasks, the general weights of objects being pushed, pulled, and lifted, and the distance over which materials are being moved. If there are any concerns about the workers’ ability to safely and efficiently move materials throughout the facility, it may be time to invest in electric tuggers.

 

Investing in electric tugger carts can help improve the safety and efficiency of material handling operations in warehouses and distribution centers. Nutting’s electric tugger carts are designed with ergonomics and safety in mind to ensure workers can move heavy loads with ease. By choosing Nutting’s electric tugger carts, warehouse managers can trust that their employees are using top-of-the-line equipment that is reliable, durable, and user-friendly. Streamline your operations today!

5 Tips to Improve Your Warehouse Inventory Management

Posted on by accconuttingmain

Explore the functionality of warehouse inventory management in warehouse operations and how it can help optimize, automate, and streamline your business.

Effective warehouse operations are essential for ensuring timely and accurate customer order fulfillment and, ultimately, customer satisfaction.

A well-functioning warehouse management system (WMS) and inventory management system (IMS) are critical components of this process. Without them, businesses risk inventory inaccuracies, order processing delays, and poor customer experiences. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of WMS and IMS in warehouse operations and how they contribute to the overall success of your business.

How Does Warehouse Management Differ From Inventory Management?

Warehouse management and inventory management work hand in hand to streamline warehousing processes, uphold a safe working environment, and safeguard profits.

Warehouse management often includes periodic optimization of the warehouse layout, receiving and storing goods, picking and packing processes, and shipments. Part of warehouse management also includes managing the warehouse workers, equipment, and other resources. Warehouse management aims to create processes that run smoothly and safely, avoiding bottlenecks and accidents.

Inventory management is more concerned with governing the warehouse’s inventory, including managing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and placing orders to restock as necessary. The goal of inventory management is to make sure that the warehouse stores the right amount of inventory to meet customer demand without excessive overstocking or stockouts.

How do Warehouses Keep Track of Inventory?

Efficient warehouse operations typically employ both manual processes and software solutions to track inventory.

Some standard inventory tracking methods include barcode scanning, radio frequency identification (RFID), and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

Warehouse automation allows for tracking stock levels, locations, and movement in real time, which helps to improve accuracy, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. While manual audits of inventory levels ensure the software is functioning correctly.

What is a Warehouse Inventory Cycle?

Simply put, warehouse inventory cycle counting means physical inventory SKU counts are monitored periodically and checked against the WMS records. As mentioned above, these manual audits are an excellent way to check your inventory and catch any potential software or human errors before supply chain issues arise.

How do Warehouses Store Inventory?

Warehouses use various storage methods depending on the warehouse space and materials handled. Standard storage methods include pallet racking, shelving, bulk storage, and material-handling cart storage.

Many optimized warehouse layouts include a static storage area that houses bulk items and slow-moving goods and a dynamic storage area where high-demand items are readily available for picking.

Regardless of the storage method chosen, warehouses need to establish inventory management techniques that work for the unique processes, as storage can impact inventory visibility, picking processes, safety, and more.

Common Warehouse Inventory Management Challenges

Inefficient inventory management processes can cost time, money, and in some cases, even the safety of your workers. Here are a few shortfalls to look out for when planning an effective inventory management system.

Incorrect Forecasting

One of the significant challenges inventory managers face is forecasting inventory replenishment needs to maintain efficient supply chain management. Inaccurate forecasting can have many causes, including inaccurate demand or historical sales data, inaccurate sales projections, or even unexpected changes in the market that lead to a major detour from past sales.

Inefficient Picking Processes

Disorganized order-picking processes can lead to delays in order fulfillment, errors in product selection, and increased warehouse labor costs. They can also make inventory forecasting more difficult, as it’s more difficult to predict demand when there are errors and delays in the workflow.

Lack of Real-Time visibility

Real-time visibility allows inventory managers to make informed decisions about inventory levels, track bottlenecks in inventory movement, and invest in the right solutions to keep warehouse processes running smoothly. Without this real-time visibility, inventory management is delayed resulting in overstocks, stockouts, and difficulty predicting future demand.

 

5 Tips to Improve Your Warehouse and Inventory Management

Effective inventory management solutions paired with streamlined warehouse processes make a huge difference in your warehouse’s inventory control and order fulfillment capabilities. Here are five ways to improve your operations today:

1. Automate your warehouse inventory management systems for real-time inventory tracking

If you haven’t already, consider implementing a cloud-based, third-party logistics software to automate order management, tracking inventory movements, order fulfillment, and reporting. Inventory management software can either be purchased as a standalone product or as part of a more comprehensive enterprise resource planning software (ERP) that offers a suite of solutions, including warehouse management software functionalities.

2. Implement a cycle counting program to improve inventory count accuracy

As mentioned prior, cycle counting is a valuable practice to implement in your warehouse management systems to improve the accuracy of inventory counts and catch any issues early on to avoid bottlenecks, overstocks, or stockouts.

3. Optimize warehouse layout and storage methods to streamline picking processes

Streamlining the picking process can improve operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve safety in the warehouse space. A well-designed warehouse layout can help reduce the time and distance required for transporting materials and products around the facility.

An ideal layout will also allow you to implement efficient picking techniques like wave picking, mother-daughter cart picking, and just-in-time picking.

4. Invest in quality material handling equipment

Quality material handling carts and trailers navigate tight spaces with speed and precision. Custom solutions can be tailored to your specific applications and can help streamline multiple processes around the warehouse, maximizing efficiency and decreasing the risk of accidents.

Nutting Tugger Carts
Nutting can customize the perfect cart to optimize your warehouse inventory management

5. Regularly review and analyze your inventory data

Checking in with the data produced by your warehouse inventory management software is a great way to identify trends, spot inefficiencies, and make informed decisions. You can use this data to optimize your inventory levels, adjust your reordering policies, and improve the overall layout of your warehouse.

Effective warehouse and inventory management is crucial for the success of any warehouse operation. By implementing the right systems, warehouse managers can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve the overall productivity of their processes. Learn more about how Nutting’s custom material handling solutions support your overall inventory and warehouse management strategy.

What Is an Order Picker? How Carts Improve Your Efficiency

Posted on by accconuttingmain

An order picker, or order selector, refers to both the equipment used for order picking and the personnel hired to do so. Later in this article we’ll explore order picking equipment, but to understand the need for high-quality equipment, it’s important to first understand the job description of an order picker.

Who Are Order Pickers?

Order pickers are key members of the logistics and material handling community, but what does an order picker do? Order picker job descriptions typically highlight duties such as:

  • Receiving digital or printed pick tickets

  • Locating products using available technology

  • Accurately locating and retrieving orders

  • Packing orders in the correct box or container

  • Noting changes in the inventory system

  • Moving orders to loading docks, transportation vehicles, or containers

  • Stock control, such as managing item replenishment

Order picking is a physically demanding role that requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced environment for long periods of time.

There are typically no education requirements for order selectors, but many leaders in warehouse management choose team members with a high school diploma or GED. The average salary for an order picker in North America can range depending on the locale, part-time or full-time employment, and industry.

Order Picker Equipment

The warehouse equipment used for order picking is designed to promote operational efficiency, safety, and accuracy as employees fulfill their picker responsibilities. Equipment must be maneuverable and comfortable for extended use. Most often, companies use machines such as:

  • Warehouse forklifts: Used mainly in facilities with higher inventory volumes, as these machines can lift higher weights than other options. Forklift operators must be licensed as mandated by OSHA.

  • Pallet jacks: Devices used for load transport across longer distances that can easily fit in tight spaces. Warehouse workers must be trained to operate a pallet jack.

  • Walkie stacker: A combination of the size of a pallet jack and the extension reach of a forklift, walkie stackers must be operated by trained employees according to safety regulations.

  • Carts and Trailers: Wheeled platforms designed to move loads across longer distances. Carts and trailers typically have a larger load capacity than forklifts and pallet jacks and trailers can be attached to forklifts or other motorized vehicles. 

What Is an Order Picker Cart?

Here at Nutting Carts and Trailers, we specialize in manufacturing custom material handling carts and trailers. One of our most popular lines is our order picking carts. These devices range in size and design, offering three main benefits for warehouse operations:

  • Efficiency: Carts can offer packers improved efficiency and productivity. Order selectors can move more items simultaneously using strategies like batch or zone picking, reducing the number of trips they take through the facility.

  • Safety: As an occupation, order picking is physically demanding. Carts can minimize work-related fatigue, make order fulfillment less strenuous, and increase employee morale in the work environment. 

  • Accuracy: Including a cart in the order-picking process can improve accuracy, reduce loss, and make picking the correct items for customer orders a breeze, no matter the industry.

Types of carts used in the picking process

In addition to the equipment listed above, carts can be an excellent tool to make the job easier for order pickers. With such a wide range of carts, there is something for companies of any size and industry:

  • Picker platforms or carts: These carts are multifunctional, maneuverable, and do not take up much space in a distribution center.

  • Swivel top carts: Allowing the operator to rotate loads, swivel deck carts offer easy access to all sides without walking around a load.

  • Mother-daughter carts: Mother-daughter carts include a base cart and insert carts that can attach and detach for a variety of uses.

  • Security carts: Ideal for the safe transport of expensive materials, security carts have a locking system.

  • Utility carts: Utility carts are basic pieces with minimal shelves that can handle medium-heavy loads.

  • Smart carts: Some industries are turning to Smart carts with pick-to-light selection systems.

  • Pallet trucks: Palletized materials can be transported using pallet trucks, which can come with or without lift.

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Choosing the Right Cart for Your Operation

When you’re searching job boards to find an employee to fulfill your role, it can be a challenge to sort through potential employees with the right order picker skills for your facility. Finding order picking equipment can be an easier task if you know what to look for. Consider the following factors when choosing a cart to improve stock selection at your facility:

  1. Material: Like any material handling equipment, construction should be a priority for cart selection. Look for high-quality, lasting materials like steel, aluminum, and wood that show durability in the face of long-term use.

  2. Shelving: Depending on your industry, shelving might be needed – but there are numerous different shelving styles, some better for small items, others ideal for bulk materials.

  3. Comfort: Your cart will be operated by a human being, which means comfort is a concern. Long hours using an uncomfortable or unsafe piece of equipment means your employees may be harmed on the job.

  4. Extra features: Carts come with a range of additional features that can amplify productivity and efficiency. Look for step stools, customization, detachable shelving, and other features that will improve your workflow.

Create Ergonomic Material Handling with Nutting

If order selection is a major part of your business, you want to do anything you can to get maximum efficiency and quality work, and to maintain safety for your employees. Our products meet the highest quality standards to ensure your business runs smoothly and safely. Explore our collection of order picking carts and material handling equipment today.

Material Handling Tip: Finding a Load’s Center of Gravity

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Material Handling Tip: Finding a Load’s Center of Gravity

Learn the importance of finding the center of gravity of a load along with step-by-step instructions on calculating the center of gravity (CoG) or balance point of unusually shaped loads.

In material handling, having a well-balanced pallet can often make the difference between a smooth trip from point A to point B and a costly tip over. Finding this equilibrium is fairly intuitive if you’re moving items that are uniform in shape and weight. However, what do you do when moving objects that don’t have an obvious middle?

What is the Center of Gravity of a Load?

In physics, an object’s center of gravity, center of mass, or balance point is an imaginary point where there is an equal mass on all sides. In the context of material handling, the Center of Gravity (CoG) refers to the single point of the load or object where it can be carried perfectly balanced. To look at it another way, it’s also the point at which all the load’s weight is concentrated.

Finding the Location of the Center of Gravity

While there is always the trial and error method, picking different spots and doing test lifts until you find the right location, there are shortcuts you can take to finding the center of gravity on a load without an apparent midpoint. Here are step-by-step instructions on finding the center of gravity of an object or load you need to move around the warehouse using lift scales, a tape measure, and a calculator:

1. Determine Load Weight Distribution

Determining weight distribution is where the lift scale comes into play. First, you’ll need to weigh one side of the load, then the other. This will give you the object’s left end weight (LEW), Right End Weight (REW), then combine them for the total weight of the object. The center of gravity shifts towards the heavier side, so knowing these weights is a critical step.

2. Divide the Heaviest End by the Total Weight

You only need to calculate one side. Take the heaviest weight between LEW and REW and divide it by the total weight. The ratio of the total weight of an object with its heavy end determines the pivot point of the load. This is where the CoG resides.

3. Measure the Span of the Load

The next step is to measure the span of the load. The span is the distance between the two pick points you weighed on either side. Using a tape measure, gauge the distance between pick points and apply the ratio from the previous step to calculate where along that span, the CoG lies.

4. Practice Tests

Once you have your CoG measurement, we recommend practice tests where you try lifting the load with a jack or crane a few inches at a time to make sure it’s balanced. If it doesn’t retain its stability and starts to tip or swing, set it back down, adjust the pick point, and try again.

Example

In this example, we have a load with a LEW of 2,000 lbs, a REW of 1,000, and a total weight of 3,000 lbs. The span is 100 inches. Since the Left End Weight is greater, we divide that by the total weight of 3,000 lbs.

LEW/TW = X

2,000/3,000 = 0.67 

Now, take the span of 100 inches and multiply it by the ratio of the weights.

(LEW / TW) x 100” = CoG

(0.67) x 100” = 67”

The CoG is at the 67-inch mark for this load, closer to the heavier side.

In summation, finding the center of gravity for an irregular load can be done through trial and error. Still, some simple math and measurements can significantly reduce the time spent finding that balance.

Balancing Your Workload with Nutting

At Nutting, we engineer our products to seamlessly integrate with your existing operation with carts that can be customized with various features to accommodate different load types. Does your team produce oddly shapped parts? We can help provide a solution for your needs, all complete with a calculated center of gravity in your production prints.

Knowing which options are best for your application can save you time and money in the long run. That’s why it’s essential to consult an expert before purchasing.

Nutting has over 100 years of experience designing and manufacturing high-quality pallet carts, order picking carts, industrial carts, and more so you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible product for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our pallet carts and how they can improve operational efficiency in your warehouse or distribution center.

Warehouse Basics: What Are Material Handling Systems?

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Material handling is the short-distance movement of materials and products throughout the manufacturing, storage or warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal process. It involves a complex and precise set of systems working together to protect, store, and control materials and products. Every industry employs some form of material handling, from aerospace to ecommerce.

Companies executing the movement of goods deal with a particular set of handling costs, safety concerns, efficiency measures, and equipment needs. This guide will explore the definitions of material handling, types of material handling equipment, and basic principles to give you the resources you need to run your business smoothly.

Material Handling Equipment Types

There are four types of equipment that work together to complete every material handling activity, from hosting goods in a long-term storage facility to hoisting materials meters in the sky:

1. Bulk handling equipment

Equipment used for the transport, storage, and control of materials in bulk form is called bulk handling equipment. Bulk form typically refers to loose bulk form, such as dry materials like sand, gravel, or salt. The most common types of bulk handling equipment include:

  • Hoppers: Large, metal, funnel-like equipment used to store material and put it into containers.

  • Stackers and reclaimers: Machines used to pick up or dump raw materials into piles

  • Conveyor belts: Parts of a conveyor system used to move materials between locations

  • Elevators: Bucket and grain elevators, or grain legs, move and store bulk materials vertically

2. Industrial trucks

Industrial trucks are vehicles that transport materials, ranging in size and type. Categorized as stacking or non-stacking, industrial trucks can also be automated or hand-operated, so they sometimes fall under the umbrella of engineered systems. The main industrial trucks companies employ are:

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3. Storage and handling equipment

Like their title, any equipment used for the safe storage and organization of materials is considered storage equipment. Storage equipment can be used long-term or short-term. It’s usually stationary and manual, not automated, but may be used in conjunction with automated systems. Storage includes:

  • Drawers, bins, and shelving: Used for a range of storage space needs

  • Mezzanines: Raised indoor platforms expand available space with vertical storage areas

  • Racks: Cantilever, flow, sliding, drive-in, drive-through, and push-back racks are all commonly used for storage in between receiving and distributing materials

4. Engineered material handling systems

Engineered systems are complicated automated equipment systems used to help transport and store bulk materials. These systems incorporate multiple pieces of equipment and minimize manual labor, making them a popular choice. You’ll likely interact with automated systems like:

  • Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)

  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)

  • Robotic delivery systems

  • Conveyor systems

Principles of Material Handling

Because of the complexity and accuracy required in material handling, companies use ten well-known principles in their material handling processes. 

You want to keep operating costs low – and the proper material handling processes can help you do so. But poor planning and management can cost you. Employees and leadership at your company should know and execute on the following principles to promote efficiency and safety:

  1. Planning: Every handling operation is defined by a deliberate plan outlining needs, objectives, technologies, and functional specifications.

  2. Standardization: All methods, equipment, controls, and software are standardized within limits.

  3. Work: Material handling processes are simplified to eliminate unnecessary movement without losing productivity.

  4. Ergonomics: Companies adjust working conditions to work with the abilities of workers, including reducing excess labor and promoting safety. 

  5. Unit load: Unit loads are designed to maximize efficiency in the material flow. For example, moving individual items as a single load takes less effort than doing so separately. 

  6. Space utilization: Material handling processes maximize the use of space and maintain organization in any facility.

  7. System: Material movement and storage operations are coordinated to form a system throughout the entire supply chain process. 

  8. Automation: Automation is encouraged whenever possible to enhance efficiency, consistency, predictability, and lower costs. 

  9. Environment: Environmental impact and energy use are considered, and alternatives are implemented when possible. Safe handling of hazardous materials is prioritized.

  10. Life cycle cost: Economic analysis covers the full life cycle of equipment, from installation to disposal.

Improving Your Material Handling System Efficiency with the Right Equipment

Improve operational efficiency, lower costs, and maximize customer satisfaction with the right solutions. At Nutting, we offer products with industry-leading durability and dependability to help you get the job done. Contact us today to streamline your facility.

Kito Crosby is the global leader of the lifting and securement industry it pioneered, and for which it continues to set the quality standard. With global engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and operations, the company provides a broad range of products and solutions for the most demanding applications. Kito Crosby’s people, products, solutions, and service have innovated the lifting and securement industry for more than 250 years. Together we lift and secure the world today, for a safer, stronger, and more productive tomorrow.

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