In an integrated material handling system, all kinds of material handling equipment in a facility — manual, semi-automated, or automated – work together as a unified, integrated system. An integrated system incorporates all machines, products, practices, and processes and facilitates the smooth operation of all pieces of material handling equipment in the facility. An integrated material handling system’s biggest benefit is that it incorporates all machines, products, practices, and processes into a seamlessly functioning unit. Integrated material handling systems facilitate a continuous flow of materials throughout the entire process. They also connect the material handling equipment with warehouse control systems and enterprise resource planning software. There are three major characteristics of an integrated material handling system:
- Cohesive: The system integrates manual, semi-automated, and automated mechanical interaction with products. This ensures seamless operation wherein the material handling devices are used in tandem with each other and offer synergies. It also incorporates the collection and management of information regarding the various processes of production such as manufacturing, storage, receiving, shipping, and picking.
- Coordinated: An integrated system allows a continuous, coordinated flow of materials across all stages of production such as manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping. As a result, there is a decrease in delays, waiting, and intermediate storage activities.
- Connected: A system such as this links the material handling devices in a facility through a network of communications. This is used for achieving precise timing of processes and activities, such as order picking, inventory alerts, and delivery of components to an assembly line.
Integrated material handling systems provide a variety of benefits:
- Timely handling – The handling processes are more streamlined and well-timed in a facility like this as the system connects and interfaces with all of the equipment. The handling process becomes more efficient since all devices are connected and working in a well-coordinated manner.
- Product control – An integrated system allows the tracking, monitoring, and management of the location of items as they travel throughout a facility. This facilitates better product control through data collection.
- Accurate information – An integrated system also allows monitoring of items and processes in real-time. This improves inventory management and allows the manager to track the process performance. The system is able to trigger a command for the release of products from storage to forward pick locations, thereby helping with replenishment. It also helps in reducing inventory excesses through better planning and forecasting.
- Improve customer service – Since the system links the handling equipment and improves the timing of processes such as order picking, it helps in shortening delivery timelines and improving customer service.
- Cost-savings – An integrated system helps save costs through many processes of production. This is achieved by way of reduced wastage, reduced damage due to integrated equipment, and lower handling costs in distribution and transportation.
Thus, integrated material handling systems connect equipment and software to support receiving, processing, storage, picking, and shipping activities throughout a facility. Integrated systems are highly efficient and they are the future of material handling.