Why Does Warehouse Material Handling Matter?

Material handling is an integral function of any warehouse operation. It is involved in almost all steps from unloading a shipment, processing, storage, transport, packing to shipping of goods. Hence, material handling matters not only to the smooth functioning of the warehouse but also to maintaining efficiency and productivity.

Let’s look at the many ways warehouse material handling matters.

Efficiency

The need of basic material handling systems in a warehouse can’t be understated. But it also affects the efficiency of operation. A well-designed material handling system in place ensures the highest levels of efficiency in a warehouse. When there’s an appropriate material handling device present for every material handling operation, the warehouse runs smoothly without disruption. There are material handling devices for transport, positioning, and storage of materials. For example, an articulating jib is designed for reaching into accessible areas where work cell obstructions, such as columns, conduits, or equipment prevent the use of manual labor or a workstation rail system. This enhances the speed of handling materials, making the whole operation more efficient.

Functionality

The functionality provided by various kinds of material handling equipment is imperative to a warehouse’s operations. For example, conveyors move materials from Point A to Point B in a fixed path. They help limit the amount of heavy lifting required. They also take goods through different stages of the distribution process including receiving, packaging, and shipping.

Another example is overhead handling methods. The striking benefit of overhead handling devices like hoists and cranes is that instead of occupying the precious floor space to move goods, they use overhead space to move goods from Point A to Point B. Therefore, they allow warehouse operators to use floor space for storage instead of trying to make space for every activity. Finally, industrial trucks like forklifts offer more maneuverability around the warehouse, allowing stock pickers to navigate aisles and handle pallets.

Safety

The issue of worker safety in warehouses is always raised in industrial circles. This is due to the number of workplace accidents that happen each year in warehouses across the country. A proper material handling system is fundamental to maintaining workplace safety in warehouses. It also significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to workers. This, in turn, keeps the warehouse running without disruption and downtime. Every warehouse manager can swear how important it is to avoid downtime. A proper material handling system is central not only to worker safety but the safety of the goods as well. This is because material handling devices maintain the integrity of products by avoiding product damage. Product damage accounts for a lot of unnecessary expenditure in a warehouse.

Storage

One of the most important functions of a warehouse is the storage of products. There are a lot of ways and devices available for the implementation of a storage system in a warehouse. These devices help in the storage of goods in the time between receiving and shipping. Examples of such equipment are stacking frames, racks, and shelves.

Check out the mini 250 air hoist by Conco for smaller material loads in your warehouse.