Materials Handling Operations

Materials Handling Definition

• Materials handling encompasses various functions, including conveying, elevating, positioning, transporting, packaging, and storing.

Scope of Materials Handling

• Storage or warehousing is an integral part of materials handling.
• Materials handling utilizes different equipment and mechanisms, known as Materials Handling Equipment.

Exceptions and Inclusions

• According to one definition, processing operations and inspection are excluded from the scope of materials handling operations.
• However, in specific cases, processing or inspection of materials may be accomplished simultaneously with handling activity.

Objective of Materials Handling

• A key objective of materials handling is to achieve the lowest cost solution.

Essential Requirements of a Good Materials Handling System

• A good materials handling system ensures efficient and safe movement of materials to the desired location.
• Materials should be moved in a timely manner to meet the required schedule.
• The system should supply materials at the desired rate to match production or operation requirements.
• Effective storage of materials is crucial, utilizing minimum space to reduce waste and optimize storage capacity.
• A good materials handling system strives to achieve the lowest cost solution for all materials handling activities.

Scope of Materials Handling

• Covers bulk materials handling, particularly in processing, mining, and construction industries
• Involves handling of unit materials in initial, intermediate, and final stages of manufacture

Industrial Packaging

• Concerned with packaging of in-process materials, semi-finished or finished goods
• Focuses on ease and safety of handling, storage, and transportation
• Excludes consumer packaging

Materials Handling in Storage and Warehousing

• Encompasses handling of materials from raw materials to finished product stage
• Involves storage and warehousing of materials at various stages of production

Materials Handling Beyond Industry Boundaries

• Materials handling extends beyond industry boundaries, involving the movement of raw materials from sources to the plant and finished goods from the plant to points of consumption.

Long Distance Material Movement

• Long distance movement of materials is referred to as transportation, which can be done through various modes of transport, including road, rail, ship, or air.
• Transportation is generally excluded from the scope of materials handling.

Materials Handling at Sources and Destinations

• At each source and destination, loading and unloading of materials is necessary, which is referred to as materials handling at these locations.

Integration with Production Equipment

• Some production equipment is fitted with facilities for handling the materials being processed.
• Such materials handling equipment are considered an integral part of the production equipment.