Whether you’re a small business or a large organization, you likely have an operation where materials need to be moved on a daily basis. From manufacturing to retail and beyond, efficient material handling is essential for smooth operations, reducing unnecessary delays, and enhancing overall productivity.
Choosing the right material handling solution not only streamlines storage and transportation but also minimizes labor costs and elevates efficiency. Thankfully, there is a wide range of material handling solutions, ranging from self-contained units like single-piece trailers and automated storage cabinets to modular components like pallet racking systems and forklifts.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about material handling solutions. We’ll list the different types and then explore some of the factors that influence your choice of a material handling solution. That way, you can choose the right solution for your operation.
What is Material Handling?
Material handling refers to the process of manually or automatically transporting products and materials from one location to another. It involves both the distribution of incoming materials and the transportation of outgoing materials, categorized as storage and transportation.
Storage involves organizing materials on racks and shifting them between these racks, whereas transportation pertains to moving materials via conveyor systems or trucks.
5 Types of Material Handling Solutions
- Storage Rack Systems: Ideal for storing various items, these systems consist of racks to organize stock items efficiently.
- Storage Cabinets: A more advanced version of rack systems, these are tailored for specific items like pharmaceuticals or electronics, as well as miscellaneous items such as office supplies.
- Storage Shelves: Simple systems designed to hold single items, perfect for small items that don’t require much space.
- Pallet Jacks: Used for transferring pallets from one place to another, available in manual, electric, and hydraulic variants.
- Automatic Pallet Changers: Facilitate the loading of pallets onto trucks or their transfer between locations automatically.
How to Select a Material Handling Solution
Several factors will impact your choice of a material handling solution, including:
- Transportation Modes: Consider various transportation methods and choose the one that aligns with your company’s specific needs, whether it be rollaways, conveyer systems, or rack-based transportation.
- Material Handling Equipment: Evaluate the type and capacity of equipment required based on weight limits, maintenance needs, and cleaning requirements.
- Loading Areas: Assess loading area specifications, sizes, and potential issues impacting efficiency.
- Storage and Layout: Account for storage layout complexities and clearance issues and optimize the setup for smooth operations.
Which Material Handling Solution Should You Choose?
Selecting the best material handling solution helps you improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase employee satisfaction. However, with a wide array of options available, choosing a material handling solution can be overwhelming.
Ultimately, your choice of a material handling solution will depend on what you need. If you’re a retailer who moves products between different stores or distribution centers, storage rack systems help you transport items while shelves store and organize items. Similarly, for distributors collecting raw materials from various suppliers, rack systems can streamline the transportation process effectively.
B&G Industries is Your Source for Material Handling Solutions
Still not sure which material handling solution is best for you? B&G Industries is here to help. With over 60 years of experience, we are experts in providing custom solutions for wood and plastic pallets. We offer many new and used wood pallets, FDA-approved plastic pallets, and other material handling options for the food and beverage industry. Contact us today!