Products and raw materials move a lot in a busy warehouse. Several hands or machines are needed to pick, pack, and transport ordered items. We call this physical process warehouse material handling.
This concept is vital in any supply chain operation because mishandled items mean an inefficient warehouse and a disadvantage to businesses.
In this blog post, we discuss warehouse material handling, including its types, importance, and best practices. Understanding this concept can help you evaluate a potential warehousing partner and ensure your inventory is in good hands.
What is Warehouse Material Handling?
Warehouse material handling is the transfer of raw materials and finished products within the facility. This process occurs during receiving, storage, order fulfilment, packaging, and shipping.
Its goal is to ensure that all items are moved efficiently to their destinations, speeding up the supply chain flow and minimising errors or waste.
Types of Material Handling Systems
There are several ways how staff can transport items within the warehouse.
1. Manual Handling
This system involves lifting, carrying, emptying, and filing items in a warehouse. Staff may use their hands to transport objects or simple handling tools that do not require electricity or technology.
One example of a manual handling tool is the pallet jack, which comes in handy in loading, unloading, and transporting goods. Picking carts, lift tables, and hand trucks make it easy to move bulky or heavy goods from one location to the next.
2. Motorised Handling
Massive warehouse facilities would also use motor-driven equipment to handle and transport goods. These allow staff to move heavy or numerous items efficiently and safely.
Examples are motorised height-adjustable carts, narrow-aisle and counterbalanced forklifts, and motorised order pickers.
3. Automated Handling
Automatic machinery in warehouses helps minimise physical movements and speed up processes.
However, human input may still be required for certain phases like loading and unloading goods. Additionally, staff may need to oversee some automated warehouse machines, as fully automating warehouse material handling can be expensive for many operations.
A typical example of automated handling equipment is a conveyor belt or system transporting goods from point A to point B. Voice-picking systems, vertical lift modules, automated guided vehicles, stacker cranes, and mobile robots also help streamline processes.
Automated machines, at times, work with manual or motorised systems to complete warehouse handling tasks.
Why Does Warehouse Material Handling Matter?
Warehouse material handling benefits the operations, its staff, and the customers:
- It reduces downtime and keeps warehouses organised, improving overall operational efficiency.
- It reinforces workplace safety, protecting workers’ physical and mental health.
- It boosts employee morale and productivity, allowing staff to finish tasks faster.
- It saves money by improving inventory management and security, minimising product damage or waste, and reducing operational costs.
Best Practices in Warehouse Material Handling
Businesses should evaluate handling processes when selecting a warehouse provider to ensure these best practices are in place.
Safety
The warehouse should implement property safety protocols in their handling operations.
Employees must participate in regular safety training sessions, especially regarding the correct use of protective gear. The facility should also implement scheduled safety inspections, clear signage, and other reminders to minimise workplace incidents.
Sustainability
Sustainable practices in warehouse handling help protect the environment and reduce operational costs. Some examples of sustainable handling are energy conservation, optimised transportation routes, use of recyclable packaging, and waste control.
Preventive Maintenance
Monitoring and maintenance of warehouse material handling equipment are necessary to avoid accidents, delays, and downtimes. For example, the facility should follow maintenance schedules recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
The facility should conduct regular inspections and repairs to extend equipment lifespan and prevent costly breakdowns and replacements.
Performance Tracking
Efficiency should always be present in a warehouse material handling process. The best way to measure and ensure this is to track warehouse key performance indicators (KPIs). These include:
- Equipment utilisation: Does a particular piece of equipment slow the operations? Are there better alternatives available?
- Maintenance costs: Are there tools and equipment that require frequent repairs? Should these be replaced with a newer model to control expenses?
- Picking accuracy: Is the current handling process prone to picking errors? What strategy can address the problem?
Continuous Enhancement
The material handling processes in a warehouse must evolve alongside the facility. As a warehouse acquires more items and serves an increasing number of customers, it is essential to enhance material handling solutions. Feedback from employees and customers can contribute significantly to this improvement.
Some best practices include regular workflow analysis, bottleneck identification, and implementation of advanced technologies to streamline operations.
Prioritise Effective Warehouse Material Handling
Moving items in the warehouse may seem a straightforward task. However, when you put multiple products and orders into the equation, simple warehouse material handling can be chaotic without streamlined procedures.
A warehouse operator that regularly inspects and improves handling processes significantly enhances productivity and cost-efficiency. So, when selecting a warehouse partner, choose one that employs effective material handling operations to ensure quality goods reach customers on time.
Contact Effective Logistics on 03 8376 3300 for more details about our warehousing services.
