Changing scenario in material handling systems
Traditionally, Material Handling Equipments consisted of trolleys, conveyors, forklifts, overhead travelling cranes etc. However, they had a lot of drawbacks including the fact that they needed to be handled manually, they had limitations like low speed, handling problems like scratches, chipping, breaking, difficulty to monitor material flow etc. With the emerging business trends, increasing competitions and globalization, manufacturing systems need to be lean, agile and highly automated, as things are changing. Increased competition increases variety of components (for product customization), reduces lot size, varies product mix continuously (pull type manufacturing).
To cope with these changes, a large number of new breed of material handling systems have been developed recently-like automated storage & retrieval systems, carousels, rail guided & automated guided vehicles, intelligent flexible modular conveyors, pick & place units etc. Gripper/holding devices are also available for fragile / delicate / super finished components.
With increasing complexities in logistics now become complex, integrated material handling systems have evolved which can communicate with each other - as well as with processing machines, inspection devices, assembly stations etc. With the addition of on-line data capturing devices, it is now possible to monitor the entire flow of all materials within the plant-and have real-time information on inventory level, status of material processing etc. These advanced material handling systems give better inventory control, faster throughput, less time for changeover, less defects during material handling, more utilisation of space -floor space, and capability to maintain them oneself.
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