The basic principles of material handling
When setting up a material handling system for your organization, there are certain principles which should be followed in order to get best results. These principles of material handling can be listed down as under:
Orientation Principle requires that when planning the material handling system, your organization should first review the existing system relationships, methods and problems, physical and economic constraints, and then future requirements and goals should be established accordingly.
Planning Principle says that the plan for all material handling and storage activities should be made considering the basic requirements, desirable options, and other contingencies.
Systems Principle lays down that all the systems of operation including receiving, inspection, storage, production, assembly, packaging, warehousing, shipping and transportation should be coordinated well in the material handling system.
Unit Load Principle advises that the products should be handled in the largest possible unit load.
Space Utilization Principle requires that every inch of space should be utilized with maximum productivity.
Standardization Principle says that wherever possible, the methods and equipments of material handling should be standardized.
Energy Principle lays down that when making comparisons and choices, energy consumption of the material handling systems and material handling procedures should also be considered.
The Green Principle emphasizes on the fact that Going green is the principle today. Therefore, while selecting material handling equipment and procedures, their effect on the environment should be considered.
Mechanization Principle says that the material handling process should be mechanized in areas where speed, efficiency, accuracy and economy in the handling of materials is needed.
Simplification Principle asks that organizations to simplify handling by eliminating, reducing, or combining unnecessary movements and/or equipment.
Safety Principle requires the units to ensure safety in material handling equipments and methods by following safety codes and regulations in addition to accrued experience.
Cost Principle says that before choosing a material handling system, one should compare the costs and economic effectiveness as measured by expense per unit handled.
These are the basic principles, if not the complete set of principles, which need to be followed when deciding a material handling equipment or a system for an organization so that maximum efficiency and benefit can be achieved.
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