Material Handling - ILO Work Study Book

In Chapter 14, Material Handling is covered.


Section 2. The handling of material

In production processes as well as warehouse, retail and transportation processes, significant amount of time and effort is expended in material handling and hence cost is incurred.  Material handling done in the factory does not add any value to the product. The desirable condition is zero material handling. Hence a realistic attempt has to be made to move material by equipment, men and method at lowest possible cost and providing safety. Hence four aims in studying material handling operations or activities can be:

1. Eliminating the handling.
2. Reducing the distance moved by changing layout
3. Making the correct choice of material handling equipment.
4. Improving the efficiency of handling

Choice of Material Handling Equipment

Five major categories of equipments

1. Conveyors
2. Industrial trucks
3. Cranes and hoists
4. Containers
5. Robots

Factors that enter into choice of Material Handling Equipment

1. Type of material and its properties
2. Building characteristics and layout
3. Production flow
4. Cost