Material handling equipment can streamline workflows and increase productivity. This can reduce shipping time to clients and lead to happier customers. They are often repeat customers, and will refer businesses to others.

Some examples of material handling equipment are racks which provide more storage space, stackable frames for stacking items high and conveyors.

Increased Productivity

Material handling equipment is a broad term that includes a variety of machines, devices and systems for transporting, organizing, storing or processing bulk materials. These include sortation conveyor systems, hoppers, silos, loaders, crushers and dust collection systems. These equipment types are designed to optimize material flow in bulk materials industries, increase productivity, and streamline operations.

Using these types of equipment reduces fatigue among floor staff by automating labor and allowing them to perform more work in less time. This will reduce the number of team members assigned to specific tasks, and allow you to save on employee payroll costs.

Sorting products manually can be a tedious, inefficient and error-prone task. This is especially true when multiple people are involved. Sorting machines reduce the workload of employees and improve their performance by eliminating mistakes. You can increase your number of items per unit as well as speed up delivery and production.

These systems can also improve morale by boosting worker confidence. This results in higher-quality work, a more pleasant workplace and the ability to attract and retain top talent. In the end, you will save money by reducing employee turnover. This will allow you to offer your customers the best service, resulting in satisfied repeat business and positive referrals.

Safety Increased

Material handling equipment reduces the risk of accidents and injuries due to manual lifting. This allows companies to reduce employee sickness time and improve workplace safety. For example, by using an electric pull to move small loads which would be difficult to lift manually, the risk of back problems and other health issues is significantly reduced.

Additionally, intelligent systems can help prevent accidents by automatically adjusting forklift functions like speed and tilt. They can alert operators to changes such as weight distribution and load weight, preventing tipping. This is especially important for warehouses with employees working on upper levels such as mezzanines and mobile elevating work platforms.

Companies should develop training programs that educate employees on how to operate material handling equipment safely. This could include equipment-specific training, such as forklift operation or positive material identification certification, as well as broader training in safe workplace practices and ergonomics. It is important to provide ongoing training for workers so that they are up-to-date with the latest best practices.

Increased Efficiency

Modern material handling equipment automates processes and speeds up tasks. This reduces manual labor and improves productivity.

Material handling tools can also be used to optimize the workflow in the plant, reducing delays and bottlenecks. A smooth flow of material reduces costs and allows workers to focus on more valuable tasks. This also minimizes product damage, as well as the cost of re-routing or restocking products that don’t reach their intended stations.

Consider load capacity when selecting the right material handling equipment. Exceeding equipment limits can compromise safety, accelerate wear and tear, and risk equipment failure. A thorough analysis of inventory characteristics enables you to identify the maximum loads your system can safely handle.

Investing in durable and reliable machinery will extend its lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, opt for energy efficiency when purchasing material handling equipment. Using energy-saving technologies and innovative features can reduce operating expenses and minimize the environmental impact. This also supports sustainability goals and regulatory compliance. Ergonomically designed equipment promotes employee health and wellbeing by reducing physical strain. This leads to more productive workers and fewer accidents.

Reduced Costs

Material handling equipment reduces labor and storage expenses in warehouses and other production facilities. For example, the use of forklifts, conveyor belts and automated storage & retrieval systems (AS/RS) can help to minimize downtime and speed up production times by shortening the distance components and products need to travel through the facility.

Choosing material-handling equipment that is easy and inexpensive to maintain can reduce operating costs. Maintaining your equipment at its peak performance is possible with a good maintenance plan. Regularly scheduled maintenance can prevent costly repairs, which are often more expensive than the initial cost of the equipment.

When materials are in the right place at the right time, they can be delivered to customers on-time. This increases customer satisfaction, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

When evaluating the cost of new material handling equipment, it is important to take into account the total life cycle cost of the device. This includes initial investment, maintenance, energy usage, and environmental impact. It is also crucial to consider how easy it is to obtain replacement parts, and whether there are reliable service providers in your locality. The right material handling equipment can have a major impact on your bottom-line. The benefits of increased productivity, safety and efficiency are clear.