Principles of Material Handling

11/2/2013

@ Kamlesh Jain

PLANNING PRINCIPLE
All material handling should be the result of a deliberate plan where the needs, performance objectives and functional specification of the proposed methods are completely defined at the outset.

Definition: A plan is a prescribed course of action that is defined in advance of implementation. In its simplest form a material handing plan defines the material (what) and the moves (when and where); together they define the method (how and who).

11/2/2013

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SYSTEM PRINCIPLE
Material movement and storage activities should be fully integrated to form a coordinated, operational system which spans receiving, inspection, storage, production, assembly, packaging, unitizing, order selection, shipping, transportation and the handling of returns.
Definition: A system is a collection of interacting and/or interdependent entities that form a unified whole.

11/2/2013

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Simplification Principle
Reduce, combine or eliminate unnecessary movements of equipment. Deliver the material at correct place, Eliminate rehandling, Reduce variety of equipment's

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Material flow Principal

Material flow should be based on lay out or operation sequence. Avoid over crowding, Eliminate obstacles on the way. Move greatest weight for least distance. Plan related area of work together.

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Gravity principle
Utilize gravity where possible. Use slides, chutes, hoppers wherever possible.

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Unit size Principal

Unit loads shall be appropriately sized and configured in a way which achieves the material flow and inventory objectives at each stage in the supply chain.
Definition: A unit load is one that can be stored or moved as a single entity at one time, such as a pallet, container or tote, regardless of the number of individual items that make up the load.

11/2/2013

@ Kamlesh Jain

SPACE UTILIZATION
Effective and efficient use must be made of all available space.

Definition: Space in material handling is three dimensional and therefore is counted as cubic space.

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Safety Principle
Safe handling methods and equipment for better working condition, provide guards, Handling equipment must be in good working conditions. High light danger areas, Disposal of fumes, smoke, dust, Keep floor clean, Keep aisles clear
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Mechanization Principle
Use of mechanized handling equipment where quantities are large, long and frequent, Replace manual handling where large no. of Definition: Automation is a technology concerned with the application of man power is required with systems to electro-mechanical devices, electronics and computer-based operate and control production and service activities. It suggests the mechanized handling. e.g. earth linking of multiple mechanical operations to create a system that can be moving equipment, concrete mixture controlled by programmed instructions.
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Flexibility Principle
Select equipment which is capable of handling variety of tasks. Buy adjustable racks. Buy versatile equipment. Use accessories or attachments. e.g. Vacuum cleaner

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Equipment selection Principle

Select the equipment after considering all aspects of material movements and the method. Cost per unit handling must be considered. It is a long term investment.
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Standardization Principle
Material handling methods, equipment, controls and software should be standardized within the limits of achieving overall performance objectives and without Definition: Standardization means less variety and customization in flexibility the methods sacrificing needed , and equipment employed. modularity and throughput.
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Light weight Principle

Reduce weight of the equipment. It should have less dead weight to pay load ratio. Use light weight pallets, containers, skids.

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Motion Principle
It should have less idle time. Reduce loading and unloading time. Use tractor trailer for loading and unloading and tractor can be used for some other purpose. Minimum down time

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Idle time Principle

Reduce unproductive time or idle time. Deliver material at desired rate. Use unskilled labour. Equipment must be fully utilized.

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Obsolescence Principle

Obsolete equipment must be replaced by new one or the latest one.

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Maintenance Principle
Use preventive maintenance for the equipment. Daily maintenance. Train the operators.

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Control Principle
Control production and inventory by material handling equipment. Material should be moved with lots, batches or containers. Movement of the material as per schedule.

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Capacity Principle
Production capacity must be fully achieved. Ensure desired rate flow of the material. Plan to utilize forward and return trips. Utilize over head space. Wider aisles for speedy movements

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Performance Principle
Performance of the equipment must be measured in terms of cost per unit of handling, safe working conditions etc.

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Thank You

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