Customize Storage Solutions With Efficient Material Handling

Online, November 5, 2013 (Newswire.com) - OVERVIEW

Although every industry is different and the situations are unique, the efficient handling and storing of materials is vital to any industry. It involves various operations like driving a truck loaded with concrete blocks, hoisting tons of steel with a crane, manually carrying materials and stacking drums, kegs, barrels, loose bricks or lumber. These operations deliver a continuous flow of raw materials, arid assemblies, and parts through the workplace, and ensure that the materials are readily available when looked-for. Generally speaking, the implementation of storage system has become increasingly complicated with the advent of material handling equipment.

Material Handling

Material Handling is the movement, control, storage and protection of materials throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The material handling industry is entirely responsible for this process which is essential to create the material handling systems. These systems ensure that the goods are safe during the process of transportation and storage.

Storage Solutions

Customized storage systems optimize the available space and provide strong and efficient storage of raw materials and finished goods. These storage solutions have the flexibility to add unlimited compartments or aisles with necessary adjustments depending on the size of the products.

The various types of storage come in four categories namely Bulk Storage, Pallet Racking, Shelving and Carton Flow.

Bulk Storage: This is the basic form of warehouse storage and is also called as "Floor stacked". Here the products are stored directly on the warehouse floor. This is cost effective and is ideal with stack-able pallets. A major disadvantage of this storage is low space utilization.

Pallet Rack: Pallet racking is designed to provide storage for palletized or non-palletized product based on the rack configuration and beam supports used. The basic types of pallet racks that are commonly used are

1. Drive-in / Drive-Thru
2. Selective - Single or Double deep
3. Push back
4. Pallet Flow
5. Cantilever

Shelving: Wide Span Shelving is ideal for hand stacked storage, cartons etc., and is common in loose pick and small item storage. It can be stacked to form self-supported mezzanine structures which can maximize vertical storage. Industrial Shelving incorporates drawers, dividers and other accessories that augment the products that are stored. These are widely used in automotive & electronic industries and can be stacked to form multi-level mezzanine supports.

Carton Flow: This mainly depends on the consistency of the product sizes and weights, SKU velocity and quantity, overall footprint available etc. A few basic types of carton flow are
1. Wheel track
2. Full width roller
3. Skate wheel

Prevention Methods

Improper handling and storing of materials can cause severe damages. Manual handling of materials also cause potential injuries like strains, sprains, fractures, cuts and bruises. It is important to be aware of the accidents that occur due to improper work practices & handling of materials and find ways and means to eliminate or minimize such occurrences. It is the duty of the employers and the workers to safeguard their workplaces against any unhealthy or unsafe conditions and take precautionary steps to totally eradicate them.

CONCLUSION

To wrap-up, there are many storage solutions available for consideration and by implementing the proper storage and replenishment strategy, the probability of a successful project will dramatically be increased.