Material handling systems can be simple systems that move products from one place to another or complex systems that package, wrap and transport your goods. Material handling system designs evaluate what works best for your business and take into consideration your budget and your transport goals.

Many companies sell material handling systems designed to work with a variety of industries, but you may need to consider a custom-designed system. Regardless of the equipment handling design that you use, you need to consider the material handling management that you will need to implement to run your system smoothly.

1. Consult with an expert on material handling system designs.

2. Look for an automated material handling system to reduce labor, increase productivity and reduce production errors.

3. Find material handling installers to set up your system.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate material handling system designs with input from an expert

An expert in the material handling industry can give you advice on the types of systems that work best for your business. In addition, experts can often analyze your production process and find ways to help you save money and increase production. Ask an expert about products coming to the market in the near future--it may be worth a little time to wait for the latest version of a system that you like.

I recommend: The Association of Professional Material Consultants is made up of individual consultants. Use the consultant locator to find a consultant based in your area. Material Handling Consultants can help you determine why you need a consultant and offers design experts for material handling systems.

Use an automated material handling system

With an automated material handling system, you may be able to reduce your labor costs. Automated systems do have the potential to break down, which can increase your maintenance costs and disable your production until you repair the problem. Even if you don't decrease labor, you may benefit from a decrease in production errors or the increased speed of an automated system.

I recommend: Brooks Automation produces automated material handling systems for the semiconductor industry. Whether you can't find a design you like or you want special features, Isthmus Engineering and Manufacturing can custom design an automated material handling system for you. HK Systems Engineering also designs systems and offers some material handling products ready for purchase.

Leave material handling installation to the pros

Installing your new material handling system isn't a job for the average do-it-yourself fan. Professional installers can get your system running in a timely manner. They can also test the system to ensure it is error-free before turning the controls over to you.

I recommend: Creative Automation follows a 100-point checklist to ensure your system is ready before it even leaves the dock. Once the system passes the tests, the company installs it and ensures it works. ASI builds custom material handling systems and installs them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for companies that bundle material handling system designs with installation. You may be able to get a discount on the installation.