1. Realize the importance of logistical terminology in warehouse inventory handling.
2. Understand different processes and equipment in warehouse material handling.
3. Comprehend that technology insight is key to successful materials handling in warehousing and distribution.
   

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

Know the logistical terms associated with warehousing and materials handling

The logistics, or movement, storage and distribution of materials in a warehouse have a language all its own which provides industry standards in safety, storage and distribution of goods. Knowing common logistical terms associated with warehousing and material handling will make communication with suppliers and employees much more uniform and clear.

I recommend: EasyRack offers a comprehensive but easy to read glossary of materials handling terminology. The Material Handling Industry of America provides a detailed glossary of materials handling and warehouse storage terminology with links within definitions for further information on related terms.

Familiarize yourself with basic warehouse material handling and warehousing equipment

Knowing the language of logistics is not enough to have a full grasp on the materials handling and warehousing world. Familiarizing yourself with the types of equipment and storage available as well as their uses and capacities will help you communicate your own business needs more effectively.

I recommend: Warehouse Equipment Company offers both a visual product list to help familiarize you with warehouse storage types and a number of equipment guides to help you choose what's best for your business. Simply click on the menu of links on the left hand side of the home page. Material Handling Network has a comprehensive glossary of basic materials handling equipment with definitions.

Research software terminology to better communicate material handling processes

Besides being familiar with logistical terminology and warehousing language, its important to know the latest lingo associated with inventory and materials handling software. Being able to navigate your computer records and ensure their uniformity with on the ground in the warehouse operations will help you spot inconsistencies and communicate them effectively to employees and software technicians.

I recommend: Material Handling Info.com has a nice clear list of some of the terms used in industry software complete with definitions. SDG Computing has a comprehensive technology and software glossary to help navigate warehousing software.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Visit the websites of key competitors in the warehouse material handling trade to stay ahead or at least up to date with other industry leaders.

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

Buy the right equipment for your industrial material handling process

You must decide what equipment will help you move your inventory and other materials most efficiently. You'll find numerous sources for pallet trucks, conveyors, racks and palletizers available online.

I recommend: Begin your search for material handling distributors with L.K. Goodwin, where you'll find hoists, conveyors, cranes, pallet trucks, stackers, mezzanines and lift trucks. The company sells simple components and complex systems and handles its own sales, installation, service and repair for all their products. Also, visit C&H Distributors to see their large selection. They guarantee that you can return anything you order for a replacement, full credit or full refund if you're not happy with your purchase for any reason.

Save money by purchasing used warehousing and materials handling equipment

Get the materials handling equipment you need and still stick to your budget by ordering used equipment that will last for many more years.

I recommend: Describe your needs to American Surplus and receive a free quote. This company purchases their equipment primarily from companies either going out of business or consolidating in a new location and then makes it available to you for sale and inspection inside their 460,000 square foot warehouse. Check out the huge selection of available equipment at SJF Material Handling. SJF offers consulting, layout and design, engineering and technical support services, and they welcome visits to inspect equipment before purchase.

Invest in warehouse inventory handling equipment that focuses on identification and control

Material handling also involves equipment used to collect and communicate information to coordinate the movement of materials within your facility or anywhere in the logistics chain. Consider purchasing the newest technology you can afford for identifying and locating your inventory; you'll gain enhanced control, organization and efficiency in your materials handling operation.

I recommend: Consider incorporating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, like those available from Cornerstone Automation Systems, into your material handling process. They can also provide you with a bar code system if RFID doesn't fit your budget. Contact Bastian Material Handling for a quote on an RFID system that will boost your productivity in materials handling in warehousing and distribution.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Though purchasing used equipment for materials handling in warehousing and distribution can save you a significant amount of money, exercise caution when deciding between new and used equipment. Look for used equipment that's low maintenance and doesn't receive excessive wear and tear. Those pieces of equipment could require frequent repairs and turn into a money pit you didn't count on.

1. Consider online mediums for information on the latest in warehouse inventory handling.
2. Know about new and old designs and products in warehousing equipment.
3. Read industry insights from professionals in materials handling.
   

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

Subscribe to industry websites for the latest developments in warehouse material handling

Warehousing and material handling crosses many industries and business sectors. Keeping abreast of new innovations and processes can help you make the right decisions for your own materials handling needs. Deciding what equipment is necessary to move product, store materials and distribute end products is a large part of the warehousing process.

I recommend: Modern Materials Handling is an industry website offering news, trends, blogs and the latest information on the competition. They offer RSS feeds and email newsletters. Logistics Management online magazine offers the latest in warehousing and logistical news as well as RSS feeds and industry links.

Gather information on the history and future of handling materials in warehouses

Awareness of both the latest in materials handling equipment handling as well as the history or progression of warehousing equipment provides you with a comprehensive view of the changes in the industry. This makes it easier to spot changes and communicate equipment needs with a variety of people and businesses.

I recommend: The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association offers several articles on the history of materials handling equipment as well as industry insights and resources. IMPO magazine is an online magazine offering information on the latest innovations and designs in materials handling equipment and includes a section on technical trends.

Industry professionals in warehouse material handling offer personal and relatable insight

dealing with materials handling, warehousing and logistics offer an extra level of insight into industry news and trends. Written by people in the business, they offer insight into product innovation not often gleaned from the more formal news and trends outlets. Subscribing to one or two industry blogs will help round out your materials handling and warehousing knowledge.

I recommend: SJF Material Handling Blog offers both the latest new and developments but in a simple format with approachable language. Warehousing Insights is Scott Stone's blog on the Cisco-Eagle website. He provides tip and advice for those dealing with warehousing and materials handling.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With so many material handling processes out there, its important to narrow your focus to suit your needs. After grasping the basic industry news and trends, refine your resources for the optimum information.