Materials Handling in Warehousing and Distribution

Improve your materials handling operation and improve your bottom line

If you try at least once a day to figure out how and where you can save a little more money and improve your P&L statement, take a close look at your warehouse material handling processes and equipment. You may still rely on outdated materials handling equipment because you're comfortable with it; or, you may still employ the same material handling processes you started with 10 years ago, because they seem to work for you.

Add up what you spend in materials handling in warehousing and distribution during a given month. Then ask yourself what you could do to improve efficiency and effectiveness. You just might surprise yourself and wonder why you hadn't considered a possible solution earlier. As you head up the learning curve to find better warehousing inventory handling and material handling processes, consider the following areas for improvement:

1. Invest in the right equipment for handling materials in warehouses and distribution centers, and you’ll increase efficiency and save money.

2. Consider both new and used warehousing equipment.

3. Incorporate the latest technology to improve your speed and accuracy in warehouse inventory handling and other materials handling processes.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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