Material Handling Notes 2013

8/22/2019 Material Handling Notes 2013

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INTRODUCTION

Material Handling involves the movement of material, manually or mechanically in

batches or one item at a time within the Plant. The movement may be horizontal, vertical

or combination of horizontal or vertical.

Material Handling is concerned with motion, time, quantity and space. The

Material Handling Institute describes this as follows,

(1) First, Material Handling is MOTION: Parts, material and finished products must be

moved from store to location. Material Handling is concerned with moving them in the

efficient manner.

(2) Second, Material Handling is TIME: Each step in any manufacturing process

requires that it supplies are on hand the moment it needs them. Material Handling must

assure that no production process or customer need will be hampered by moving material

arranged of location too late or too early.

(3) Third, Material Handling is QUANTITY: Rate of demand varies between steps in

the manufacturing process. Material Handling has the responsibility of being sure that

each location continually receives the correct quantity of parts.

(4) Fourth, Material Handling is SPACE: Storage space, both active and dormant, is a

major consideration in any building as space costs money. Space requirement are greatlyinfluenced by the Material Handling flow pattern.


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Put these four elements together and you have the basics of Material Handling. It should

be noted that this element are not treated independently. They must be integrated and

there composite performance determines the quality of Material Handling systems.

DEFINITION'S OF MATERIAL HANDLIN:-

1) BASIC DEFINITION:

Basically Material Handling is the art of implementing movement-economically and

safely.

In the classic sense, Material Handling is the act of creating Time and Place utility, as

distinct from Manufacturing, which creates form utility. The proper application of

Material Handling knowledge will result in the smooth integration of all the process in an

enterprise into one efficient Production Machine.

2) BY J.R. BRIGHT:

Material Handling is a system designed in order to get the materials. At the right place,

at right the time, in the right quantity, in good condition and at minimum cost.

3) BY HENRY FEYOL:

It is a system of auxiliary equipment that improves flow of material which intern reduces

stoppage in production machines and thus increases productivity of machine. These

equipment are designed in order to supplement the production machines.

4) BY JAMES APPLE:It is that branch of Engineering concerned with development of special Machinery for

transporting goods through various manufacturing stages to finished product stage. It is

systematic physical movement of material.


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5) BY NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL:

It is a system which forms the single factors of movement, transfer, warehousing, in

process handling and shipping into one interdependent cycle considering the most

economical solution for the respective plant.

If we look at the cost for Material Handling formed to a cost circle there are the following

cost factors (fig 1):

The goal, therefore, is to get control over these costs to be able to reduce them with

effective Material Handling.

Briefly, Material Handling is the moving of materials from the raw stage through

Production to ultimate Customer with the least expenditure of time and effort so as to

produce maximum Productive Efficiency at the lowest Material Handling cost.PLANT LAYOUT:

Plant Layout means the physical arrangement of the various Industrial facilities

(equipment, material, manpower, etc.) within the plant. This arrangement includes the


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spaces needed for material movement, storage, indirect labourers and all other supporting

activities or services as well as operating equipment and Personnel.

Plant Layout is the basis of industrial activity since it determines the efficiency.

Generally what is being achieved is arrangement of work areas and equipment which is

the most economical and at the same time safe and satisfying employees.

Plant Layout is concerned with the analysis, planning, and design of the physical

facilities utilized in the production of goods and services. Material Handling deals with

that phase of the operations which involves the movements of the material used in

carrying on the activities of the enterprises. No two aspects of industrial activity are more

closely related. Actually, Material Handling is a Major part of nearly all Plant Layout

work. This close relationship is emphasized in the following definition of Plant Layout:

Plant Layout may be defined as planning and integrating the paths of the component parts

of a product to obtain the most effective and economical inter relationships between men,

equipment and the movement of material from receiving, through fabrication, to the

shipment of the finished product.

TYPES OF PLANT LAYOUT AND FUNCTION:-

1) PROCESS LAYOUT OR FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT:

It is characterized by keeping similar machine or similar operations at one location

(place). In other words, all lathes will be at one place, all milling machine at another andso on, that is; machine are to be arranged according to their function. This type of layout

is generally employed for industries engaged in job order production and non-repetitive

kind of maintenance or manufacturing activities.


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Advantages of Process Layout:

1) Better Machine utilization allows lower investment on equipment.

2) It is better to maintain continuity of production in event of

(a) Machine breakdown

(b) Storage of Raw material

(c) Absence of workers

3) It copes with varying production schedules.

4) It is adopted to a variety of products and to frequent changes in sequence of

operations.

2) PRODUCT LAYOUT OR LINE TYPE LAYOUT:

It implies that various operations on a product are performed in a sequence and the

machines are placed along the product flow line, i.e., machines are arranged in the

sequence in which a given product will be operated upon. This type of layout is preferred

for continuous production, i.e. involving a continuous flow of in-process material towards

the finishing product stage.

Advantages of Product Layout:

1) Less Handling of Material.

2) Less material in process allows lower investment in materials.

3) More effective use of labour(a) Through greater job specialization

(b) Through ease of training

(c) Through wider of labour supply


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4) Easier control

(a) Of production allows less paper work.

(b) Over workers allows easier supervision

3) COMBINATION LAYOUT:

A combination of process and product layout combines the advantages of the both types

of layouts. A combination layout is possible where an item is being made in different

shape and sizes. In such cases machinery is arranged in a Process Layout but the process

grouping is than arranged in a sequence to manufacture various types and sizes of

product. The point to note here is that, no matter the product varies in size and type, the

sequence of operations remain same or similar.

4) FIXED POSITION LAYOUT:

In other types of Layouts discussed earlier, the product moves past stationary

Production Equipment, whereas in these case the reverse applies; men and equipment are

moved to the material, which remains at one place and the product is completed at that

place where the material lies. For e.g., aircraft manufacture, ship building, big pressure

vessel fabrication.

5) GROUP OR CELL LAYOUT

In a group or Cell Layout, the layout design is in not according to functional

characteristics of machine, but rather by group of different machines (called Cells) thatare necessary for the production of families of parts.

PRINCIPLES OF PLANT LAYOUT:

A few sound principle of Plant Layout are,


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1) INTEGRATION:

It means the integration of production center facility like workers, machinery, raw

material, etc. in a logical and balanced manner.

2) MINIMUM MOVEMENTS AND MATERIAL HANDLING

The number of movements of workers and materials should be minimized.

3) SMOOTH AND CONTINUOUS FLOW

Bottlenecks, congestion points, and back tracking should be removed by proper line

balancing technique.

4) CUBIC SPACE UTILIZATION

Besides using the f1oor space of a room, if the ceiling height is also utilised, more

materials can be accommodated in the same room. Boxes or bags containing raw material

or goodscan be stacked one above the other to store more items in the same room.

Overhead MaterialHandling Equipment's save a lot of valuable floor space.

5) SAFE AND IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT:

Working places-safe, well ventilated & free from dust, noise, fumes, & other hazardous

conditions decidedly increase the operating efficiency of the workers & improve their

morale. All this leads to satisfaction amongst the workers & thus better employer

employee relations.

6) FLEXIBILITY:

In automotive and other industries where models of products change after some time, it is

better to permit all possible flexibility in the layout. The machinery is arranged in such a


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way that the changes in the production processes can be achieved at the least cost to

disturbance.

PROCEDURE FOR DESIGN OF PLANT LAYOUT:

The ideal procedure for a plant layout is to build the layout around the productive process

and then design the building around the layout.

This may not be possible always, because the plant building may already be existing or

the shape of plant site may not permit the construction of building to house the

productive process, etc.

Ultimately, one has to strike to balance between the two approaches. However various

procedural steps involved in plant layout have been listed below

a. Accumulate basic data,

b. Analyse and coordinate basic data,

c. Decide the Equipment and Machinery required.

d. Select the material handling system.

e. Sketch plan of plot for making factory building,

f. Determine a general flow pattern,

g. Design the individual work stations,

h. Assemble the individual layout into the total layout,

i. Calculate the storage space required.j. Make flow diagram for workstations and allocate them to areas on plot plan,

k. Plan and locate service areas,

l. Make master layout,


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m. Check final layout, and

n. Install the approved layout.

Interrelationship Between Material handling and plant layout

Material handling and Plant Layout are closely interrelated, and a reciprocal relationship

exists between the two. An effective layout involves least Material Handling and less

costly material handling equipment. It permits, material handling without any loss of

time, with minimum delays and least back tracking. The total number of movements and

the distances moved in one movement are also considerably reduced in a properly

designed plant layout. In a poorly planned layout, the aisle's s/sub aisle's widths or ceiling

heights may not be sufficient to accommodate efficient material handling equipment;

even if used somehow or rather, the back tracking or duplication of material movements

may not permit the material handling system to be economical.

On the other hand, an efficient material handling system helps building an effective plant

layout around itself. Various departments are located such that the material handling is

minimised. Space requirements are considerably reduced. Material movements are much

faster and more economical. Bottlenecks and points of congestion are removed. Machines

and workers do not remain idle due to lack of material. Production line flow becomes

smooth.

The place of material handling in industry

It has been said that for manufacturing activity of any kind, whether it is a single machine

or a group of machine or an entire plant, it is possible to identify three basic function


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which define the total activity. The functions are work performing, handling, and control.

This function is shown in figure 2

Fig 2. Three basic function of any manufacturing activity

FUNCTIONS OF MATERIAL HANDLING

Material handling embraces two functions namely;

1) Moving

It includes movement between machines or workstations, between department, between

buildings, the loading and unloading of carrier's, as well as much of more handling done

at work place.

2) Storage:

It includes storage of material and tools and supplies between and around all of the above

location, including finishing good, warehousing, and the other storage related activities

that lie between the producer and consumer.


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a. To choose production machinery and assist in plant layout so as to eliminate as far as

possible the need of material handling; and

b. To choose most appropriate material handling equipment which is safe and can fulfill

material handling requirement at the minimum possible overall cost.

OBJECTIVES OF MATERIAL HANDLING

All tangible and intangible benefits can be reduced to four major objectives. The

application of material handling methods and equipment to be of greatest benefits should

be governed by the following;

1) REDUCED COSTS:

Cost-Reduction programs has two broad goals; either to reduce the cost of

Material Handling or to reduce total production cost; by improved handling procedures.

The latter concept sometimes means increasing handling costs in order to bring about a

net reduction in total manufacturing costs.

Ways in which cost reductions are realized through improved material handling are;

a. Reducing material handling labour.

b. Reducing the Material handling work done by direct labour. High-skill and high-cost

labour should not be assigned low-skill and low-cost labour.

c. Reducing indirect labour associated with material handling activities, such as shipping,

production control personnel, inspectors, etc.d. Reducing waste and damaged materials through more careful handling.

e. Reducing paper work and associated clerical help through handling systems that

minimizes control requirements.


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f. Reducing the amount of material in the system by faster through-put and less in-

process storage.

g. Reducing the amount of subsidiary materials such as packaging materials and other

protective devices such as trays, racks and special containers.

2) INCREASED CAPACITY

Material handling improvements can increase capacity in the following ways,

a) Better space utilization

Modern storage systems make use of "AIR RIGHTS" by means of racks or containers

that stack upon each other when full and nest completely when empty, e.g.

Handling systems, particularly cranes and conveyor can operate in unused space above

production activities. They can be arranged to operate outside buildings in unnecessary

stairways, through underground passage-ways, or other unusable space. This can release

prime space for production and storage. The net result is a great increase in space

utilization and handling efficiency.

b) Improving the layout to reduce travel or excessive waste of spaces

By analysing the flow of materials between operations, the volume involved in the flow

paths and the timing of material movement, it is usually possible to reduce travel time

and space needs. Rearranging equipment and providing handling systems that reduces the

distance material must travel are usual practices.c) Higher equipment utilization

Many pieces of expensive production equipment do not operate at their potential capacity

because are limited by the rate at which materials are supplied to, or removed from, the


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equipment or the work area. A proper handling system or efficient control of an existing

handling system can greatly increase production equipment utilization.

d) Faster loading and discharge of common carriers:

The adaptation of portable conveyor systems & cranes to the loading of motor carriers

greatly reduces loading time. Thus the transportation unit can spend more time moving

and less time sitting the loading dock. This not only lowers operating cost but reduces the

number of docks or terminal spaces required, with a corresponding reduction in loading

crews (workers) and of supervision.

3) IMPROVED WORKING CONDITION

a) Safety to men, materials and associate equipment:

These may be enhanced by a proper material handling system. Insurance cost.

Accident costs, lost time associated with accidents, etc. are all reduced by proper material

handling. Material and equipment damage are also greatly reduced.

b) Easier jobs

When heavy objects must be handled, the rate of output may be significantly affected by

the physical ability and condition of the operators. Moreover, heavy work can only be

done by men, and often only by young men. Many handling system have been justified in

part, by the fact that they have taken the high effort out of the task, resulting in a steadier

flow of work throughout the day and in higher production. It also may mean loweremployee turnover, less training on replacement workers and better morale in the work

force.


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c) Lighter WorkIf the work is physically lighter, it may be possible to use operators at

differentjob classification i.e. at lower wage rate.

d) Fool proof operation:

In some activities it is also too easy for an operator to become confused and to direct

material to a wrong location, to use the wrong amount, to mishandle or damage materials,

or to otherwise disrupt production operation. Handling systems are sometimes installed to

insure that such errors will not happen. In the mixing of fertilizers, foods, and other bulk

products that are formulated to order, this may be very attractive benefit.

4) IMPROVED SALABILITY OF PRODUCTS

Handling systems often enhance the value of a product to the customer. The adaptation of

such handling system may make the difference in the customer's decision to use one

vendor instead of another. This may be accomplished by the following means.

a) Speed of service:

If the handling procedure can provide goods or materials promptly, accordingly to the

customer's desire, or with a significant time advantage over competitors, it

be the prime reason that business is obtained or retained.

b) Helping customers cut costs

The development of the unit load has enabled vendors to help customer cut there of cost

since they need not handle individual items or undertake the expense of palletizing ontheir own docks.

The reduction in packaging or packing materials and their cost is sometimes obtained

through unit load techniques. This may enable the vendor to cut his cost to the customer.


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Also, the use of materials by the purchaser may be simplified by proper unit load design

thereby reducing the cost of unpacking and disposing of the packaging material.

Unitizing by the vendor may be done at the end of his assembly lines, or other final

operations.

C) Sales value of an outstanding installation:

While it might be hard to prove that a handling system is justified in promotional value

alone, a tremendous amount of publicity can accrue to a truly outstanding system. Several

managers have been heard to argue vigorously that by taking prospective customers

through their new factories, the visitors have become so impressed that an order was

obtained because of the impression of efficiency, quality and service conveyed by the

installation. An outstanding plant is admired by employees as well as customers.

To say again in brief, the primary objectives are;

1. To save money

2. To save time

3. To save men

LIMITATIONS AND NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF MATERIAL HANDLING

SYSTEMS

It is bad engineering and worse management practice to look only at benefits and to

ignore limitations. Handling systems, at times, have consequences that may be distinctlynegative.

These too, should be evaluated before the changes are adopted. Some such possible

disadvantages are


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1) Additional capital investment:

It must be verified that the cost of the handling system is more attractively invested in the

system under consideration than in any other part of the business. It should be assured

that the gains expected are not based upon a more mechanized system v/s present

practice, but rather the proposed new system v/s the best version of present practice.

2) Loss of flexibility

Proposed system must be flexible enough to be economically and quickly adapted to the

likely range of changes in the product or production techniques. If not, change over cost

and time loss must be included in the evaluation, or it must be shown that the investment

will be satisfactorily recovered before the proposed handling system will require

modification.

3) Vulnerability to downtime;

Since a handling system is a composite of mechanical and electrical machinery and

controls, it must be recognised that it may break down at any times. What happens than

how long will it take to get back to service and what will be done when repairs are being

made. If this is serious-, the handling system must be re-design to provide for better

reliability, for alternate handling techniques in event of breakdown or for in-process-

storage that can feed subsequent operations while be system is being repaired. All of

these can result in additional costs that must be charged against the handling system.4) Maintenance

If it is planned to install additional handling mechanization, almost surely it will be

necessary to take on more maintenance. This may mean the addition of new maintenance


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skills, or a provision for obtaining them when needed. It may be that extra pieces of

handling equipment should be provided for use during downtime or breakdowns. It may

be necessary to plan for periodic overhauls by skilled technicians. It may be necessary to

carry a large supply of repairs parts, or a new or enlarged maintenance facility and staff

may be required.

5) Auxiliary equipment costs

Frequently a new handling system carries with it requirements that involve hidden or

unrecognized costs for auxiliary equipment or service, e.g. adopting a fork lift truck

means more than taking on the mobile equipment, its power supply, and its maintenance.

The point of identifying these drawbacks is neither to discourage nor disparage the

adaptation of modern handling methods, but to emphasize that a careful balance of the

total benefits and limitations is required before wise decisions can be reached.

OBJECTIVES OF PLANT LAYOUT AND MATERIAL HANDLING

In much the same way that the scope of both plant layout and material handling are

closely interrelated, so also are their objectives. Indicated below are some of the

objectives of plant layout. Under each are listed some objectives of material handling

associated with each plant layout objectives.

1) Facilitate the manufacturing process

a) Efficient flow of materials.b) Minimum of production bottlenecks.

c) Quicker delivery to customers.

d) Better facility for maintenance, inspection, etc.


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2) Minimize material handling

e) Larger unit loads.

f) Less damaged materials.

g) Better control of material.

3) Maintain flexibility of arrangement and operation,

h) Flexibility of handling methods and equipment.

i) Coordinated material handling system.

j) Material handling planned for expansion.

4) Maintain high turnover of work in process.

k) Shorter production time cycles.

l) Constant rate of production.

m) Avoidance of production delays.

5) Hold down investment in equipment.

n) Less idle time per machine.

o) Reduced handling between operation.

6) Make economical use of floor area

p) Better space utilization.

q) Higher production per square foot per employee.

r) Use of material handling equipment not requiring fixed floor space.s) Less congestion and better housekeeping.

7) Promote efficient utilization of manpower

t) minimize manual handling.


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u) Make effective use of containers.

v) Less supervision and indirect labour.

8) Provide for employee convenience safety and comfort.

w) Safer working conditions.

x) Less fatigue.

y) Improved personal comfort.

z) Upgrading of employees.

z) Improved worker morale.

SITE SELECTION FOR PLANT

A plant is a place, where men, material, equipment, machinery, etc. are brought together

for manufacturing products.

The problem of plant- location arises when starting a new concern or during the

expansion of the existing plant. Plant location means deciding a suitable location, area,

place, etc., the plant or factory will start functioning. Plant location involves two major

activities.

First, to select a proper geographic region and second, selecting a specific site within the

region.

Plant location plays a major role in the design of a production system as it determines the

cost of(a) obtaining raw material

(b) processing raw material to finished goods;

(c) dispatching finished goods to customers.


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The following factors are taken into consideration in the selection of site for plant layout;

1. Availability of land and costs

Large amount of land is required for locating a plant; therefore land is selected taking

into consideration economy and other facilities such as presence of related industries,

future expansion, Housing facility, Taxes, security, existence of school, hospitals, banks,

postoffices.

2. Availability of raw material

Availability of raw material is to he looked into particularly when raw material are bulky

and difficult and expensive to transport, plant must be located close to the source of raw

material, it will reduce the cost of transporting raw material.

3. Transport facility

A lot of money is spent both in transporting raw material and the finished goods.

Depending upon the size of raw material and finished goods, a suitable method of

transportation like roads, rail, water or air is selected and accordingly the plant location is

decided.

Transport facilities for the labour to come to the factory are also to be considered.

4. Nearness to the market

It reduces the cost of transportation as well as the chances of the finished product getting

damaged and spoiled during transportation.5. Availability of skilled labour

Labour is one of the primary tools for transforming material into products. Hence,

existing of good training facilities which can be a source of ski1ed labour is a factor to be


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considered. Further to attract skilled labour other facilities like housing, transport,

education, and public health are necessary and hence form an important aspect of plant

location.

6. Availability of water

Water is used for processing, as in paper and chemical industries, and is also required for

drinking and sanitary purpose. Depending upon the nature of plant, water should be

available in adequate quantity and should be clean and pure.

7. Availability of electricity and fuel

Electricity is the essential factors for any plant location, therefore it is essential that

electric power should be continuously available. Industries like rolling mill are located

near source of fue1 to cut down the fuel transportation costs.

8. Climate and environment

Some industries require good climatic and atmospheric conditions for efficient

manufacture, like humidity, dust-free environment, etc. This aspect has to be looked into

since otherwise it may be essential to provide these facilities artificially and thus

increasing cost.

9. Facilities for disposal of effluents:

In the case of process industry, disposal of effluents is very important. There should be

scope for very efficient disposal of effluents.10. Municipal regulations:

Municipal regulations concerning location of industries have to be carefully looked into.

SYMPTOMS OF POOR LAYOUT:-


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The symptoms are,

1) Excessive in process materials.

2) Excessive increase in idle time of men and machine.

3) Increase in maintenance.

4) Congestion in floor space as well as aisles.

5) Increase in breakages of material and products.

6) Increase in accidents.

7) Increase in handling costs.

TYPES OF INDUSTRIES AND RELATED MATERIAL HANDLING

EQUIPMENT

Material handling in

(a) Small industry

In small industries mostly manual handling devices are used to move the materials inside

the plant. For such purposes, materials are moved by unskilled labour from one

department to the other in containers carried by them in hands or in tray6, handcarts and

in wheel barrows etc.

Material inside the shop can be moved by operators themselves while working on

different machines till the work on the job is fully completed for that particular shop.

(b) Thermal power plant

In thermal power plant, the main items to be handled are coal and ash.

Coal can be transported from the source of supply to the stock-yard either by rail or road.

Then, from the stockyard it is pushed to coal handling plant by trolleys either manually


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operated or locomotive may be employed. Further from handling plant coal is moved to

boiler bunker through a belt conveyor. From bunker coal is fed in the hopper through a

belt conveyor, and from hopper it is fed on grate by gravity.

Ash is moved at a distant place with belt conveyor. Further bucket elevator raises the ash

in hopper where it can be moved outside the plant with the help of hand trolleys or trucks

or wagons. It depends on the quantity to be handled.

In addition, overhead cranes are almost installed in every plant such as turbine house,

boiler house, and water treatment. Pump house and repair shop etc.

(c) Big automobile repair shop

In a big automobile repair shop both manual and mechanical handling devices are used.

"Fork Lift truck is very common for elevating and moving the heavy parts such as

complete engine assembly, engine block, gearbox, etc. Motor trucks are employed for

inter department transporting of heavy components. Overhead cranes are used in machine

shop, engine shop, assembly shop & degreasing plant etc. Recovery van may be used for

moving breakdown vehicles.

(D) Big steel plant

In a big steel plant almost all types of handling devices are employed.

Locomotive is used to carry laddles of molten pig from blast Furnaces to steel shop or to

open hearth furnaces. They are used to pull the hot ingots of steel shop or to open hearthfurnaces.

They are used to pull the hot ingots of steel of steel shop or to open furnaces,. They are

used to pull the hot ingots of steel to rolling mills for Production of various steel sections.


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They are employed for bringing in Iron ore and other huge materials. Belt Conveyor is

employed to transport coke oven to blast oven to blast Furnace. Belt conveyor is

employed to transport coke from coke oven to Blast oven to blast furnace. Belt conveyor

is also used for- Transporting sand in huge casting foundry shop.

Roller conveyor is used in rolling; mills- to move the hot Billets of iron along the bed to

various processes.

Huge cranes are employed to transport machinery and iron ore for storing and processing.

Overhead cranes are installed almost in every shop.

(e) Cement factory:

In dry process of cement manufacture, the various stepwise Processes are

(1) Crushing of raw materials, (2) drying, (5) grinding, (4) Proportinating, (5) pulverizing

of raw material, (6) Burning, (7) Cooling and storing the Clinker, (8) Adulteration of

related set, (9) reduction of clinker to an impalpable powder, (10)seasoning of cement,

(11) bagging.

MATERIALS HANDLING EFFICIENCY

The efficiency of material handling could be judged by the following principles:

1. "Equipment built for motion should be kept in motion; idle Equipment should be

kept inexpensive".

2."Continous material movement is most economical"

This principle states that materials handling efficiency is Greatest when it approaches a

steady flow of materials, in as straight as possible, with minimum interpretations and


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minimum backtracking and where movements approach continues rather than

intermittent flow.

It is not; always possible, in practice, to completely achieve the objective of this rule.

However, it is the target towards which we Aim our thinking. Conveyors systems, both

overhead and floor types, are excellent examples of the application of this idea.

3. "Materials' handling economy is generally directly proportional to the size of load

handled"

We all recognise, however, that as the load size increases there is a point reached beyond

which it becomes more costly, and less Practical. From this, it is also logical to conclude

another important axiom: "there is a definite ideal load size in a given material Handling

operation ".

4. "Storage space is best measured in terms of cubic content"

The "space saving" rule states that equipment should be Selected so as to allow utilisation

of cubical space for temporary and Permanent storage.

5. "Material Handling Operations are only as good as the physical layout of the

plant will permit"

Good layout of machinery, fixed equipment and aisle areas are fundamental to good

product handling. Where you are erecting a new building, you have unlimited

opportunities to layout the various areas allowing proper aisle widths, sufficient storageareas, and erect your Plant with material movement in mind.

6."Standardization of methods, types of equipment and sizes of Equipment is

desirable for good material handling efficiency"


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The most efficient system is generally that which Simplest is. It is not hard to understand

why standardization is important, because it permits interchangeability of equipment

between Department and plants; it allows stocking of fewer replacement parts; It

simplifies employee training in the equipment. In addition, it-enables management to

shift equipment from department to department Depending on the production load

changes. Another aspect of standardization for the sake of economy in that of choosing

equipment that is considered "standard" by the material handling equipment

Manufacturer.

Standardization does not require that only one size container, for example, is permissible;

rather it implies the fewest number possible. In some instances it would be impossible to

standardize on one size container especially where a large number of Different parts are

handled. Repeat in standardisation does not mean one it means the fewest number.

7. "The value of equipment is directly proportional to its Flexibility"

The greater the variety of uses and applications to which a Piece of equipment can be put,

the greater is its flexibility, and the More valuable it becomes from a material handling

standpoint.

Flexibility in equipment offers the distinct advantage that it is readily adaptable to anyunforeseeable changes that come up from Time to time. In any progressive organization

methods and equipment and Constantly in the state of change and improvement. Flexible


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machinery Takes these changes in stride, and does not have to be scuttled before its

useful life is completed.

8. " The use of mechanized equipment instead of manpower generally increases

efficiency and economy in handling."

By the use of mechanized equipment instead of manpower, Efficiency and economy in

material handling is obtained.

Mechanized equipment must, of course, be able to justify itself on a rupee and- basis, like

any investment management may Make. Some of the advantages of mechanized

equipment are as follows, to both management and labor;

(a) Over all safety is increased

(b) Workers are less fatigue at the end of the day

(c) Work done by power is generally cheaper

(d) Larger volume of work handled per operator is accomplished

(e) Greater speed of handling is obtained, resulting in less idle time for skilled workers,

better production control, a larger volume of goods manufactured and displaced workers

put on other jobs in the plant.

9. "Productivity increases as working conditions become safer".

Unless mechanized equipment makes s given handling job safer for the plant personnel, it

will costlier in the last analysis.In material handing there is an old axiom, "if it is safe, it is not worth it

10. " The ratio of dead weight to payload must be kept minimum."


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Mechanical handling equipment which is unencumbered by excessively unnecessary

dead weight can perform at top efficiency. For example, an aluminium conveyor is now

being substituted in many instances for heavier metal (steel) conveyors where operations

require moving the handling conveyor. Another good example is the reduction in weight

of highway trailers and unit load containers, pallets and skids to eliminate the necessity

for hauling excess weight.

11. " The most economical motive force is gravity"

One of industry's highest priced items is the cost of power to run its processes.

Therefore, when nature's free, bountiful supply of gravitational pull can be put to use the

very essence of economy is practiced.

.

PRINCIPLES OF MATERIAL HANDLING:-

The principle presented here represents an accumulation of experience equivalent to

untold years of practice. They are adapted from those stated in the literature, with certain

changes made for clarification and with several new one added to round out the coverage

of the field. In reviewing the principles it will be found that nearly every one applies to

several aspects of Material Handling and aids in accomplishing one or more objectives.

In presenting the principles, each is stated and briefly described. Next, suggestions for

putting the principle into used are spelled out- often in explicit details - to facilitate theirprompt convenient application. Then, at the end of the presentation of the principles,

some general suggestions are given on their use in analyzing and solving Material

Handling problems.


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1. PLANNING PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

All Handling activities should be planned.

DESCRIPTION:

If there is one principle on which all should agree, it is that Handling activities should be

planned, and not left to chance. Remember, Handling may account for 25 to 80 percent of

all the productive activity. Management most certainly deserves to have this sizable

portion of total activity planned - not left to chance.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE PLANNING PRINCIPLE:

a) Avoid placing material directly on the floor, without a pallet or other support

underneath.

b) Assure adequate storage space at the workplace for the proper amount of material,

both ahead of and following the operation being planned.

c) Plan to use the same container throughout the system; avoid frequent changes of

containers.

d) Consider floor Load capacities, ceiling heights, truss capacities, column spacing, etc.

e) Comp1y with current aisle width, or alter if necessary and practicable.

f) Provide necessary clearances in and around each work place for proper handling of

materials and for maneuvering handling equipment.g) Arrange for instruction for each operator in the correct method.

h) Plan for correct location of material supply and disposal in work in work area.

i) Provide adequate means for scheduled scrap removal.


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j) Plan for productive operations and inspections to be done during material movement.

k) Combine operation to eliminate intermediate handlings.

l) Do make judicious use of Manual Handling.

m) Plan to minimize walking.

n) Apply the principle of Motion Economy

2. SYSTEMS PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Plan a system integrating as many Handling activities as is possible and coordinating the

full scope of operations (receiving, storage, production, inspection packaging,

warehousing, shipping, and transportation.)

DESCRIPTIONS

Each Handling activity should be considered a portion of the whole Handling system, and

planned as an integral part of the system.

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE SYSTEMS PRINCIPLE:

a) Consider the entire scope of the handling activity, i.e., beyond the area under

immediate consideration.

b) Plan flow between work areas.

c) Integrate operations into the handling system, such as: processing, inspect ion,

packaging, etcd) Arrange for alternative Handling Methods - in case of emergency.

e) Move material directly to production whenever practical, rather than an intermediate

storage area- to avoid re-handling.


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f) Work closely with suppliers, customers and carriers.

g) Be aware of future requirement changes in product, process, volume, etc. - and allow

for necessary flexibility.

3. MATERIAL-FLOW PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Plan an operation sequence and equipment arrangement to optimize material flow.

DESCRIPTION:

As has been previously suggested, Material Handling and Plant Layout are intimately

interrelated. The Material-flow pattern is actually the backbone of most production

facilities, and one of the first steps in Planning a Material Handling systems is the design

of the Material flow pattern. This may be largely determined by operation sequence,

which in turn will determine the pattern of equipment arrangement.

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE MATERIAL FLOW PRINCIPLE:

a) Avoid crowded conditions.

b) Eliminate obstacles from Material flow.

c) Carefully observe building and carrier restrictions.

d) Plan movement in direct path. (Avoid backtracking, zig-zag flow, crooked paths.

e) Arrange for alternate path, in case of difficulty.

i) Be aware of cross traffic and take necessary precautions. Avoid traffic Jams.g) Keep related work areas close together.

h) Use Product-type layout when possible

i) Plan proper location of subassembly and feeder lines.


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j) Combine operations to eliminate handling between times.

k) Plan for definite pickup and delivery locations.

l) Minimize moves between Floors, Buildings.

m) Process heavy, bulky materials close to receiving

n) Move the greatest bulk and/or weight the least distance.

4. SIMPLIFICATION PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Reduce, combine, or eliminate unnecessary movements and /or equipment.

DESCRIPTIONS:

Simplification is one of the by-words of efficiency, motion economy, and many other

aspects of industrial operation. .It should likewise be a goal in Material Handling. As

used here, it implies, primarily, the reduction or elimination of moves as well as the

elimination or reduction of equipment that is not being properly utilized.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE SIMPLIFICATION PRINCIPLES:

a) Apply the principle of motion economy

b) Reduce or eliminate long or complicated Moves.

c) Plan direct moves.

d) Deliver materials to correct location (spot) the first time

e) Avoid unnecessary Handling.f) Eliminate re-handling.

g) Plan to use materials out of original container.

h) Minimise number of moves per process.


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i) Minimize walking.

j)Avoid use of variety of equipment types and / or makes.

k) Provide proper number of containers.

l) Plan for adequate equipment capacity.

m) Do not mechanize for the sake of mechanization.

5. GRAVITY PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Utilise gravity to move material whenever practicable.

DESCRIPTION:

This is certainly a very obvious principle- but one that is all too frequently overlooked

because of its simplicity. Many material moves can be made efficiently by proper

application of the Law of gravity.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE GRAVITY PRINCIPLES:

a) Use Roller or wheel conveyors, slides chutes, etc., between operations.

b) Use ramps between varying work or floor levels.

c) Sloping floors (slight) can be utilised where considerable hand truck movement is in

one direction.

d) Use chutes to connect conveyors at different levels.

e) Use spiral chutes to connect conveyors between floors.

6. SPACE UTILIZATION PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:


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Make optimum utilization of building cube.

DESCRIPTION:

Factory and warehouse space are expensive. Therefore, wasted space is wasted money.

Inherent in this principle is that both square feet and cubic feet are to be given

consideration. One square foot contains as many cubic feet as "clear" height will permit

items to be stacked.

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE SPACE UTILIZATION

PRINCIPLE:

a) Move equipment and operations closer together (not too close)

b) Eliminate or condense "temporary" storage piles of materials

c) Stack material to use full cube available.

d) Use racks to permit higher stacking.

e) Use stacking containers to permit stacking without racks.

f) Analyze space utilization to "find" additional square or cubic feet.

g) Check on economic order quantities and economic lot sizes for possibilities of

reducing amount of material required on hand.

h) Clean out storage areas and dispose of obsolete or useless materials.

i) Use narrow-aisle handling equipment to permit reduction of aisle widths.

j) Use Handling equipment not requiring fixed floor space, i.e., mobile or overheadEquipment.

k) Don't pile materials directly on floor - use pallets, skids, etc., to permit stacking.


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l) Consider reinforcing floors to permit heavier floor loads and stacking to greater

heights.

m) Use collapsible container to save space required by empties.

n) Consider possibility of nesting parts products, containers.

o) Review possibility of increasing inventory turnover.

p) Design Pallets etc. to effectively utilize space between columns.

7. UNIT SIZE PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Increase quantity, size and weight of load handled.

DESCRIPTION:

Wherever practical, individual items should gather and made up into loads.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE UNIT SIZE PRINCIPLE:

a) Examine every move of one item for possibility of making up unit loads.

b) Purchase materials in unit loads.

c) Work with vendors towards design of larger unit loads.

d) Use containers to consolidate items.

e) Use uniform, standardized containers.

f) Design pallet pattern to efficiently utilize pallets and storage space.

g) Design load size to make optimum use of handling equipment.8. SEFELY PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Provide for safe handling methods and equipment.


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DESCRIPTION:

It should be obvious that all handling activities in operations or being planned - should be

safe, since an objective of material handling is to improve working conditions by

providing safer work situations. A high proportion of all industrial accidents are in the

material handling aspects of the production activity.

GENERAL CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS:

I) Unsafe Conditions, Environmental Causes.

a) Inadequate guarding (of Conveyors, Trucks, etc )

b) Unguarded (equipment.)

c) Defective condition (of equipment).

d) Hazardous arrangement (stacks of material, pallet loads, arrangement of trucks,

etc._

II) Unsafe Acts of Persons.

a) Operating without authority (trucks, etc.)

b) Operating at unsafe speed.

c) Making safety devices inoperative (governors, etc.)

d) Using unsafe equipment (needing repairs)

e) Unsafe loading (machines, conveyors, cranes, trucks, etc.)

f) Taking unsafe position or posture (in stacking, in trucks, etc)g) Working on moving equipment (trucks, conveyors, etc.)

III) Unsafe Personal Causes

a) Improper attitude (taking chances, disregarding instructions)


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b) Lack of knowledge (poor instructions, new man, unskilled)

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE SAFETY PRINCIPLES

a) Install adequate guards and safety devices on handling equipment.

b) Keep handling equipment in good operating condition.

c) Furnish mechanical handling equipment for difficult, hard, hazardous handling

activities and to handle dangerous materials.

d) Do not permit handling equipment or devices to be overload or operated over rated

capacity.

e) Keep aisles clear and uncluttered.

f) Install adequate lighting.

g) Maintain floor in good condition.

h) Avoid crowded conditions.

i) Provide good house-keeping.

j) Stacks material carefully.

k) Be sure operation are properly instructed in method and / or use of equipment.

l) Provide mechanized part feeding and removal devices,

m) Plan for removal of undesirable dust fumes, smoke, etc.

n) Isolate inherently dangerous equipment, operations etc.

o) Allow Liberal factor of safety.9. MECHANISATION/AUTOMATION PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Use mechanized or handling equipment when practicab1e.


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DESCRIPTION:

Used judiciously, mechanized or automated handling devices and equipment can be of

extreme value in increasing material handling efficiency. However, handling operations

should not be mechanized for the sake of, mechanization alone, nor should they be over -

mechanized in terms of the function to be performed.

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE

MECHANIZATION/AUTOMATION PRINCIPLE:

a) Consider use of mechanization for:

i) Large quantities or volume of materials

ii) Frequent, repetitive moves, even though short

iii) Long moves

iv) High - effort, hazardous, difficult moves.

v) Two - man lifting/moving tasks.

vi) Replacing excess manual handling

vii) Feeding and removing materials from machine

viii) Moving heavy containers.

ix) Handling and done by direct labour.

x) Scrap removal.

xi) Reducing Handling time.b) Do not over mechanize.

c) Design or select containers suitable for Mechanical Handling.

d) Use equipment that is self controlled and self programmed when practicable .


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e) Consider mechanization of people flow and equipment movement as well as material

movement.

f) Mechanize communication to facilitate material movement.

g) Utilize automatic couplings, switches transfer, etc.

h) Move heavy Jigs, Fixtures, Tools, etc by mechanical means.

10. EQUIPMENT SELECTION PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

In selecting Handling equipment, consider all aspects of the MATERIAL to be handled,

the MOVE to be made, and the METHOD(S) to be utilized.

DESCRIPTION:

This principle is primarily a reminder to be extremely careful in selecting & specifying

handling equipment by being sure that al1 phases of the problem are thoroughly

analyzed.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE EQUIPMENT SELECTION

PRINCIPLE:

a) Select versatile equipment to carry out a variety of tasks and adjust to changing

conditions.

b) Select standardized equipment to avoid a multiplicity of makes and models - and to

minimize inventory of repair parts.c) Prove that the move is necessary.

d) Compare Cost on the basis of dollars per unit handled,

e) Consider indirect or intangible factors in justifying investments.


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11. STANDARDISAT I ON PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Standardize methods as well as types and sizes of Handling Equipment.

DESCRIPTION:

The Material Handling Engineer should constantly on alert for new developments which

may replace current methods or equipment. Nor does Standardization means only one

type of equipment must be used. Any attempt at Standardization should be preceded by a

careful analysis. This will assure that the best have been determined, and that the wrong

methods, etc., is not standardised inadvertently, by a failure to make a thorough

investigation.

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE STANDARDIZATION PRINCIPLE :

a) Adhere to standard sizes of the container, etc.

b) Purchase "Standard" types of equipment.

c) Purchase "Standard" sizes of equipment.

d) Record standardized methods.

e) Make dock height s. 'standard dimension

f) Design new buildings to accommodate pallets,, containers, equipment.

g) Keep a manual of standardized methods.

12. FLEXIBILITY PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Use methods and equipment that can perform a variety of tasks and application.

DESCRIPTION:


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Equipment that can perform a wide range of handling tasks and which has a variety of

uses and application can often be more fully utilized than single purpose, specialized

units. Since industry requirements are subject to frequent change, flexibility should be

carefully considered as an important characteristic of any Handling Equipments.

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE FLEXIBILITY PRINCIPLE:

a) Buy flexible equipment -lift trucks, roller and wheel conveyor etc:,

b) Specify adjustable speed drives.

c) Make use of attachment and accessories (for lift Trucks, etc.)

d) Use gasoline-powered equipment.

e) Use four way pallets, skids, containers

f) Utilize trucks, etc. (mobile) in favour of conveyors (which may be fixed).

g) Carefully weigh use of special purpose equipment.

h) Consider adjustable racks.

13. DEAD-WEIGHT PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Reduce the ratio of mobile equipment dead weight to pay load.

DESCRIPTION:

Excess weight of mobile equipment not only costs more money, but may require

additional power and be slower to operate. It is therefore unwise in invest in a heavierweight equipment than is required by the task to be performed.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE DEAD-WEIGHT PRINCIPLE:


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a) Portable conveyors, dock boards, etc: should be made of lightweight aluminium,

magnesium, etc.

b) Use lightweight pallets, skids, containers.

c) Purchase aluminium trailers to reduce tare weight.

d) Select lightweight equipment for high loads.

e) Use " walkie " type trucks (v/s counterbalanced, for elevator servicing.)

f) Consider expendable materials for pallets, skids, and containers.

14. MOTION PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Equipment designed to transport materials should be kept in motion.

DESCRIPTION:

This Principle implies; that mobile equipment should be kept moving i.e., performing the

function for which it was designed. It should not be tied up for unduly long periods of

time for loading and unloading.

SUBGESTIONS FOR CARRYINB OUT THE MOTION PRINCIPLE:-

a) Plan to reduce load/unload time to decrease turn-around time.

b) Use mechanized loading and unloading equipment.

c) Maintain equipment properly to minimize down time.d) Use self-loading equipment- lift trucks, straddle carriers, etc.

e) Consider 2-way radio on vehicles to permit quicker stacking.

f) Plan return loads for equipment.


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g) Return mobile equipment promptly for re-use.

h) Study carefully use of load-carrier and platform-type trucks where carrying devices are

attached to motive unit.

i) Plan to haul loads, rather than carry them.

j) Utilize pallets, skids, etc to hasten loading of trailers.

k) Use pallets or skids in place of "stationary", four-wheel hand trucks-which should be

kept moving.

15. IDLE-TIME PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENTS:

Reduce idle or unproductive time both handling equipment and manpower.

DESCRIPTION:

Idle time is undesirable in nearly any industrial or commercial activities and especially so

in the use of Material Handling equipment or manpower. Equipment- and manpower are

"Making Money" when fully utilized. Therefore, every effort should be made to plan

methods and scheduled equipment to permit full use of both resources.

This Principle is very closely re1afed to the Motion Principle and many suggestions made

there are equally applicable here.

SUBOESTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE IDLE-TIME PRINCIPLE:

A. Manpower

a) Deliver materials at the proper rate.

b) Use indirect labour for material handling.


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c) Install handling equipment to permit direct labour operators to spend full time on

production.

d) Combine jobs i.e. one man, 2 machine or jobs--load one while other is eye cycling.

e) Be sure that operator is supplied with material-not waiting.

B. Equipment

a) Scheduled use of Handling Equipment.

b) Use radio for dispatching.

c) Transfer Equipment to other areas where it can be utilised more fully.

16. MAINTAINCE PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Plan for preventive maintenance and scheduled repair of all handling equipment.

DESCRIPTION:

The suggestion for application of several of the previous principles have implied the

importance of preventive maintain and scheduled repairs to the effectiveness of Material

Handling activities. Probably very few phases of the Material handling program can

contribute more to overall plant efficiency then well-organized maintenance and repair

function.

SUGGESTION FOR CARRYJNB OUT THE MAINTENANCE PRINCIPLE:

a) Anticipate repairs in order to avoid breakdowns that will take equipment out of serviceunexpectedly.

b) Require operators to make daily inspections of equipment and report findings.


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c) Plan for detailed, major inspection and reporting on equipment condition at regular

intervals.

d) Set up a regular lubrication schedule covering all Handling Equipment, using chart to

assure adequate lubrication.

e) Establish a preventive maintenance program.

f) Provide adequate maintenance and repair facilities and personnel to handle normal

requirement.

g) Work out a schedule and work load for repair work to its being done when equipment

can be spared and at convenient times.

h) Maintain an adequate supply of repair parts and maintenance supplies.

i) Keep number of makes and models to minimum to reduce inventory of parts & simply

maintenance.

j) Paint all equipment on a scheduled basis to keep up appearance and promote care of

equipment.

k) Require Driver training for all mobile equipment operators.

l) Provide adequate instruction in proper operation of all non- mobile equipment.

m) Fix responsibility and delegate authority for the maintenance and repair function.

n) Send maintenance mechanics' to factory training programs.

o) Check with manufacturers on required periodic maintenance, instructions etc.p) Alter maintenance schedules when production schedules change.

q) Avoid "over - maintenance".

r) Keep floor clear.


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17. OBSOLESCENCE PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT:

Replace obsolete handling methods and equipment when more efficient methods or

equipment will improve operations.

DESCRIPTION:

As with any other type of physical equipment, Material Handling devices are subject to

obsolescence, as well as depreciation. And, in a similar sense, so are handling methods.

New ideas, techniques, methods and equipment are reported every day, and the Material.

Handling engineer must be continuously alert to be sure he is aware of the latest

developments.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE OBSOLESCENCE PRINCIPLE:

a) Establish a definite replacement policy.

b) Set a replacement program and budget.

c) Be aware of old equipment that still works.

d) Carefully study all alternatives.

e) Rent or lease new equipment for a try out period.

f) Established a planned, periodic equipment evaluation program.

g) Keep up with what is new -

i) Periodicals, Journals, etc.ii) Books, Handbooks.

iii) Equipment shows, expositions

iv) Technical society meetings,


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v) Conferences, short courses.

vi) Plant visits

viii) Manufacturers Representative.

18 .CONTROL PRINCIPLE:-

STATEMENT :

Use material handling equipment to improve production control, inventory control and

order handling.

DESCRIPTION:

Since Material Handling equipment is used to move materials through the plant and

the production process, its use can have a great effect on the control of the items being

moved. In

many cases, Handling Equipment provides a direct Mechanical path for the movement,

and

thereby facilitates the control of the material.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE CONTROL PRINCIPLE :

a. Provide Mechanical Path for materials movement.

b) Move materials in lots, batches, containers of a predetermined quantity and size.

c) Store, or pack, materials in containers holding a specific number of pieces.

d) Use containers (wire mesh) through which contents can be identified and /or counted.e) Utilize 2-way radio or TV to expedite movement and control of materials .

f) Make optimum use of Mechanical Handling in order picking, automation, loading.

g) Pace production with Mechanical Handling Equipment.


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h) Build production, inventory, and accounting control features in to the Material

Handling

Systems.

i) Move material on a schedule and in lots to match production, to avoid rush delivery,

partial

loads, duplicate moves.

j) Coordinate handling program (schedule) with purchasing, Manufacturing

19. CAPACITY PRINCIPLE :-

DOMHS

37

STATEMENT:

Use Handling Equipment to help achieve full production capacity.

DESCRIPTION:

In many ways, this principle is a summation of all the preceding ones, in

that major objective of material handling is to increase production capacity. Nearly every

one

of the foregoing principle will contribute in some way to higher production levels.

However,

the emphasis here is on those facets, of operation and the other principles that are directedspecially towards increasing or- making full use of production capacity.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE CAPACITY PRINCIPLE:

a) Use Mechanical Handling Equipment to assure a uniform, paced rate of flow.


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b) Operate Equipment at optimum rate.

c) Plan to utilize return runs of Handling Equipment.

d) Fully Load or use container, vehicle, conveyors.

e) Make full use of Building cube and floor load capacity to obtain additional square foot.

f) Reduce time between operations and departments with Mechanical equipment.

g) Efficiently utilise carrier capacity by judicious combination of load, weight, and

volume.

h) Change size, shape of unit loads to utilise space, equipment capacity, manpower .

i) Use area over Aisles (balconies) for additional storage space make use of rented

storage

facilities during peak season to free own space for production.

k) Use outdoor storage space for materials not requiring protection from weather- or

easily

protected.

l) Pool Handling Equipment for better utilization.

m) Establish one- way aisle to easy traffic congestion.

n) Widen aisles to speed Materials Movement.

o) Utilize automatic door openers, dock levelers, couplings, etc.

p) Eliminate storage areas by using overhead space, moving storage processing duringmovement etc.

q) Use additional safety devices -bo permit, greater speed of movement.

20 . PERFORMANCE PRINCIPLE :-


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STATEMENT:

Determine efficiency of handling performance in terms of expense per unit

handled.

DOMHS

38

DESCRIPTION:

As pointed out above, there are many objectives of Material Handling. However ,

an effective Handling Method may achieve one or several of these objective. The primary

criterion for measuring the efficiency of a handling technique is Dollars. Although

efficiency can

be measured in terms of total cost or equipment performance, the most effective means of

measuring efficiency is in terms of dollars per unit handled .

It should be pointed out that there are cases where maximum economy is not the

overall goal. Some Material Handling devices may be installed to provide higher

production rats,

safer working conditions, or reduced physical effort. Time or effort saved may be the

primary

criteria and the cost of handling may be of little or no interest.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CARRYING OUT THE PERFORMANCE PRINCIPLE:

a) Carefully study all characteristics of the material to identify all possible units which

could be

used as a basis for comparison.


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b) Select a common, convenient, standard unit,

c) Use the same unit for as many control purposes as possible,

d) Avoid changing the unit from department to department, time to time, etc.

THE UNIT LOAD CONCEPT: -

A study of precedent would show that the size weight and bulk of the individual

packages used in commerce today are the result of their being handled conveniently by

one

man. Of course, marketing demands reflect their influence on packages sizes. But, when

we

come down to the selections of methods, techniques, systems or equipment for Material

Handling,

our choice is always guided by whether we want to handle one piece on one trip or one

piece in a

continues flow from one point to another, or several at a time either in a continues flow or

intermittently.

The Unit Load Principle implies that materials should be handled in the most

efficient , maximum size unit, using mechanical means to reduce the number of moves

needed for a given amount of material.

A Unit Load has been defined by Professor James R. Bright as:

A number of items or bulk material, so arranged or restrained that the mass can be

picked up and moved as a single object too large for manual handling, and which upon

being


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DOMHS

39

released will retained its initial arrangement for subsequent movement. It is implied that

single

initial arrangement for subsequent movement. It is implied that single objects too large

for manual

handling are also regarded as Unit Loads

In summarizing the Unit Load concept, Johnson has stated that it should:

1. Perform a minimum number of handlings and eliminate Manual handling.

2. Assemble materials into a Unit Load for economy of Handling and storage.

3. Assemble materials into Unit Load as soon as possible and keep n that form as soon as

possible.

4. When necessary, redesign packages and cartoons for better assembly into unit loads

and retain

the unit load form to use all possible cube and prevent product damage.

5.Make the Unit Load as large as possible considering the imitations of building,

Handling

Equipment, Production areas, volume of material required, and common carrier

dimensions andcapacities .

ADVANTAGES OF UNIT LOAD :

1) Permits handling of larger loads.


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2) Reduces Handling costs.

3) Faster movements of goods.

4) Reduces time for Loading and Unloading.

5) Reduces packaging costs.

6) Maximum use of cubic space.

7) Reduces Pilferage in transit and storage.

8 ) Less time wasted in tracing stray items,,

9 ) Reduces Product damage.

10) Reduces Physical Inventory Time and cost.

11) Better co-ordination of deliveries to Production.

12) Safer Handling,

13) Better Customer service.

14) Reduce s Transportation Cost.

15) Lower Insurance Rate for good in Transit.

16) Reduces time and expenses of labeling Individual items.

17) Utilization permits uniform stock placement, resulting in uncluttered aisles.

DOMHS

40

18) Production Operators need not waste valuable time in helping to move materials.17) Items themselves need not be uniform as unitizing medium provides uniformity.

18) Irregular items can become stable load.

19) Provide basis for overall handling system within physical distribution cycle .


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20) Provide basis for handling systems within plant.

21) Unitized load stabilize stacks of materials.

22) Unitizing Medium can provide uniform temperature and moisture control of goods.

23) Unitizing Medium can protect loads from foreign elements.

24) Maximum accessibility of stored goods

25) Reduces Handling of individual items.

DISADVANTAGES OF UNIT LOADS :

In spite of the overwhelming evidence in favour of applying the unit load

concept, there are, nevertheless, some disadvantages, such as:

1. Cost of Unitizing,

2. Cost of De-unitizing,

3. Equipment required .

4. Space required.

5. Lack of flexibility.

6. Wasted cube within Unit Load.

7. Tare Weight of Unitizing Medium.

8. Problem of returning empty containers

9. Possible damage due to mishandling of large Unit.

10.Common carriers are not uniform in size.11.Transfer Equipment often not available on both "ends" of the move.

EQUIPMENT CONCEPTS :-

In the Material Handling equation it was suggested that an analysis of the


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materials to be handled and the moves to be made should indicate the method, However,

before

becoming involved in problem- solving details, it is felt that a brief introduction to

Material

Handling Equipment will prove helpful in comprehending the overall objective of the

Handling analysis-to design a method. And the method nearly includes some type of

Handling

DOMHS

41

Equipment. Therefore, one of the major task of Material Handling Engineer is to become

acquainted with the large and overgrowing field of handling equipment, although it

would

be next to impossible for an individual to become intimately acquainted with all the

types.

THE PLACE OF EQUIPMENT IN THE HANDLING SYSTEM :-

As implied several times previously, equipment is not always required in order to

solve a Handling problem. Usually the simplest and most economical method should be

utilized, which may not require any equipment In fact, the work simplification approach

suggests the following general procedure :1. Eliminate the move .

2 . Combine the move with some other function processing , inspection, storage, etc.


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3. Change the sequence of activities to shorten, eliminate, and after the move

requirement.

4.Simplify the move to reduce the scope, extent, distance, method, equipment, etc.

Then-after having accomplished the above -the equipment would selected if necessary.

THE ROLE OF MANUAL HANDLING :-

A factor frequently overlook in the rush to mechanize or automate is that Manual

Handling, may be the easiest, most efficient, and least expensive method of moving

materials.

So, even before attempting to select a piece of Handling Equipment the analyst should

very

carefully explore the possibility of Manual Handling Methods.

Some of the characteristics which would generally tend in four Manual Handling are :

1 .Material Type

a. Unit

2 . Material Characteristics

a. Small b. Light c. Fragile d. Costly e . Safe to handle

f. Solid or containerized g . Scrap

3. Material Quantity

a. Small , low volume.b. Single items one at a time.

4. Move Source and Destination-close together.

5 .Move Logistics .


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a . Work place( small area ).

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b . Multi-plane.

c. Level to level.

d . Variable profile.

e. Complex path.

f. Working height.

g . Complicated move .

6 . Move Characteristics

a. Short distances

b. Infrequent

c. Low rate

d .Non-uniform rate

e . Variable speed

f. Irregular

g. Intermittent

h . Variable

i. Low percentage of Handlingj .Variable sequence.

7. Move Type

a. Maneuvering


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b. Positioning

8. Handling Unit-same as items 1 & 2

9. Equipment

a. Probab1y none

b. Operator controlled

10. Manpower

a. Relatively small amount of operator time required

b. Low hourly rate.

11. Physical Restrictions

(As implicit by other characteristics of the problem,

above : otherwise , not applicable.)

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It should be pointed out that all the above characteristics do not imply only

manual methods. Some of them, usually in combination with other characteristics or

because of

the nature of the nature of the material, will require Mechanical devices. Only after it has

been

proved that Manual Handling is more costly, too dangerous., too slow, etc .should theanalyst

turn his attention to Mechanical Equipment.

NON-POWERED EQUIPMENT: -


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Included with the several hundred types of Material Handling Equipment are

a number of non powered or manually operated or controlled, i.e., not "mechanized".

The following list indicates the situations in which non-powered or manual equipment

may

fit into handling system.

1 .Where handling volume is limited, or handling activity can be extended over a long

period o f time.

2. Where building limitations preclude use of heavier or bigger devices.

3. Where service conditions, such as confined areas, explosive atmosphere, or quiet

surroundings necessitate the advantage of non- powered equipment.

4. Where equipment is used not only for handling but for storage or display .

5. When investment capital is limited.

6. When the required Flexibility, utility, mobility, arid portability can only be obtained in

a

non-powered floor device .

7. Where the maintenance facility are minimal or non-existence

8. Where the mobile equipment must be tailored to the production need.

9. Where the operating efficiency of non-powered equipment higher than that of other

type.10.When loads are relatively light and equipment .is to be manually moved.

11. For stand-by use.

12. For durable, low cost operation.


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The above possibility should be checked before Mechanized or Powered Equipment

is seriously considered.

SELECTION OF MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT :-

A wide variety of Material Handling Equipment is in the market ; some

equipment's are for general, purpose use. The choice of a particular equipment depends

upon the

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specific requirement or the condition an industry. Naturally, the best equipment will be

the one which permits smooth and continuous production flow, involves less accidents,

reduces

production cycle time, promotes better working condition, incurs less fatigue to the

operators and

brings down the Material Handling Costs .

The following factors may be considered while selecting a Material Handling

Equipment ;

MATERIAL TO BE HANDLED:

The size of the material, it's shape, weight, delicacy, nature (solid, liquid, gases,)

and its chances of getting damaged during handling, etc, should be considered.2) PLANT BUILDINGS AND LAYOUT :-

Widths of aisles, inequality in floor levels, width of doors, height of ceiling,


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strength of floor and walls, columns and pillars, etc., to a great extent influence the

choice of

Material Handling Equipment. For example, low ceiling heights may not permit stacking

of

palletized materials, weak roofs limit the use of overhead conveyor and steps between

two floorswill

not allow trucks to operate.

3) TYPE OF PRODUCTION MACHINE:

Different Machines have different outputs per unit time. The Material Handling

Equipment should be able to handle the maximum output.

4) TYPE OF MATERIAL FLOW PATTERN:

A vertical .flow pattern will require elevators, conveyors pipes, etc.,

whereas' horizontal flow pattern will need trucks, overhead bridge cranes, conveyors, etc.

5) .TYPE OF PRODUCTION:

The type of production affects to a large extent the selection of Material

Handling Equipments. conveyors are more suitable for mass production in on fixed

routine

and powered trucks for batch production; because conveyors though costly, can handle

more volume of production per unit time as compared to trucks, whereas a truck is moreflexible equipment.

6) Cost of Material Handling Equipment/

7 ) Handling Cost.


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8 ) Life of Equipments

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9) Amount of care and maintenance required for the Material Handing equipment.

10 ) Safety of equipment.

11 ) Equipment Reliability.

EQUIPMENT SELECTION PROCEDURE :-

The Procedural Steps involved in Equipment Selection have been listed below

l. Relate all factors pertinent to problem viz ; the material , the move and the method.

2. Determine appropriate degree of Mechanization.

3. Make a tentative selection of Equipment types.

4. Narrow the choice.

5. Eva1ate the alternative.

6. Check the selection for with the rest of the system.

7. Select the specific type of Equipment

8 . Proper specifications.

PROPERTIES OF SELECTED MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT -

The Equipment selected should,

l. Fit into the Hand1ing System,2. Combine Handling with other function.

3. Optimize Material Flow.

4. Be as simple as it is practicable.


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5. Utilize Gravity wherever possible.

6. Require s minimum of space.

7. Handle as large a load as is practical.

8. Make the move safely, in terms of both manpower and material.

9. Use Mechanization judiciously.

10.Be flexible, adaptable.

11.Have a low dead-weight to pay-load ratio,

12.Utilise a minimum of Operator time.

13. Require a minimum of loading, unloading, and re-handling.

14. Call for as little Maintenance, repair, power and fuel as possible.

15. Have a Long, useful life.

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16. Be capable of Capacity Utilization.

17. Perform the Handling operations efficiently and economically.

TYPES OF MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT: -

Generally there are following types of Material Handling Equipment:

1) CONVEYOR

These are gravity or powered devices, commonly used for moving uniform loadscontinuously from point-to-point over fixed paths, where the primary function is

conveying. They

prove economical if the flow of material is continuous.


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Classification:

A. Belt Conveyor

a. Flat

b. Trough

c. Portable

B. Bucket

a. Gravity Discharge

b. Pivoted Bucket (Bucket Elevator)

C. Chain or Cable

a. Apron

b. Arm

c. Car Type

d. Drag

e. Flat-top

f. Flight

i. Power and Free

j. Slat

k. Tow

i) Overheadii) Flush

iii) Under-floor

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47

l. Trolley

D. Chute

E - Pneumatic conveyor

a. Pipeline

b. Air activated gravity

c. Tube

F. Roller Conveyor

a. Gravity

b. Line

c. Portable

d. Rack

G. Screw Conveyor

a. Screw attachment

i) Ribbon Conveyor

ii) Paddle Conveyor

b. Movement of Material

i) Horizontal Screw Conveyor

ii) Vertical Screw ConveyorH. Vibrating

I. Wheel

Uses:


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Conveyors are generally useful when:

a. Loads are Uniform

b. Material moves continuously

c. Route does not vary

d. Load is constant

e. Movement rate is relatively fixed

f. Conveyors can By-pass Cross traffic

g. Path to be followed is fixed

h. Movement is from one point to another

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i. Automatic counting, sorting, weighing Dispatching is needed

j. In-process storage or inspection is required.

k. Necessary to Pace Production.

l. Process Control is needed.

m. Controlled flow is required

n. Handling hazardous material

o. Handling Material at extreme temperature or under adverse condition.

p. Handling is required on dangerous areas.q. Manual Handling and or lifting is undesirable.

r. Integrating Machine into a "System"

s. Handling between workplaces


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t. Flexibility is required to meet changes in production processes volume or space.

u. Conveyor can be installed overhead to save floor space.

v. Necessary to make constant visual check of production processes.

2. CRANES AND HOISTS :

These overhead devices are usually utilized to move varying loads, intermittently,

between points within an area fixed by the supporting and guiding rails, where the

primary

function is Transferring.

Classification :

A. Cranes

a. Jib

i) Floor Mount

ii) Top and bottom

iii) Wall Mount

b. Traveling

i) Bridge

I) Top Running

II) Under Running

ii) Gantryc. Stacker

i) Crane

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ii) Storage Machine

d. Mobile

B. Elevators

a. Bucket

i) Continuous

I) External Discharge

II) Internal Discharge

ii) Spaced

I) Centrifugal Discharge

II) Positive Discharge

b. Portable

C. Hoists

a. Chain Type

b. Pneumatic

c. Electrical

D. Monorails

Uses :

Cranes and Hoist are most commonly used when,a. Movement is within fixed area.

b. Moves are intermittent.

c. Load vary in size or weight.


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d. Cross Traffic would interference with conveyors.

e. Unit handled are not uniform.

3. INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS :

These are hand or powered vehicles (non-highway) used for the movement of

mixed or uniform loads, over various paths having suitable running surfaces and

clearances, where

the primary function is Maneuvering or Transporting.

Documents

Material Handling Notes 2013