What are the three main types of material handling systems?

Material handling involves the movement, storage, and management of materials within a warehouse. There is a wide variety of material handling systems available for warehouse management, each with its own unique advantages and limitations. A number of factors need to be considered when choosing the best material handling system for your organization.

Here are three common types of material handling in warehouses when it comes to making the best choice for your business needs: Manual Material Handling, Mechanical Material Handling, and Automated Material Handling.

Manual Material Handling

This is a basic type of material handling that relies heavily on manual labor to move materials around the warehouse.

This method is usually suitable for small operations or the handling of light items, and may involve the use of tools such as hand trucks and manual forklifts. With the boom in e-commerce, there has been an increase in the number of warehouses and loading and unloading facilities, which tend to be located in easily accessible locations. However, this also poses the challenge of recruiting staff near transportation hubs, so new solutions may be needed to improve the efficiency of material handling at these locations.

Mechanical material handling

This type of material handling utilizes mechanical equipment to move materials through the warehouse.

Common mechanical handling equipment includes conveyors, cranes, and elevators. These devices are suitable for handling heavy or bulky items and can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of warehouse operations. However, mechanical handling systems are costly and time-consuming to install, and once installed, they are less flexible and may be difficult to adapt to changes in workflow.

Automated material handling

This is a high-tech approach to material handling that involves the use of advanced technologies such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR).

Automated material handling systems are often customized to the specific needs of a warehouse and can dramatically increase the accuracy, speed, and safety of material handling.AMRs are able to move goods of all shapes and sizes quickly, following pre-programmed routes and transporting materials automatically to reduce errors and improve handling accuracy, while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The AMR can also operate safely in hazardous environments, such as areas with heavy machinery or hazardous materials, and is easily reprogrammed to adapt to different tasks or changing workflows.

An action guide to choosing the best material handling system

The following factors should be considered when choosing a material handling system for your warehouse:

Type and size of material: Different methods of material handling are are suitable for different types and sizes of materials. For example, small, light items may be suitable for manual handling, whereas large, heavy items may be more suitable for mechanical handling.

Warehouse layout and design: The layout and design of a warehouse can affect the suitability and effectiveness of a material handling system. For example, a conveyor system may perform well in a spacious, straight warehouse, while an AMR may be better suited to a warehouse with a complex layout.

Budget and available resources: Different material handling systems have different costs and resource requirements, so it's important to consider budget and resources when making decisions.

Future plans and growth potential: It is also critical to consider future business plans and growth potential. If you anticipate significant business growth, investing in an AMR that can flexibly scale may be a smart choice. an AMR can also easily adapt to changes in workflow.