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1. Planning
The planning principle involves identifying the materials that need to be moved, determining the best way to move them, and ensuring that the process is safe and efficient. When using the planning principle to assess a material handling task, ask yourself the following questions:
- What materials need to be moved?
- What is the best way to move the materials?
- How can the process be made safer and more efficient?
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2. Standardization
The standardization principle involves using the same processes and material handling equipment for similar tasks to reduce variability and improve efficiency. When considering standardization, ask yourself:
- Are there any similar tasks that can use the same processes and material handling equipment?
- Can standardization reduce variability and improve efficiency?
Our electric tuggers and tows are often used for a variety of load movement tasks, helping to drive standardization of material handling equipment and maximize efficiency.
3. Work
This involves minimizing the amount of physical work required within material handling systems to move materials by using equipment and automation, rather than pushing the limits of human capabilities. When considering the work principle, ask yourself:
- Can equipment or automation reduce the physical work required?
- How can the process be made less physically demanding?
Putting stress and strain on people only creates risk, so reducing manual handling helps to protect the workforce, keeping them safe, but also empowers them to be more efficient.
4. Ergonomics
The Ergonomic principle involves designing workstations and material handling equipment to minimize physical strain and fatigue. When considering ergonomics, ask yourself:
- Is the equipment designed to minimize physical strain and fatigue?
- Are workstations designed to minimize physical strain and fatigue?
The Ergonomic principle is one we pay close attention to at MasterMover, when designing material handling equipment, to ensure our electric tugs and tows are easy to use for safe and effective operations!
5. Unit Load
Looking at Unit loads involves consolidating materials into a single load for more efficient movement, to maximize physical material flow. When considering the unit load principle, ask yourself:
- Can materials be consolidated into a single load?
- Can unit loads be standardized for more efficient movement?
Trains of carts, platforms or dollies are often a good way to way to move more material in one go, reducing total trips or the number of times a task is carried out.
6. Space Utilization
The Space Utilization principle involves maximizing the use of available space for handling and storage activities. Warehouse space is often at a premium - even in terms of overhead space - and the same is true in manufacturing environments. When considering space utilization, ask yourself:
- Can the available space be better utilized for storage and movement?
- How can the available space be maximized for material handling?
7. System
The Systems principle involves using a coordinated system of processes, equipment, and people to improve material flow, improve operational efficiency and reduce waste. When considering the system principle, ask yourself:
- Are there a coordinated system of processes, equipment, and people?
- Can the system be improved to reduce waste and improve efficiency?
A coordinated system is essential to ensure material handling processes, and the wider operation, runs smoothly.
8. Automation
The Automation principle involves using technology to automate material movement for improved efficiency and safety. When considering automation in material handling systems, ask yourself:
- Can technology be used to automate material handling processes?
- How can automation improve efficiency and safety?
Ultimately if a material handling task is being repeated often, and especially where it involves regular travel times, AGV solutions could be the answer.
