Page 236 - DMGT551_RETAIL_BUSINESS_ENVIRONMENT

Unit 12: Warehouse Management

Similarly, the plan should include a specific strategy for products depending on ¬weight and Notes
storage characteristics. Relatively heavy items should be assigned locations low to the ground
to minimize the effort and risk of heavy lifting. Low-density products which require extensive
storage volume should be put on open floor space or high-level racks. On the other hand,
smaller items may require storage shelves or drawers.
Future Expansion

A warehouse forms a fundamental element in the infrastructure of the firm. While planning the
facility, sufficient attention has to be given for future requirements. In case of expansion the
material handling facilities and the storage plan should be expandable in a manner that the
integrated design of the warehouse maintains its desired characteristics and there is maximum
efficiency of product flow.

Task Illustrate the relationship between the size and shape of a distribution warehouse
and the material-handling system. What would be the warehouse design you would
suggest for a bulk commodity like rice?

12.5 Material Handling

Material handling is an important part of managing materials. How will the material be moved?
Physically moving material requires equipment of various kinds, depending on the type and
amount of material to be moved. Handling technology has developed to such an extent that it
has dramatically changed the traditional concept of a warehouse. Material handling equipment
can be generally classified as:

 Transport equipment,
 Positioning equipment and
 Unit load formation equipment.
Transport equipment is used to move materials from one location to another. It includes cranes
and industrial trucks.
Positioning equipment is used to handle material at a single location, so that it is in the correct
position for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage. It includes hoists and lifts.
Unlike transport equipment, positioning equipment is usually used at a single workplace.
Unit load formation equipment is used to maintain integrity when handling a single load
during transport and for storage. It includes pallets, bags and skids.
Though the above classification is based on application, the Material Handling Equipment
Industry classifies itself on the basis of equipment category into four different sectors, namely:

 Cranes and hoists,
 Conveying equipment which includes specialist bulk handling equipment such as stackers
and reclaimers,

 General equipment such as elevators, industrial trucks etc., and
 Forklift trucks.
Listed below are a few material-handling devices and when they might be used.

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