Page 239 - DMGT551_RETAIL_BUSINESS_ENVIRONMENT

Retail Business Environment

Notes warehouse setting most forklifts used have load capacities between one to five tons. However,
machines of over 50 tonnes of lift capacity have been built.

In addition to a control to raise and lower the forks (also known as blades or tines), the operator
can tilt the mast to compensate for a load’s tendency to angle the blades toward the ground and
risk slipping off the forks. Tilt also provides a limited ability to operate on non-level ground.
The following is a list of the more common lift truck types. It is arranged from the smallest type
of lift to largest:
 Hand pallet truck
 Low lift truck (powered pallet truck, usually electrically powered)

 Towing tractor
 Stacker
 Reach truck (small forklift, designed for small aisles, usually electrically powered)

 Sideloader
 Telescopic handler
 Order picking truck

 Articulated very narrow aisle counterbalanced trucks (commonly called “Flexi Truck”)
Forklifts generally do not move large volumes of parts along the same path. Bulk material
handling techniques are used, where large volumes are involved.
Efficient planning and control of the material handling system can add to efficiency. For example,
standard size of material should be transported to reduce time. Part orientation principle should
be employed so that, while unloading, the material position should be as per the need of the
destination point.

By using the concept of unit size load many companies aggregate material into a longer unit/
container or pallet of standard size thereby saving on transportation costs. Backtracking of parts
movement should be avoided as it only adds to cost and time.

!

Caution Cost-efficient material handling is beneficial to both the organization as well as
the work force. There are a large range of materials handling equipment options available.
However, when deciding options the criteria should be to choose simple and safe equipment
that has operator safety and functionality as the prime objectives.

12.6 Warehousing and Stores Operations

Stores range from ordinary ones with shelves and bins to cold or dehumidified storages, huge
silos for storage of food grains or bonded stores for keeping goods on which customs and excise
duties have not been paid. The number of different storage devices is almost as large as the
number of different materials. A schematic diagram of production support store’s activities is
given in Figure 12.5.

Stores functions focus on the physical movement and storage of goods and materials. This
involves managing the physical flow of materials into and out of the organization and developing
and managing networks of warehouses when needed.

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