Page 238 - DMGT523_LOGISTICS_AND_SUPPLY_CHAIN_MANAGEMENT

Unit 10: Packaging and Material Handling

increasing popular because considerable time can be saved in vehicle loading. A unit load Notes
consists of grouped products, while a dead-stack or floor-stack load consists of boxes loaded
directly from the floor. A checking operation is required when merchandise changes ownership
as a result of shipment.

Did u know? Checking generally is limited to carton counts, but in some situations a piece-
by-piece checks for proper brand, size, and so on, is necessary to ensure that all items
ordered by the customer are being shipped.
One extremely encouraging aspect of contemporary logistics is the productivity potential that
can be realized from capital investment in material-handling equipment. Material handling
cannot be avoided in the performance of logistics. It should, however, be minimized. The
technical aspects of material handling are extensive and beyond the scope of this text. However,
the following section will discuss handling methods and efficiency. Then the discussion will
focus on recent developments in automated handling.

Basic Handling Considerations

Material handling in the logistics system is concentrated in and around the warehouse facility.
A basic difference exists in the handling of bulk materials and master cartons. Bulk handling is
a situation where protective packaging at the master carton level is unnecessary. Specialized
handling equipment is required for bulk unloading, such as for solids, fluids, or gaseous materials.
The following discussion focuses on master carton handling within the logistical system.
Over the years a variety of guidelines have been suggested to assist management in the design
of material-handling systems. These are representative:
1. Equipment for handling and storage should be as standardized as possible.
2. When in motion, the system should be designed to provide maximum continuous product
flow.
3. Investment should be in handling rather than stationary equipment.
4. Handling equipment should be utilized to the maximum extent possible.
5. In handling equipment selection, the ratio of deadweight to payload should be minimized.
6. Whenever practical, gravity flow should be incorporated in system design.

Handling systems are classified as:
1. Mechanized
2. Semi automated

3. Automated
4. Information-directed
A combination of labour and handling equipment is utilized in mechanized systems to facilitate
receiving, processing, and/or shipping. Generally, labour constitutes a high percentage of overall
cost in mechanized handling.

Did u know? Automated systems, in contrast, attempt to minimize labour as much as
practical by substituting capital investment in equipment.

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