One of the central elements in the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistic context is material handling. There's always a need to move items across different distances, and there are different methods to achieve this. Also, the most important thing to ensure while trying to achieve the movement of these items is to ensure that they are moved with staff health and ergonomics in mind. There's a need to always abide by effective work processes, but you must never compromise your standards on either ergonomics or work efficiency.
There are different vacuum devices out there, and the grabo vacuum is one of the recently introduced devices. However, before you start using these devices, it is important that you know how to handle materials. Even though these devices can improve safety and productivity, they can be useless if the operator knows nothing about material handling. That is why this article is focused on providing you with a detailed guide to help you effectively handle material, so read on.
What is Material Handling?
Have you ever heard of material handling in any context? When it is the term that is used to refer to the effective handling of items in a limited or confined area, usually within a warehouse. It involves the movement of items and vehicles between manufacturing processes. Material handling also caters to the control, protection, and storage of goods.
The bottom line is that material handling is a crucial part of most industries. The way you handle material can greatly affect safety, efficiency, and even cost.
What are the options to consider when handling material?
When it comes to handling materials, there are different options for you to embrace, but we recommend only two options, and that includes automated handling and manual handling. It is important to note that each of these processes has its own advantage and disadvantages, and it completely depends on the varying circumstances. Another thing to note is that you can increase efficiency by combining the two options.
The two options are explained further:
Automated Handling: This handling method is gradually replacing the manual handling process. It involves the use of mechanical equipment, robots, or other programmable devices to move, load, lift, sort, or even unload materials. It is important to note that human operators are still needed, even with automated handling. Human operators will be needed to service and use each of the equipment. Also, the operators will need training on how to effectively use the equipment. With automated handling, the risk of injuries is greatly reduced. You will also need only a very small workforce which is great.
- Manual Handling: Just as the name suggests, this handling process involves moving items manually. It is done by lowering, lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, or holding the materials. There are many drawbacks to using this method. For example, there is a very reduced level of productivity with this type of handling method. Also, workers are at increased risk of getting fatigued or injured. There are so many other health risks of using manual handling.
What are the objectives of material handling systems?
- Before you adopt any material handling system, it is important to carry out a proper analysis of the benefits of the system, as well as the cost of purchasing the system. It is also important to establish the main objective of getting the material handling system, and here are the two primary objectives you should place your focus on:
- Increased ergonomics and safety: As we have shown earlier, manually handling materials, particularly heavy loads, can cause serious problems. It can also increase your overall costs, especially in terms of risk of injuries, employee turnover, and even worker fatigue. However, when you employ the appropriate lifting material, you can greatly minimize all these drawbacks. With the right material handling equipment, you can greatly improve the staff's wellbeing and even the working condition. Therefore, when opting for a material handling system, safety and ergonomics should be a major factor you should consider.
- Improved productivity and efficiency: Once you are sure that the material handling system you are going for offers improved ergonomics and safety, the next thing you should consider is improved productivity and efficiency. This is a major objective you should consider whenever you are implementing any material handling system. Always make sure you are using the right equipment if you want to improve productivity and efficiency. To achieve this, you need to ensure that the material can get work done fast and also reduce the working circle. You also need to be sure that the overall cost is reduced. The material handling systems should only increase productivity.
There are so many other objectives that you might want to consider when implementing any material handling systems, but with these two objectives above, you can rest assured that you are ready to get started in implementing a material handling system.
There are different equipment that is now employed in handling material. The most commonly used material handling system is the vacuum lifters, and an example of this is the grabo vacuum, a portable device that is electrically powered. This device is also versatile and can be used to carry out different lifting and material handling operations. Also, the device is an example of automated manual handling equipment.
Conclusion
Knowing what's expected when handling material is a very important thing. You need to be aware of the available options before you make your decision. If you choose to implement the automated material handling system, you must ensure that it can meet the two objectives we have mentioned above. However, to save you time and effort and help you make your decision faster, we recommend the grabo vacuum device.