In a busy warehouse, the equipment used to move materials can affect almost every other aspect of a logistics operation. The wrong choice can lead to unintended delays, damage and unnecessary risks. This article provides a structure to help break down this decision making process.
Think about the loads first
To choose the right equipment to move the materials, one has to understand what it is they need to move. This requires consideration for weight, dimensions and fragility. Different types of materials also have different effects on equipment. Consider if the equipment will be used to move palletised goods, long goods, bagged goods, drums, etc.
Also, think about how the goods are received and shipped. Goods received by lorry may be different than goods shipped by container. Knowing how goods flow into and out of the system may point to areas of improved efficiency.
Consider the working conditions and the space
The conditions of the working surface can also strongly effect the equipment used. A smooth, even surface can be very different from a hardcore surface, or a muddy, uneven surface. Equipment can be chosen based on the surface condition of the working area. Narrow aisle trucks are designed for indoor use to move goods in racking, while all terrain forklifts are designed for outdoor use.
Measure the available space. A machine may seem ideal on paper, but may not physically fit due to available space and obstructions.
Common Types of Equipment
Manual or powered pallet trucks are workhorses for short distance movements on level ground. Versatility in a counterbalance forklift makes it suitable for loading and unloading vehicles and for stacking. Using reach trucks and narrow aisle machines helps make better use of vertical space in racked storage.
Construction equipment
Of all construction equipment, telescopic handlers have a particular appeal as they are able to lift loads to height and reach over obstructions. Other equipment includes trollies, stillages, and vacuum lifters.
Outdoor and Indoor use
Powered equipment can use a variety of power sources. Electric powered equipment is useful in enclosed spaces, as they make no noise and give off no exhaust fumes at the point of use. For outdoor and heavy-duty work, diesel or gas powered equipment is more suitable. Before using equipment, particularly power equipment, consider the arrangements for noise, fumes, ventilation and refuelling, especially if the work is to be done in an enclosed space.
Competence and safety
Handling equipment always presents some level of risk, and safety should always be built into the design. Authorised and trained staff should always operate equipment. There are a number of ways to reduce risk including pedestrian zones, speed limits, segregated walkways and good visibility.
Though equipment should always be fit for purpose, various aids are permissible to further enhance safety. The aids include a camera system, warning lights, audible alarms, operator restraint system, and others. These, however, are to be used in combination with adequate planning. A thorough examination and a routine inspection of equipment are legal expectations of a responsible site, and it is always a good idea to check the latest requirements.
ERGONOMICS AND OPERATOR COMFORT
An operator's comfort affects their alertness. Fatigue and the loss of accuracy over a long shift can be affected by the design of the controls, seat, visibility from the cab and the ease of getting on and off a machine. Where it is not possible to avoid manual handling, aids which reduce the need to lift, twist and carry assist in the prevention of strain injuries to the workforce.
Flexibility of Attachments
Adaptability of machines to be fitted with forks, buckets, jibs, clamps or platforms is becoming the norm. This adaptability can allow machines to be fit purposely to the task and reduce the number of distinct pieces of equipment. Each attachment will change the machine’s safe working load. It is essential load charts are checked and operators are aware of any change which the attachment may have caused.
Maintenance and Downtime
Even the best pieces of equipment are useless if they are broken. Good equipment management should include planned regular maintenance, as well as daily checks by the operator and an efficient system for reporting defects. Logging faults and repairs helps to identify patterns and schedule maintenance at less busy times.
Storage and layout interact
Equipment cannot be considered in isolation from the way stock is stored. Sensible racking and clearly designated zones, and logical placement of fast moving items, can significantly cut travel distances and congestion. An organised layout usually means a smaller and simpler fleet is perfectly adequate.
Ongoing assessment
Sites, and the stock profiles on them, constantly evolve. This means that the assessment of handling arrangements needs to be conducted on a regular basis and in conjunction with the operators who use the equipment on a daily basis. Often, the effects of small changes are quite noticeable.
Careful consideration
U ultimately in the case of the choice of material handling equipment. There are many factors to be considered. If time is taken to evaluate all these factors, then handling equipment can be selected that will easily integrate into the material flow of the site. Often the results are smoother and safer operations.