Whether your business is warehouse operations, manufacturing, or other industries where material handling equipment is key, you need the right equipment. The optimal configuration improves efficiency and productivity, keeps your workforce safe, and can significantly reduce your costs.

This buyer’s guide will discuss the different types of material movement equipment and how to make smart decisions for your operation.

Material Handling and Material Movement Equipment

Material handling is the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials in your supply chain. Material movement solutions, such as conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and forklifts, are tools that help in the physical transportation of materials within facilities.

Types of Material Handling Equipment

The choice of material handling equipment depends on the type of material being moved, the layout of your facility, and your specific needs. 

• Manual Equipment
  Manual equipment is often the most cost-effective option for small operations or situations that don’t require continuous material movement. Examples include pallet racks, pallet jacks, hand trucks, trolleys, and carts. 
  These tools allow workers to move goods manually with relative ease. However, manual equipment is restricted in capacity and efficiency and is not the best choice for larger operations.
• Automated Equipment
  Automation in material handling significantly improves throughput and reduces human labor—a constant struggle in industries with high turnover and challenges in recruiting.
  Conveyors, sorters, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and robotic systems are ideal for environments that require high-speed, continuous material movement. 
  Automated solutions improve efficiency by speeding up processes and reducing accidents and errors. They are particularly useful in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants.
• Lift Equipment
  Forklifts, cranes, hoists, and scissor lifts fall under this category. These machines are essential for lifting heavy loads, whether it's moving goods from one location to another or unloading materials from a truck. When considering lift equipment, it’s important to assess the weight and size of materials, the vertical reach needed, and safety requirements.
• Storage Systems
  Material handling equipment includes storage systems such as shelving units, pallet racks, vertical lift modules (VLMs), and automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) for efficient material organization. They help maximize space utilization and streamline the storage process. 
  Racking systems, for example, allow materials to be stored and retrieved easily, and automated systems further optimize space and speed of retrieval.
• Packaging Equipment
  Packaging systems, including stretch wrapping machines, labeling machines, and automated packing stations, are other types of material handling equipment. These systems ensure that materials are securely packaged for storage or transport, minimizing the risk of damage during handling. 

Choosing the Right Material Handling Equipment

Here are a few tips for choosing the right material handling or material movement equipment.

Type of Materials

The type of materials being handled will influence your choice of equipment. For instance, bulk materials often require specialized systems such as conveyors or bulk handlers. Fragile products like electronics may need equipment that provides extra protection, such as cushioned transport carts or robotic systems with precision handling.

If you are storing pallets, the size and weight load will be key, along with how often you access your inventory.

Throughput and Efficiency Requirements

Understanding the required throughput is crucial.

The speed at which materials need to be moved will influence whether manual, semi-automated, or fully automated systems are appropriate. If your operation has high-volume needs, automated systems that provide faster processing times and continuous movement are key to efficiency.

Space and Facility Layout

The layout of your facility is significant when choosing the right equipment. Available floor space, ceiling height, aisle width, and other spatial considerations will determine what kind of equipment can be effective. 

For example, large automated storage systems might be ideal for a warehouse with high vertical space, while smaller manual equipment could be more suitable for a compact facility. 

Safety Standards

It’s important to ensure that the equipment you choose meets all relevant safety standards, such as OSHA regulations or ANSI specifications. Features like load limits, ergonomic designs, and safety sensors can mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Material handling equipment and material movement equipment should be designed to minimize physical strain on employees, with adjustable heights, easy-to-grip handles, and other features that reduce the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries. 

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

As businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, the energy efficiency of material handling equipment becomes a major consideration. Choosing energy-efficient systems can lead to lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

Get High-Quality and Affordable Material Handling Equipment

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about, and buying the wrong equipment can be an expensive mistake. Conesco Storage Systems has more than 35 years of experience as an industry leader in material handling equipment. Our expertscan help you find, buy, design, engineer, and optimize your warehouse to create a safe and efficient workspace.

For your material handling needs, reach out to Conesco Storage Systems at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online.