Think about all the moving parts when it comes to a supply chain project. Of course, engineering is a fundamental part, but you also dealing with the procurement of equipment (material handling equipment, hardware, software, etc.), installation, testing, support and, through it all, documentation. In this post, we’re talking about the components and benefits of an integrated material handling system, and much credit must be given to the source material from MHI. MHI, which is the premier association of “The Industry That Makes Supply Chains Work,” is the nation’s largest material handling, logistics and supply chain association. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events.
What Exactly Is an Integrated Material Handling System?
An integrated material handling systems helps facilitate the smooth operation of all material handling equipment – some of it manual, some semi-automated and some fully automated.
So, what does an integrated material handling system look like? In most cases, you’ll find these three characteristics: cohesion, coordination and connectivity. An integrated system incorporates all machines, products, practices and processes. An integrated system permits and encourages the continuous flow of materials throughout the entire process. And an integrated system connects material handling equipment with warehouse control systems and/or enterprise resource planning software.
7 Key Benefits of an Integrated Material Handling System
An integrated system connects all material handling equipment and software in order to support all aspects of the production cycle, including receiving, processing, storage, picking and shipping. By connecting all these components, a well-engineered integrated material handling system can help in the following areas:
- Improve customer service
- Reduce inventory excesses
- Shorten delivery times
- Lower overall handling costs in manufacturing, distribution and transportation
- Enhance handling through streamlining and better timing
- Facilitate product control through better monitoring and management
- Improve inventory management and the accuracy of information through real-time monitoring
If you would like to have all these benefits working for you at your facility, then contact the material handling system specialists at Outsource Equipment Company today at 866-971-1032 or 407-695-5545. Outsource Equipment will work with you to figure out the best way to integrate your material handling systems through expert engineering and by sourcing both new and pre-owned equipment to create a custom-designed, cost-affordable system with an impressive return on investment.
