In a manufacturing facility and warehouse space, every inch, every moment and every movement must be maximized in order to reach peak efficiency. There is scholarly research that indicates best practices for achieving just this goal. But although material handling procedures include a lot of nuances, it doesn’t mean it is out of reach for a warehouse manager who doesn’t have a doctorate degree. With handy machinery such as self-dumping hoppers, a forklift dumpster or a granite a frame, minutes to hours can be shaved of the process, which in turn saves money. Let’s look at a breakdown of the factors at play.
Lowering Cost
Every manufacturer works hard to save money in the building process, but that’s not where the opportunity for efficiency ends. Reducing expense is the biggest motivating factor for adjusting materials handling procedures through the use of specialized equipment, minimal movement and strategic storage.
Materials handling hoppers are just the tip of the customized machinery iceberg. After the floor of a warehouse is rearranged to maximize storage space and minimize unnecessary movement, there will be room for other pieces of equipment that speed the process along. Without wasting time on double handling, additional movement and excessive inventory, there will be additional time for processing orders, which helps reach productivity goals.
Cutting Waste
In this case, waste could mean a lot of things. It could include less breakage of products as a result of less human handling and over shorter distances in the warehouse. It could mean losing less time trying to adjust standard procedures when a special circumstance arises, as they always do. Or, reducing waste could mean less floor space that’s being devoted to temporarily housing products while they wait to be moved to the proper site.
Better Worker Productivity
Machinery makes all the difference in increasing efficiency from a man-hour standpoint as well. Workers will be able to move orders through more quickly when a logical, strategic materials handling protocol is in place. They will be less likely to be injured as well, as their jobs will require fewer movements and less travel time from one part of the warehouse to another.
It is likely their job satisfaction will go up as well, as they will be less frustrated with wasted time on machinery that continually breaks down. With efficiency at a maximum, they might even be able to spend time on bigger and better high-level projects that can benefit themselves and the company.
Smooth Workflow
Finally, distribution in warehouses that have equipment such as self-dumping hoppers goes much more smoothly and quickly. Customers will be pleased to have their orders arrive on time, in good shape and at a fair price – all of which are affected by solid materials handling practices. Storage facilities can be organized in the most logical and helpful way, minimizing the time spent retrieving items for shipping.
When it comes to overhauling materials handling procedures, it helps to follow a checklist to ensure all the important points and objectives are covered. Then it is time to start saving money with increased efficiency, happier workers and plenty of satisfied return customers.