Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Material Handling:
Materials handling makes production flow possible, as it gives dynamism to
static elements such as materials, products, equipments, layout and human re-
sources (Stock & Lambert, 2001; Chopra & Meindl, 2001). Groover (2001)
highlights that despite its importance, materials handling is a topic that frequent-
ly is treated superficially by the companies. However, other authors have
perceived its relevance. During the period in which Shingo (1996) contributed
to the development of the Toyota Production System, he developed the
Production Function Mechanism that proposes to explain how the production
phenomenon happens.
Shingo (1996) indicated that, in the West, production was treated as a process of
a sequence of operations. In the Production Function Mechanism, the concepts
are directly related to a production analysis focus. A process analysis consists of
an observation of the production flows that turn raw materials into final
products. From this concept, the author highlights that the main analysis is the
one associated with the process, because it follows the production object. The
analysis of the operations comes later because it focuses on production subjects
(operators and machines). When making this distinction, it is possible to
perceive the relevance of materials handling. Beyond the basic function of
movement, it is also relevant to cite the functions of storage and information
transfer, which occurs simultaneously and has both strategic and operational
dimensions. Organizations are relying on information systems using tools like
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), or similar information technology resources,
to gain in precision and reliability, in the interchange, and availability of
information (Lambert & Stock, 2001; Laudon & Laudon, 2006, Milan, Basso &
Pretto, 2007).
According to Chan, Ip & Lau (1999), a key factor in material handling system
design process is the selection and configuration of equipment for material
transportation.
Finally, the systems and information technology constitute essential factors for
materials handling management. Stair and Reynolds (2006), Laudon and
Laudon (2006) and O’Brien and Marakas (2007) support the study of
fundamentals and general principles of information systems.
In order to improve the performance of distribution operations and, in this
specific case, the internal material handling process, it is important to consider
both human and technical factors (Chakravorty, 2008). In this sense, this study
assesses the internal customers’ perception of a material handling process
improvement.
The first research is from Zuluaga et al (2012), about the heuristic simulation
for configuring a selective pallet rack system to install a normal pallet rack
optimized for the company’s pallet’s size (L x W x H). This research can only
be used for the normal pallet rack and shows only the method. The method of
simulating the selective pallet rack will produce a conclusion whether the size is
maximized or not in the warehouse.
The other researcher is William (2008) wrote about warehouse pallet flow
storage system, goods loaded into the rack and then each moves by itself with
an engineered-calculated angle to the out area far back. He discusses most of the
things, except there is no further explanation about his method and there is no
cost associated.
Zeng et al (2002), use ABC analysis for analyzing the type of goods (which one
should come first) and the journal compared 3 racking system for the best rack
in the warehouse based on the number of pallets can be stored inside.
Unfortunately there is no cost associated for the racking system and this method
is designed to make a whole new layout.
Gue and Meller (2007) tell about aisle configurations for unit-load warehouses.
Their objective is to minimize the travel distance of the lift truck for one Pick
and Deposit point. Building a warehouse layout is necessary to use this, and it is
being used as a project in a traditional layout design. This calculation is needed
to configure the international standard aisle for a storage facility.
Then there is a strategic inventory optimization written by Shapiro and Wagner
(2009). This journal is one of the business logistics journals telling us about
integrating the inventory model and simulation to get the output and the holding
cost within the supply chain of the inventory. From this journal, some
information about optimizing the storage without abandoning the cost aspect
could be taken to support the research.
In a book written by Mulcahy (1994), planning analysis has two steps: data
collection and development of alternative layouts. The first step is divided into
five methods, they are: identifying and listing existing material handling
equipment, measuring, classifying each warehouse function, projecting SKU
inventory levels, and reviewing alternative material handling concepts. The
second step, development of alternative layouts, has an objective to build
alternatives for several key warehouse functions.
Konstant Storage Systems (2011) gives a tip to choose the right pallet rack for a
company. But the company gives no further explanation about the choices of
racks offered. The other journal of Phelan (2009) explains about the three most
popular racking systems in the world for warehousing, but there is no cost
associated to compare one to another.
Mecalux (2013) offers a LIFO or FIFO installation for drive-in pallet rack
system. It gives a specific design for the specific strategy that we are going to
use for the warehouse, but there is no cost associated.