Basic Materials Handling Principles
1. Lest Handling is Best Handling: it is best to keep the handling cost of the minimum because handling does not add value to the product or materials.
2. Standardization of Equipment : MH equipment should be selected in such a manner as to afford flexibility and be capable of performing multiple operations but standardized. This will result in reduction of cost of operations maintenance and repair and also costs of storage.
3. Specialized equipment Kept to a Minimum: It may be desirable to have specialized equipment but the first cost , cost of operation maintenance and repair are generally more than those of standardized equipment. Present worth and life span value should be evaluated.
4. Volume Dictates the Methods: Volumetric consideration determines the method of handling , regardless of size shape and value. Therefore the most important criterion is the volume.
5. Planning ahead: Simultaneously with other planning activates selection and procurement of MH equipment should be conducted in advance to take care of all aspects of handling and storage, particularly of standardized equipment and combining methods.
6. Length and Number of Moves: Movement must be studied in detail to reduce back tracking of materials. The extent of movement must also be studied so as to afford better utilization of men and equipment.
7. Equipment Capacity: The capacity of rates should be carefully examined and never exceeded as overloading causes undue wear entails excessive maintenance and repair cost. It also creates potential accident hazards, violating the safety first principle in MH.
8. Analysis of Operations: To determine combination of handling activities all operation must be analyzed. This will result in simplification and possibly reduction in handling and cost.
9. Payload: The selection of equipment must be made careful consideration of the cost of moving, and economics can be measured by studying the cost of operation involved in handling in each move. The physical state of material is a determining factor in the selection process.