Selection of Material Handling Equipment

Choosing the right material handling (MH) equipment is a critical decision that significantly impacts operational efficiency, cost, and safety. It involves matching the equipment's capabilities with the specific requirements of the materials being handled and the environment in which they are moved. A systematic approach considering multiple factors is essential.

Key Factors for Equipment Selection:

1. Properties of the Material: This is often the starting point.
   • Physical State: Solid, liquid, gas? Bulk or unit form?
   • Characteristics: Size, weight, shape (uniform/irregular), fragility (risk of damage), stability.
   • Conditions: Temperature sensitivity, corrosiveness, flammability, toxicity, dustiness.
   • Example: Handling liquids requires pumps/pipelines/tankers; fragile electronics need cushioned handling and smooth transport; heavy steel plates need cranes or high-capacity forklifts.
2. Layout and Building Characteristics: The physical environment imposes constraints.
   • Space: Aisle widths, ceiling height (restricts overhead equipment), column spacing, floor area available.
   • Structure: Single vs. multi-storey (need for vertical transport), floor strength/load capacity, door sizes.
   • Environment: Indoor/outdoor use, floor surface condition, temperature/humidity control, hazardous area classification.
   • Example: Narrow warehouse aisles might necessitate reach trucks or VNA equipment instead of standard forklifts. Low ceilings preclude the use of tall overhead cranes.
3. Flow / Movement Requirements: How the material needs to move.
   • Route & Distance: Fixed path vs. variable path? Short or long distance? Horizontal, vertical, or inclined movement?
   • Volume & Frequency: High volume/frequency between fixed points favours conveyors. Low volume/intermittent flow favours trucks.
   • Example: Continuous movement of packed boxes from a packaging machine to a palletizer strongly suggests using a conveyor belt. Moving pallets intermittently from receiving to storage suggests using a forklift.
4. Cost Considerations: Economic justification is crucial.
   • Initial Investment: Purchase or lease price.
   • Operating Costs: Energy/fuel, labor (operators), routine maintenance.
   • Maintenance Costs: Spare parts, major repairs, service contracts.
   • Lifecycle Cost: Analyze the total cost over the equipment's expected life, including disposal. Compare alternatives based on ROI or payback period.
5. Operational Factors:
   • Flexibility: Need for equipment to handle different tasks or adapt to future changes.
   • Speed: Required speed of handling to match production rates.
   • Control: Level of automation or tracking required.
   • Safety: Inherent safety features of the equipment and its suitability for the operating environment and personnel skill levels.
6. Reliability and Service: Ensuring dependable operation.
   • Equipment Reliability: Proven performance, durability (MTBF).
   • Supplier Support: Availability of spare parts, qualified service technicians, training, warranty.

• Indian Example: A hospital in India like Apollo Hospitals needs to select MH equipment carefully. Elevators (vertical, fixed path) are essential for patient beds and equipment. Small carts (manual, variable path) are used for medicines and supplies within floors. Specialized lifts might be needed for bulky medical imaging equipment during installation. Key selection factors include reliability (critical for patient care), safety/hygiene (smooth surfaces, easy cleaning), noise levels, and maneuverability in potentially crowded corridors. Cost is important, but reliability and safety often take precedence.

Selecting MH equipment involves balancing these factors to find the most suitable, cost-effective, and safe solution for the specific application.