Minimalhandling

Minimalhandling is a logistics and manufacturing principle that aims to minimize manual handling of goods and materials throughout the supply chain. It emphasizes reducing touchpoints from receiving to shipping to lower the risk of injury, product damage, and process variation. The term is used broadly in warehousing, distribution, and production environments.

Core strategies include automation, standardized workflows, ergonomic design, and modular equipment. By combining automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyors, robotic pickers, and well-planned layouts, operations can approach near-zero or one-touch handling.

In practice, minimalhandling may involve cross-docking, cartonization, standardized packaging, and the use of sensors and WMS/WCS integration to drive automatic routing. The aim is to keep human intervention to essential activities while ensuring throughput and accuracy.

Benefits include improved safety, reduced product damage, faster order fulfillment, and lower operating costs over time. Challenges often center on upfront capital, system integration, ongoing maintenance, and workforce adaptation.

See also: material handling, ergonomics, warehouse management systems, automation, lean manufacturing.