materjalikäitlus

Materjalikäitlus, also known as materials handling, refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. It encompasses a wide range of manual and automated equipment and systems that support logistics and supply chain operations. Effective materials handling is crucial for optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, ensuring safety, and maintaining product integrity.

The primary objectives of materials handling include minimizing costs associated with material movement, reducing damage to goods, improving space utilization, enhancing safety for workers, and speeding up the overall flow of materials. It involves various processes such as receiving, storing, picking, packing, and shipping. The choice of materials handling equipment depends heavily on the type of materials, the scale of operations, and the specific requirements of the environment.

Common types of materials handling equipment include conveyors, forklifts, pallet jacks, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), cranes, and various types of containers and storage devices like pallets and bins. Modern materials handling often integrates with technologies such as barcode scanning, RFID, and warehouse management systems (WMS) to improve tracking, inventory accuracy, and operational visibility.

Proper materials handling practices are essential for preventing injuries, optimizing workflow, and ensuring that products reach their destination in good condition. It plays a vital role in the overall productivity and profitability of businesses across many industries, from manufacturing and retail to healthcare and logistics.