For real control of warehouse operations, a flexible, integrated control system is required to make sure an overall efficient outcome. Material handling systems are finding their extensive use and increasing significance in serving the purpose

 As we know, a warehouse as understood internationally is a very large area that provides space for optimum storage of different kinds of material. Of late there is an entry of some multinational players in this area and this has brought about the concept of a real warehouse management.

Typically these operations in India are managed either manually or with the help of forklifts. While these methods may be good for certain types of commodities, it may not be an efficient mechanism to manage all types of commodities, for example, machineries and heavy components, specialised material and so on. Therefore efficient material handling systems need to be practised for warehousing. However, what could be done to increase the efficiency?

Improving efficiency
Material handling efficiency can be enhanced by selection of right storage systems and compatible material handling equipment. A great opportunity for reducing non-productive time in warehouse operations exists in the use of the right material handling and storage systems. Benefits of using advanced material handling equipment include reduced work-in-process and shorter lead times. Therefore it is important to carry out this function as efficiently as possible.

Manojit Acharya, Executive Director, Demag Cranes and Components (I) Pvt. Ltd., “A good and efficient warehouse management system provides for easy load-unload mechanisms,
proper storage and retrieval of stored material.”

“The role of an efficient material-handling system is to ensure that a given material in the right quantity is safely delivered to the desired destination at the right time and at minimum cost. Actually this is an integral part of any manufacturing activity,” says Rahul Sagar, Senior Manager Marketing, Maini Materials Movement.

Moreover, efficiency can be improved by choosing the right population of the equipment that a warehouse requires, thus eliminating the over burdening the equipment particularly running on battery power.

“Right population can be elaborated as right combination of the equipment dedicated for the purpose and operation; this will enable longevity of the equipment life, less maintenance, less running cost, quicker and expected ROI,” explains S S Khasim, CEO Marketing, Horvert Incorporated.

Choosing right material handling system
To achieve efficient results through increased productivity, it is necessary to use right type of material handling system in warehouse.

Commenting on the same, Mr Khasim says, “The warehouse could be meant for FMCG, automotive spares, cold storage, food products, perishable goods, hazardous products and so on. The material handling systems are chosen depending on the application, the storage racks, the throughput of pallets, and size of the warehouse.”

According to Mr Sagar, the selection of right material handling equipment starts from the very first stage of designing of the warehouse, selecting right storage systems based on the type and no. of SKUs, frequency of movement and speed of the operations.

“A well planned warehouse will have identified areas for bulk and containerised store. Smaller and heavier components should be stored in designated areas,” points out Mr Acharya. “The material handling systems for different areas would be different. For example, for smaller components up to 3 tonnes or so modular cranes are available, whereas for larger and heavier components, an EOT crane is used. A warehouse can be planned in a manner whereby EOT crane can provide access to all areas and the modular cranes are installed in areas where smaller and lighter loads are stored.”

Further, automation can be employed to improve productivity of warehousing operations, whilst consuming less energy and generating less waste.

Mr Sagar also focuses on the use of automation as it has a notable significance. “The operational benefits of automation include speed, repetition, accuracy, safety, efficiency, adaptability and reduced utility and labour costs,” points out Mr Sagar. “The scope for automation is immense as every aspect of warehousing can be automated including entry and exit operations, inventory management, updating and control,” he adds.

Current solutions offered
After accepting the need of material handling systems for warehousing, now it is required to see what products and solutions are being offered by current manufacturers in industry.

“Horvert has offered many successful solutions to various corporate clients in the span of a decade now. It offers a complete solution for the warehouse and production assembly area with consultancy, supply of the appropriate solution, system, equipment as a turnkey,” assures Mr Khasim.

Having experience of over 28 years in its journey of design, manufacture and supply of material handling equipment and electric buggies, Maini Materials has excelled and seeded the industry with mechanised products which helped improve productivity and efficiency of user industry segment.

“The strategic alliance with NACCO Material Handling Group, USA to manufacture Yale-Maini co-branded forklifts and reach trucks in India is a significant step forward. Armes Maini, a joint venture with Ferretto Group, Italy is another enabler to provide world class storage systems to modern warehouses,” informs Mr Sagar.

At present, Maini Materials is one of the leaders in the market and is adding many new products to its offerings. It provides warehousing solutions to manage warehouse by optimising space, handling time and resources while streamlined processes and cost savings. Maini’s range of industrial storage systems and material movement equipment cater to the needs of large and small warehouses across sectors, believes the company.

Demag is one of those few manufacturers who have a warehouse management system. It has modular crane systems that can be installed to handle loads up to 3 tonnes. As these cranes are modular in nature, in the event the warehouse at a later date plans expansions, natural extensions can be seamlessly fitted into the cranes installed earlier.

”Our modular cranes or KBK cranes are very popular for such applications. Further these cranes do not need only concrete surfaces for suspension. They can be suspended from wooden or any other structural support,” informs Mr Acharya.

 Demag Universal Cranes present another alternative for loads larger than 3 tonnes. These cranes can be supplied with various degrees of automation, like manual or remote controlled operation, semi-automatic operation.

Thus, from such players’ side, the picture looks enough promising to increase the productivity and efficiency of warehouses by using the material handling systems offered by them.

A good and efficient warehouse management system provides for easy load-unload mechanisms, proper storage and retrieval of stored material.

– Manojit Acharya, Executive Director,
Demag Cranes and Components (I) Pvt. Ltd.

The material handling systems are chosen depending on the application, the storage racks, the throughput of pallets, and size of the warehouse
– S S Khasim, CEO Marketing, Horvert Incorporated

The operational benefits of automation include speed, repetition, accuracy, safety, efficiency, adaptability and reduced utility and labour costs
– Rahul Sagar, Senior Manager Marketing,
Maini Materials Movement