Final answer:
The ten principles of material handling include Planning, Standardization, Work, Ergonomics, Unit Load, Space Utilization, System, Automation, Environmental, and Life Cycle Cost. These principles ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective material handling within facility design.
Step-by-step explanation:
Material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Proper material handling is key to facility design, and there are ten principles to consider ensuring an efficient, safe, and cost-effective workflow.
- Planning Principle: Every effective material handling system starts with a good plan. The plan should account for the characteristics of the material, the pathways, the methods of handling, and the energy requirements to move the material. Planning also involves selecting equipment that is appropriate for the types of material transported.
- Standardization Principle: Use standardized equipment, methods, and work practices as much as possible. Standardization makes training, maintenance, and operations simpler and more consistent.
- Work Principle: Material handling activities should aim to minimize work. Simple, straight routes reduce unnecessary energy requirements and movements.
- Ergonomics Principle: Designing handling systems that acknowledge human capabilities and limitations helps in reducing fatigue and boosting productivity while maintaining health and safety.
- Unit Load Principle: Moving materials in bulk or in unit loads is generally more efficient than handling them individually.
- Space Utilization Principle: Effective use of available space is crucial. Vertical stacking and efficient layout designs help in maximizing storage and movement spaces.
- System Principle: Material handling should be integrated into a coordinated system. This system should also harmonize with the production and marketing operations of the firm.
- Automation Principle: Wherever possible and practical, incorporate automation to improve efficiency and consistency.
- Environmental Principle: The system should strive to be environmentally friendly and sustainable, minimizing energy usage and material waste.
- Life Cycle Cost Principle: When planning and implementing material handling systems, consider the entire life cycle cost, including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal.
These principles guide the process of facility design and material handling, ensuring that the methods chosen are effective and conducive to the goals of the organization.