The many faces of materials handling

By Raymond A. Kulwiec -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/1/1998

- A productivity tool

- A warehousing technology

- Part of a manufacturing system

- A safety solution

- An ergonomics tool

- Key to supply chain success

Which is it? The answer, of course, is all of the above. And you'll find examples of each in this issue.

First, our big preview of the North American Material Handling Show and Forum in Detroit focuses on the ability of materials handling equipment and systems to improve productivity in industrial operations.

The warehousing face of materials handling is illustrated in our "Warehouse of the Month" case history on Von Holtzbrinck's automated book distribution center.

And when we turn to the manufacturing face, we see how Sikorsky Aircraft uses tool dispensers and vertical-lift modules to feed manufacturing operations directly on the shop floor.

This month's Equipment Report stresses how careful planning and proper assignment of responsibility provide the ingredients for safe conveyor operations. And, our lead Problem-Solving Ideas story explains how a special type of traffic door boosted safety for a specialty-film maker.

Our special product focus on ergonomics equipment provides a sampling of recently introduced materials handling products that enhance ergonomics in a variety of operations.

Finally, this month's columnists address the role of materials handling and related information technologies in total supply-chain operations. Rick Bushnell notes that a critical first step is finding your spot in the supply chain, and David Luton looks at the importance of a returnable containers program in keeping the supply chain viable.

What better place than this issue to examine the many faces of materials handling as they relate to productivity, warehousing, manufacturing, safety, ergonomics, and supply-chain success? Read on and see what I mean.