As a materials handling professional, you are probably approached more often than you would like for solutions to various materials handling problems. Many will start at the beginning, working through all types of scenarios to produce a final, acceptable solution. Whether it be the utilization of the storage rack as a part of an integrated handling system, or how to achieve high reliability from the use of conveyor systems, you may have a need to find a solution to a problem that has been solved countless times by others. Often, a new approach provides for the latest innovations in technology, however, recreating the wheel may not make the most sense.

For years, materials handling professionals have dealt with the same problems being looked at today. And, in many cases, these professionals have conducted expansive research and have provided solutions that, once "tweaked" to allow for new technology, may be the better solution than starting at square one.

Where do you find these earlier solutions?

The Material Handling Institute, through its affiliation with the Materials Handling and Management Society, is proud to offer to its members two new avenues for potential solutions to today's materials handling requirements.

These are: Material Handling Classics and Perspectives on Material Handling. The Classics series has appeared in previous publications of the Material Handing Institute and are at least 10 years old.

Papers in the Perspectives series have appeared in conference proceedings of the Material Handling Institute between 1992 and the present. As such, they provide a point of reference as to how the industry is changing as well as insight into accepted materials handling practices during this more recent period.

In many cases, the authors credited have either changed jobs or are no longer in the industry. Some companies as well have been the subject of mergers or reorganization with a new corporate identity.

Nonetheless, the value of both the Classics and the Perspectives in contributing to the evolution of the industry and to current practice is viewed to be timeless.

These two series of technical papers are available by visiting www.mhia/ org/mhms. Click on technical papers. This will take you to a searchable database of the current articles. These articles can also be located in the Material Handling Institute On-line Resources Catalog.

MHMS management is committed to the continued development of resources for its members. Research, both past and current, can be very valuable to the materials handling professional. Now, we have made it easier for you…just one more benefit of your membership in MHMS.

For more information on MHMS and its educational opportunities, local chapters, networking and social events, please visit our Web site at www.mhia.org/mhms, call our headquarters at 704-676-1183, or enter 391 at MMH Reader Service