Materials handling, computerization, and packaging issues

1. Storage and Order-Picking Equipment:
racks, shelving, drawers, and operator-controlled devices (e.g., forklift trucks)
Storage racks
Gravity flow storage racks
Bin shelving systems
Modular storage drawers and cabinets
“Fixed” and “movable” storage systems.

Figure 1 – Nonautomated storage units – storage racks

Figure 2 – Gravity flow storage racks
Figure 3 – Bin shelving systems

Figure 4 – Modular storage drawers and cabinets
Figure 5 – Bin shelving mezzanine

Forklift trucks
Platform trucks
Hand trucks
Cranes
Carts
2. Transportation and Sorting Equipment

Automated Handling Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
Carousels
Case-picking and item-picking equipment
Conveyors
Robots
Scanning systems
Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVSs)

Benefits of Automated Materials Handling Systems

Disadvantages of Automated Materials Handling Systems
Initial capital cost.
Downtime or unreliability of equipment/maintenance interruptions.
Software-related problems (e.g., poor documentation, incompatibility, failure).
Capacity problems.
Lack of flexibility to respond to changing environment.
Maintenance costs.
User interface and training.
Worker acceptance.
Obsolescence.

Figure 6 – Horizontal carousels

Figure 7 – Vertical carousels

Figure 8 – Computers throughout the warehouse