Planning for Excellence in Materials Handling

Materials handling has traditionally been at the bottom of any investment strategy requirements. Yet improved control of inventory can lead to huge benefits – reduced inventory, improved productivity, better service to manufacturing and customers. The relatively new roles of logistics and supply chain management have raised the profile of materials handling. Looks at the whole business strategy and co‐ordination functions (production, stores, purchase, sales, finance,safety, etc.) – not excluding shopfloor workers. Explores all materials handling techniques, including MRP II, Kanban, JIT, and assesses most appropriate physical equipment (racking types, narrow aisle, automated systems, etc.).