The Material Handling Blog

How Michigan’s history as a regional center of automotive manufacturing led to the rise of innovative assembly line technologies.

When considering why some manufacturing and distribution companies have implemented automated material handling systems , you often hear of financial statements including a solid Return of Investment (ROI), prompt Payback Period, or Strong Internal Rate of Return (IRR) . While it cannot be debated that the financial justification for an automation project is very important, financial evaluation alone should not be the only criteria when considering whether to automate . Here are 10 additional benefits to justify automation...

Planning, implementing, and managing change is undoubtedly a difficult task if left to circumstance; nevertheless, these responsibilities are something many of us face.

Many material handling projects today include high tech "wizardry" such as robots , Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) , or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) . These types of equipment all have their place and serve their function well; however, we can't lose sight of the basic, less heralded, building blocks of a great system. One of these building blocks is a mezzanine .

Lean manufacturing is a common production practice. It considers the spending of resources for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be a wasteful practice, and thus a target for elimination. Wasteful practices are those practices that do not add value to our customers. When considering each process within your facility it becomes necessary to consider those goods and services that you, as a customer, are willing to pay for and those goods and services that you do not see value in...