A framework for selection of material handling equipment in manufacturing and logistics facilities

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to assist facility design practitioners, industrial managers, and expert systems (ES) developers identify important issues to consider and actions to follow in the selection of material handling (MH) equipment, overcome limitations of existing equipment selection approaches, and design complete MH systems. Design/methodology/approach -A framework that specifies the steps that have to be taken in the selection of MH equipment is suggested. It identifies categories of equipment based on all handling-related functions performed in a facility, which allows consideration of various categories of equipment, and selects equipment classes and types from among candidates based on user requirements and objectives. Findings -The suggested framework is capable of producing a wide range of equipment that performs various functions in a facility, and satisfies requirements and objectives without the need for using large data bases. Applying it requires cooperation of facility managers and designers. Research limitations/implications -Some of the steps of the suggested framework require further investigation and research. Practical implications -Facility design practitioners, industrial managers, and developers of ES can make better selection among a large number of MH equipment and design complete systems by relying on functions performed in a facility, requirements, and objectives. Originality/value -A framework for selection of MH equipment is lacking in the literature. This paper fills a gap by presenting design issues and organized steps that practitioners, managers, and expert system developers working on selection of MH equipment have to address and follow in order to design complete MH systems.

Productivity Enhancement with Material Handling System Design and Human Factors Analysis – a Case Study

“…Welgama and Gibson [8] categorized layout and material handling system problems into three approaches: layout is given, handling approaches are given, and neither is given [8][9][10].…”

Appraisements of material handling system in context of fiscal and environment extent

“…Styles et al (2009) articulated an innovative, quantitative assessment of pollution avoidance attributable to environmental regulation enforced through integrated licensing, using Ireland’s pharmaceutical-manufacturing sector as a case study. Mohsen (2010) constructed a framework after conducting the literature review in regard to MHS, where framework brought the financial and green aspects of MHE. Monch et al suggested that in the future, various precise characteristics related to modern AMHS must be taken into account more precisely, so that more precise planning related to MHS could be determined.…”

“…as qualitative criteria for constructing the practical valid MCDM index/module for MHS evaluation perspective. Chen (1985), Chen and Chen (2006, 2009), Lopez et al (2008), Styles et al (2009), Mohsen (2010), Diabat and Govindan (2011), Maniya and Bhatt (2011), Passuello et al (2012), Mesa-Frias et al (2013), Dey and Cheffi (2013), Chien (2014), Wang et al (2014), Sahu et al (2012, 2013a, 2014a, b, e), Karande and Chakraborty (2013), Annamalai and Namasivayam (2015), Mitrano et al (2015), Furmans (2015) and Khandekar and Chakraborty (2015) stimulate the authors to carry forward the proposed research. Few literature reviews amongst aforesaid (Chen, 1985; Furmans, 2015) also helped to choose effectual criteria to be induced into MCDM appraisement module and to analysis and evaluate the best effective MCDM methods.…”

An Integrated MCDM Model for Conveyor Equipment Evaluation and Selection in an FMC Based on a Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy ARAS in the Presence of Vagueness

“…[ 11 ] developed a prototype expert system for selecting industrial conveyors with the aim of providing solutions for MHE along with a list of potential vendors. Mohsen and Hassan [ 21 ] developed a framework to support practitioners, managers and expert systems developers in selecting MHE in manufacturing and logistics facilities. Chan et al .…”