Material handling systems
Material handling is an important part of the supply chain. It encompasses inventory management and control of the movement, storage, and protection of products and materials throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and disposal. Material handling equipment usually falls under four main categories: bulk handling material equipment, engineered systems, storage and handling equipment and industrial trucks. Bulk material handling equipment is used to transport, process, and package bulk materials, like powder bulk solids, before sale or shipment.
The main function of a bulk material handling system is to continuously transport and supply bulk materials to units in processing plants. Secondary functions include storage and blending. In a typical bulk material handling system, raw materials (such as bulk solids and powders) are received from trucks, ships or trains. Then they are unloaded to a yard or storage facility, often using a conveyor system. The materials are usually stored in stockpiles.
