What is Material Handling?

fredhill1894

3 Mar 200905:50

Summary

TLDRMaterial Handling and Logistics is a vital industry that impacts every product as it moves through the global supply chain. With a value of $156 billion and employing over 700,000 people in the U.S., this sector provides competitive advantages for businesses by improving productivity, customer service, and profits. The industry utilizes advanced technologies like automation and tracking to ensure efficient movement, storage, and delivery of goods. Offering diverse career opportunities, from engineering to supply chain management, Material Handling and Logistics is essential for global productivity and innovation.

Takeaways

🚚 Material Handling and Logistics is a vast industry that plays a crucial role in moving materials and products through the global supply chain.
💰 It is a $156 billion industry in the United States alone, employing over 700,000 people.
🏆 Successful brands leverage Material Handling and Logistics to gain a competitive edge in supply chain efficiency and customer service.
🔄 The industry covers all aspects of a product's journey, from manufacturing to final delivery, including proper disposal after consumption.
⚙️ The industry utilizes a wide range of equipment, systems, and technologies, such as automation, IT, identification, storage, lifting, and conveying equipment.
🌿 Sustainable and green solutions are increasingly being incorporated into Material Handling and Logistics.
📈 The industry is vital for improving forecasting, resource allocation, product planning, production, and after-sale service.
🌍 Material Handling and Logistics is the cornerstone of global productivity, ensuring the supply chain works efficiently.
🚀 There are numerous career opportunities in this vibrant and growing industry, offering roles in engineering, production, logistics, project management, marketing, IT, and more.
🌐 Industry trade associations and job sites like mhia.org and maha.org offer resources for learning about careers and job opportunities in Material Handling and Logistics.

Q & A

What is the Material Handling and Logistics industry?
-Material Handling and Logistics is an industry responsible for the movement, storage, protection, and tracking of products and materials as they progress through the global supply chain.
Why is Material Handling and Logistics considered one of America's largest industries?
-Material Handling and Logistics is a $156 billion industry in the U.S., employing over 700,000 people, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the country.
How does Material Handling and Logistics benefit companies?
-Companies use Material Handling and Logistics solutions to gain a competitive edge by improving supply chain efficiency, customer service, productivity, and profitability.
What processes are involved in Material Handling and Logistics?
-Material Handling and Logistics covers the manufacturing, moving, storing, protecting, tracking, controlling, and shipping of products to their final destination and also includes processes for proper disposal.
What kind of equipment and technologies are used in Material Handling and Logistics?
-The industry utilizes a broad array of equipment and systems including automation, information technology, automatic identification, storage and lifting equipment, conveying systems, ergonomic and safety equipment, and green solutions.
How does Material Handling and Logistics contribute to supply chain efficiency?
-Material Handling and Logistics improves supply chain forecasting, resource allocation, product planning, production, and enhances product visibility and tracking for quicker and more accurate deliveries.
What would happen if Material Handling and Logistics stopped working?
-If Material Handling and Logistics stopped working, the global supply chain would collapse, preventing products from reaching their final destination, leading to significant disruptions in the availability of goods.
Why is the Material Handling and Logistics industry considered a growing field?
-The industry is constantly innovating with new technologies and methods to improve the efficiency of moving products through the supply chain, creating continuous growth and new opportunities.
What are some career opportunities available in Material Handling and Logistics?
-The industry offers a wide range of careers, including roles in engineering, production, operations, logistics, inventory control, supply chain management, project management, distribution, IT, CAD design, marketing, sales, and customer service.
Where can someone learn more about careers in Material Handling and Logistics?
-Resources such as industry trade associations and publications, including websites like mhia.org and maha.org, provide information on career opportunities and industry insights.

Outlines

00:00

📦 Introduction to Material Handling and Logistics

Material Handling and Logistics is a vital industry that influences every material and product as they move through the global supply chain. It is one of America’s largest and fastest-growing industries, worth $156 billion and employing over 700,000 people in the U.S. alone. Leading global brands use material handling and logistics to gain a competitive edge by improving supply chain efficiency, enhancing customer service, and increasing profits. The strategic use of technologies in this industry plays a critical role in meeting consumer demands.

05:02

🚛 What is Material Handling and Logistics?

Material Handling and Logistics covers the entire journey of a product, from manufacturing to delivery, ensuring it reaches the consumer. This process involves moving, storing, tracking, and shipping items, as well as helping with proper disposal. Every product consumed is part of this process, showcasing its integral role in the global economy.

🔧 How Material Handling and Logistics Works

Material Handling and Logistics relies on various types of equipment and systems such as automation, information technology, storage, lifting, and conveying equipment. It also incorporates sustainable green solutions. These tools help improve supply chain forecasting, resource allocation, product visibility, and tracking, ensuring efficient product delivery and customer service.

🌎 Importance of Material Handling and Logistics

Material Handling and Logistics is the cornerstone of global productivity. The industry’s continued innovation ensures that products are delivered quickly and efficiently. Without this industry, the supply chain would cease to function. Its growth and constant advancement present a wide array of lucrative career opportunities, making it a vibrant and essential field for both now and the future.

💼 Career Opportunities in Material Handling and Logistics

The Material Handling and Logistics industry offers diverse career paths, including roles in engineering, operations, supply chain management, logistics, IT, and customer service. This industry provides competitive compensation and incentives, making it an attractive option for those seeking rewarding careers in various disciplines.

🛠 Resources for a Career in Material Handling and Logistics

Industry trade associations such as MHIA and MAHITA, as well as resources like the Gateway job site at maha.org, offer valuable information on careers in Material Handling and Logistics. These organizations help individuals learn more about the industry and access opportunities in the field that drives the global supply chain.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Material Handling

Material handling refers to the process of moving, protecting, storing, and controlling materials throughout the manufacturing and supply chain process. In the video, it is described as a key industry responsible for ensuring that products reach their final destinations efficiently. It involves various equipment and technologies that improve productivity and logistics.

💡Logistics

Logistics is the management of the flow of goods and materials from the point of origin to the point of consumption. The video emphasizes its importance in optimizing supply chains, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining customer satisfaction. It is a major part of the global economy, helping companies meet consumer demands and maximize profits.

💡Supply Chain

The supply chain refers to the entire network of entities, processes, and activities involved in the production and delivery of goods to consumers. In the video, it is highlighted as a critical system that material handling and logistics help make more efficient by improving the movement and tracking of goods.

💡Automation

Automation in material handling and logistics involves the use of machines and technology to perform tasks without human intervention. The video mentions automation as one of the tools used to enhance supply chain operations by improving efficiency, accuracy, and reducing the time needed to move goods.

💡Information Technology

Information technology (IT) in logistics refers to the use of computer systems, software, and telecommunications to track, manage, and optimize the flow of goods in the supply chain. The video highlights the role of IT in improving visibility, tracking, and forecasting in material handling, leading to better decision-making and resource allocation.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in material handling and logistics refers to adopting eco-friendly practices and technologies that reduce environmental impact. The video mentions 'sustainable green solutions,' which include using energy-efficient equipment and processes to reduce waste, pollution, and energy consumption in the supply chain.

💡Competitive Edge

A competitive edge refers to the advantage that businesses gain over their competitors by improving their operations. The video explains how strategic use of material handling and logistics technologies helps companies enhance their supply chain efficiency and customer service, giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace.

💡Productivity

Productivity in this context refers to the ability to produce more goods or services efficiently and cost-effectively. The video links productivity directly to material handling and logistics, showing how equipment and technologies help companies meet customer demands faster while minimizing costs.

💡Ergonomic and Safety Equipment

Ergonomic and safety equipment are tools and devices designed to improve worker safety and comfort in handling materials. The video notes their role in protecting workers and ensuring efficiency, emphasizing that these systems contribute to the overall success of logistics operations by reducing the risk of injury and enhancing workforce productivity.

💡Tracking and Visibility

Tracking and visibility refer to the ability to monitor the movement and location of goods throughout the supply chain. The video emphasizes the importance of these features in material handling and logistics, stating that they ensure quick and accurate delivery, which is critical for maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Highlights

Material Handling and Logistics is a $156 billion industry employing more than 700,000 people in the United States.

Material Handling and Logistics touches every material and product as it moves through the global supply chain.

The world's most successful brands use Material Handling and Logistics solutions to gain a competitive edge by improving their supply chain and customer service efficiency.

Material Handling and Logistics involves how products are manufactured, moved, stored, protected, tracked, controlled, and shipped to their final destination.

The industry uses a broad array of equipment, systems, and services such as automation, information technology, storage equipment, and sustainable green solutions.

Material Handling and Logistics helps improve supply chain forecasting, resource allocation, product planning, and production.

The use of material handling technologies ensures quick and accurate delivery and enhances product visibility and tracking.

Material Handling and Logistics is the cornerstone of global productivity, ensuring the smooth operation of supply chains.

Without material handling and logistics, the global supply chain would come to a standstill.

The industry is constantly innovating with new ways to move products quicker and more efficiently.

There are thousands of career opportunities in Material Handling and Logistics, offering competitive compensation and rewarding incentives.

Careers in the industry include engineering, production, logistics, inventory control, supply chain management, and more.

Material Handling and Logistics offers diverse employment opportunities, from CAD design to project management and customer service.

The industry's trade associations, like the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), offer resources and job opportunities in this field.

Material Handling and Logistics is vital for the economy, supporting the movement and delivery of goods worldwide.