Material Handling
Material Handling the defination
Material handling - the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. This definition is given by the Material Handling Industry Association (MHIA).
While most people may know that the handling and movement of product is considered material handling, they may not be knowledgeable about the fact that the storage of materials in racks or crates, the packaging of product for shipment and the inventory control methods used to manage that product also qualify as material handling.
Material handling equipment is the equipment used for the above definition of material handling. Equipment used for movement include casters and wheels, trucks and warehouse carts, conveyors, industrial lift trucks, hoists, cranes, lift tables and so on. Equipment for storage include racks, drums, bins, containers and other equipment of the sort. Packaging of materials includes boxes, shrink wrap, crates and similar packing materials. Inventory control equipment like warehouse software, automatic retrieval systems, bar code scanners all qualify as material handling equipment.
Material Handling Associations
There are many associations and groups the serve the material handling industry. These associations help bring together people in the industry to network, share ideas and learn about the material handling industry.
Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)is a trade association that serves the material handling and logistics industry. MHIA is associated with two professional societies. The first of which is the Materials Handling and Management Society (MHMS). This society targets professionals in the field of material handling and serves them by giving them a means of sharing ideas, enhancing professional development and becoming certified. The second is the Association of Professional Material Handling Consultants (APMHC). This association promotes the coordination and exchange of ideas between its members, the independent consultants of material handling industry.
Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is a trade association that serves the distributors of the material handling industry. This association is dedicated to improving the proficiency of the distributors of material handling equipment. They do this through the use of online educational resources, live educational events, publications, conventions and peer networking,
Material Handling Associations links
- Material Handling Industry of America
A leading trade association for the material handling and logistics industry - The Industry That Makes the Supply Chain Work. - Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting material handling industry excellence through educational seminars, industry reports and discounted services and programs. - Materials Handling Engineers Association
Welcome To The MHEA - Materials Handling Engineers Association - supporting the technical and commercial interests of UK and overseas companies supplying and using powder & bulk & handling equipment - British Material Handling Federation
Home page for the BMHF website with links to all areas.
Material Handling Publications
Material handling publications serve the industry by providing a channel use to distribute information to interested parties. The information provided is vast and the benefits provided can enormous. There are publications focused on various aspects of the Material Handling and Logistics Industry, so it is likely that you can find one suitable for your particular area of interest.
Types of information available in these publications vary from advertisements to breaking industry news and educational articles. If you are looking to either learn about the Material Handling Industry, stay abreast of what is going on or looking for a place to spread the word about your latest and greatest material handling product, then these publications may prove to be a valuable resource for you and your company.
Material Handling Publications links
- The MHEDA Journal
The Journal of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association - Modern Materials Handling
The most comprehensive coverage of the materials handling field. - Material Handling Network
Your comprehensive resource for material handling news, new and used equipment, products and services. - Material Handling Management
MHM online is your source for news and product updates from the material handling industry - On The Mhove
MHIA's industry quarterly newsletter, On The Mhove, is packed with information on the events, activities, programs and resources of MHIA. - DC Velocity
DC Velocity Logistics News, Analysis & Multimedia - MHEDA Connection archive
This is an archive of the MHEDA Connection newsletter. The newsletter is bi-monthly and available to members and associates of MHEDA. - Material Handling Wholesaler
Serving the industry since 1979, prides itself as being the industries premier "buy and sell" forum in the wholesale material handling marketplace.
Material Handling conventions and trade shows
Why would you want to attend a material handling trade show? There are many reasons to attend a trade show. If you are responsible for the material handling in your place of business then you will want to attend to stay abreast of the new and innovative products in the industry. If you are in the material handling equipment you may want to attend to network and investigate products that your competition may be coming out with. Also you may get a good feel about what direction the industry is heading and if you listen you may get some unsolicited feedback about either your business or your competition.
Why would you want to exhibit? To help build your brand recognition by exposing thousands of people to your booth. It also gives you a great opportunity to network with other professionals in your industry.
ProMat 2011...Why attend?
NA2010...Why exhibit?
Material Handling shows and conventions links
- ProMat - A Material Handling International Expo
ProMat is the premier trade show for material handling and logistics solutions in North America - - North American Material Handling Logistics Tradeshow
The North American Material Handling Logistics Tradeshow is the premier material handling event with over 500 exhibits.
Material Handling Educational links
- Ergonomics of Manual Material Handling
A whitepaper on the ergonomics of Manual Material Handling tasks such as pushing, pulling, and lifing. - NIOSH - Egonomic Guidlines for Manual Material Handling
This booklet is written for managers and supervisors in industries that involve the manual handling of containers. It offers suggestions... - OSHA 2236 Materials Handling and Storage
This OSHA publication discusses materials handling safety - Material Handling Equipment Wiki
Main Page defined by the material handling wiki. - Health and Safety Guidline - Manual Materials Handling
Safety guidelines by the Industrial Accident Prevention Association