How Are SMEs Taking Care Of Material Handling Effectively – From Material Hoist To Robotics
- Written by Business Daily Media
SMEs have to juggle unpredictable demand spikes, shifting markets, tight contract deadlines, and abrupt business strategy pivots while trying to handle material logistics. Factors like political paralysis and economic rollercoasters make it more difficult for them to stay adrift in the crashing waves. In such a backdrop, being flexible can serve as the ultimate solution. Today we are going to take a look at the various strategies used by SMEs ranging from material hoists to robotics which can turbo-charge their operations without carrying the weight of unnecessary costs.
Automation In Material Hoist
Picture this - low-cost, easy-peasy automation that optimizes, standardizes, and simplifies your operation. With remote-controlled prowess, it cuts costs and delivers that fat ROI you crave. You can take the example of an electric material hoist which is designed to lift, lower, and transport materials and products with ease.
Industrial hoists, commonly known as hoists, are mechanical or electromechanical devices designed to lift objects vertically by utilizing mechanical leverage. They play a critical role as a component of overhead crane systems, facilitating the efficient lifting and lowering of heavy loads. Mechanical hoist tools operate by distributing and lifting weight evenly through the use of gears and pulleys.
These pulleys are instrumental in transferring forces over long, horizontal, or vertical distances. A rope or chain is securely wrapped around a drum, barrel, or wheel, which is then connected to other pulleys and gears with varying radii. Generally, hoists feature a hook on their fixed end, allowing them to be attached to a moving trolley or crane. On the movable end, another hook is present, responsible for engaging with the load to be lifted.
Now imagine if you don’t have to put in any effort in operating these material hoists. This is what the SMEs are targeting to attain in the days to come. Electric motors drive these material hoists and come equipped with controllers to adjust the lifting parameters finely. Thanks to their exceptional efficiency, the material hoists excel in handling heavy loads and are particularly valuable for lifting tasks where the utilization of conveyors and cranes proves unfeasible and impractical.
Robotics
Robotics play a crucial role in revolutionizing warehouse operations, offering affordable automation solutions even for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By incorporating robotic lift trucks, SMEs can significantly enhance efficiency in handling repetitive tasks within the warehouse environment. Though their operation is similar to a material hoist, they can be automated to execute activities such as pallet movement and trailer towing, streamlining the material handling processes.
These automated trucks can seamlessly integrate into existing warehouse infrastructure without compromising their robustness. They can be programmed to interact with other vehicles and personnel, ensuring safe and cooperative operations.
Fabian Calle, managing director, small and medium business, SAP Concur Australia
