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

Mohsen M.D. Hassan (Department of Operations Management and Business Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman)

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management

ISSN: 1741-038X

Article publication date: 9 February 2010

3484

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.

Keywords

Citation

Mohsen and Hassan (2010), "A framework for selection of material handling equipment in manufacturing and logistics facilities", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 246-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381011014396

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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