Factors to Consider in Selecting Materials Handling Equipment

Distance. It is important to consider the distance to be covered by the equipment.

Availability. The load-carrying and movement characteristics of the equipment should fit the materials handling problem.

Characteristics of material. It is important to consider type, volume, size, shape, and weigh of the material e.g. material characteristics, physical state, nature of chemical action, etc.
Flexibility. Where possible the equipment should have flexibility to handle more than on material, referring either to class or size.
Load capacity. Equipment selected should have great enough load-carrying characteristics e.g. capacity and strength) to do the job effectively, yet should not be too large and result in excess operating costs.
Power. Enough power should be available to do the job.

Speed. Rapidity of movement of material, within the limits of the production/warehousing facility or safety requirements, should be considered.

Space requirements. The space required to install or operate materials handling equipment is an important factor in selection. Thus, it is important to consider factors such as floor space available, condition of floor, clearance height, etc.

Supervision required. As applied to equipment selection, this refers to the degree of automaticity designed into the equipment.

Ease of maintenance. Equipment selected should be easily maintained at reasonable cost. Thus, the equipment’s maintenance and annual depreciation rates are very important.

Cost. The consideration of the cost of the equipment is an obvious factor in its selection.

Production factors. Methods of manufacture, volume of production, and the sequence of operation should be considered.