Efficient Material Handling and Maintenance Logistics

Maintenance and Material Support

Maintenance involves the movement of objects or materials without changing their state. This process is responsible for providing support to the production service by supplying the materials they need.

The Material Support Process Sequence

The sequence performed in the material support process includes:

• Unloading vehicles that contain materials.
• Transporting materials to storage locations.
• Orderly placement of materials.
• Retrieving materials for use in the production process.
• Transporting materials to make them available for workshops.
• Internal movement of materials between different workshops.
• Transporting finished products to the warehouse.

Essential Equipment for Material Handling

To carry out the maintenance process, it is necessary to have a range of appliances and utensils, which can be grouped into two main sections:

Traditional Devices

• A.1. Cranes
• A.2. Conveyors
• A.3. Cars
• A.4. Forklifts

Automated Material Handling Devices

• Computer-guided vehicles
• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

Strategic Decision Making in Support Logistics

The organization of support across the board requires taking three types of decisions:

Selecting a site: Choosing the procedure and means that will be used.

Steps for Effective Maintenance Management

For properly functioning support services, the following steps must be performed:

• A thorough knowledge of maintenance works to be executed.
• Assessing the importance of each maintenance task.
• Critically examining test results.
• Distinguishing between different maintenance processes.
• Studying relationships by decomposing itineraries.
• Valuing input and output points of workshops and storage to ensure fluid and constant traffic.
• Creating a body responsible for managing maintenance programs.

Risks of Inefficient Material Management

Risks arising from the inefficient management of materials include:

• Demurrage: The costs incurred as a result of delays.
• Wasted machine time.
• Slow movement of materials within the plant.
• Potential damage to parts or the entire product.
• Mishandling that disrupts production programs.
• Loss of customers due to dissatisfaction with product orders.
• Safety concerns for workers.
• Increased material costs that cannot be recovered.