Abstract
In today’s versatile and dynamic industrial scenario more and more industries are adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and systems like flexible manufacturing system (FMS) which combines the efficiency of a mass production line and the flexibility of a job shop. Material handling equipment form an important component of FMS and using proper material handling equipment can enhance the production process, provide effective utilization of manpower, increase production and improve system flexibility. In this research the main material handling issues in a FMS are identified and further evaluated using ISM and TOPSIS approaches. The purpose of identification of these issues and their analysis is to allow researchers and practicing managers to pay proper attention to these issues which may help them in designing the material handling systems in their organisations in a better way.
Highlights
Material handling (MH) is involved at all stages from the time the raw material enters the factory till the finished product goes out
Tuzkaya et al (2010) point outs that the use of proper material handling equipment can enhance the production process and improves system flexibility
An efficient MH system greatly improves the competitiveness of a product through the reduction of handling cost, enhances the production process, increases production and system flexibility, increases efficiency of material flow, improves facility utilization, provides effective utilization of manpower and decreases lead time (Beamon 1998)
Summary
Material handling (MH) is involved at all stages from the time the raw material enters the factory till the finished product goes out. Many researchers have stressed the importance of proper material handling in an organisation. Tuzkaya et al (2010) point outs that the use of proper material handling equipment can enhance the production process and improves system flexibility. Proper selection of appropriate material handling equipment has become a most important parameter for modern manufacturing concerns (Tompkins 2010). Selecting appropriate material handling equipment can decrease manufacturing lead times, increase the efficiency of material flow, improve facility utilization and increase productivity (Kulak et al 2004). An efficient MH system greatly improves the competitiveness of a product through the reduction of handling cost, enhances the production process, increases production and system flexibility, increases efficiency of material flow, improves facility utilization, provides effective utilization of manpower and decreases lead time (Beamon 1998)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
