Material shifting is an important part of several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and logistics. It entails transporting raw supplies, completed goods, and machinery from one area to another. The demand for cost-effective material shifting solutions has grown dramatically in India in recent years, owing mostly to the country’s growing industrialisation and urbanisation.
For instance, the global construction industry, which includes material handling, is poised to grow from US$7.26 trillion in 2021 to US$14.41 trillion in 2030 (a CAGR of 7.3 percent). Almost 57 percent of this growth is likely to be contributed by three leading countries – the US, China, and India.
Businesses that need to move materials often must evaluate various issues, including cost, efficiency, and safety. In this article, we’ll discuss the many steps of material shifting and how to cut expenses.
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Stages of Material Shifting
There are four stages through which material shifting and handling take place. They go like this:
1. Manufacturing
Inbound shipments and finished goods must be moved and handled safely within the factory and storage spaces during the manufacturing process. This includes loading and unloading, as well as internal transportation of materials and products.
2. Transportation
After manufacturing, products are transported to either a wholesaler or an internal warehouse. The items are typically prepared for shipping by being placed on pallets or other unitising methods to simplify the shipping process. Companies use on-demand trucks in order to carry out these heavy-duty transfers similar to a house shifting service.
3. Storage and warehousing
Upon arrival at the warehouse, products are offloaded and stored in designated storage racks or shelves until needed by suppliers or retailers. Effective internal movement within the warehouse is necessary to maintain an organised and efficient storage system.
4. Distribution
Materials are distributed to retailers or customers, and packaging and consolidation into shippable units are necessary. Loading the units onto trucks for transport is also a critical part of the distribution process. This process mainly comprises last-mile delivery. Hence, tracking and monitoring the shipment’s progress is essential to ensure timely delivery.
Ways to Reduce Material Shifting
Reducing material handling and material transport costs is essential for businesses to remain competitive and profitable. Here are some specific ways to achieve this:
Implement Lean Manufacturing Principles
The Lean methodology emphasises the elimination of waste and non-value-added activities. By implementing lean principles, you can minimise the amount of material shifting and handling required in your operations. This can be done by optimising the layout of your facility, streamlining your workflow, and reducing inventory levels.
Make Use of Automation
Automated material handling systems can greatly reduce the need for manual labour, which can be costly and time-consuming. Automated machinery does not require more manpower and can get the job done more accurately while reducing material shifting by moving products and materials more efficiently and accurately.
Use Standardised Containers
Standardised containers can help reduce material shifting costs by eliminating the need for custom packaging and reducing the time and labour required for loading and unloading. Using standard containers also helps minimise product damage during transport.
Optimise Transportation Routes
Optimising transportation routes can help to reduce material transport costs by minimising the distance and time required to move materials. This can be achieved through careful planning and scheduling of shipments, as well as by using technology such as GPS tracking and route optimisation software.
Consolidate Shipments
Consolidating shipments can help to reduce material shifting costs by minimising the number of trips required. This can be done by grouping orders together and shipping them in larger quantities.
Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory Management
JIT inventory management involves keeping inventory levels as low as possible and replenishing them only when needed. By implementing JIT, you can reduce the amount of material handling required to manage inventory, and minimise the need for material transport.
Evaluate Suppliers
Evaluating suppliers can help to identify those who offer the best value for money, including those who offer lower material shifting costs. By working with the right suppliers, you can minimise these costs and improve your bottom line.
In essence, the process of reducing material shifting costs requires a combination of strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of your business. By implementing the above strategies, you can achieve significant cost savings while improving your overall efficiency and competitiveness.
Moreover, if you are looking for a reliable logistics service that will cater to your material shifting needs, Porter can be your best choice. It offers a range of on-demand trucks that are suitable for handling and transporting goods of all shapes and sizes with utmost efficiency.
