Material handling equipment selection: New classifications of equipments and attributes

Abstract

This paper analyses the existing literature (27 articles) on material handling equipment selection through equipments and attributes aspects. It is found that the maximum material handling equipment types used by developed systems for resolving the selection problem is 50 equipment types. The greatest number of attributes used in one article is 42 attributes. However, systems should be more robust and practical by being close to the reality of the selection problem. According to the continuously growing market, much more material handling equipments exist. Therefore, more complete new classifications of individual unit load material handling equipment types and attributes are provided. Equipment categories, classes and types are clarified. Reasons of the necessity for new lists are discussed.