ABSTRACT
The shape of parts will change in various ways in the process from material input to finished product. In order to completely eliminate quality trouble, it is very important to prepare a flow chart that visualizes the actual state of the company’s material flow and to standardize the procedures for the handling each material, part or product. Basics of material handling can be roughly classified into the separation of storage place from work process, First-in First-out, and Pull System. The main flow items to be handled are classified into four categories: raw materials, outsourced parts, in-process parts, and finished products. The simplest way to handle them is to place them in fixed locations. However, if it is difficult to secure dedicated places for them even in the case of large-variety small-volume products or special models, it is also effective to set up “free-location storage” space, which allows for time saving in looking for and arranging a storage place.
