ABSTRACT
Material management is a broad topic when discussing shop floor management. In addition to logistics, there is the material requirements planning system. Materials management prepares material replenishment plans, determines the amount of material deployed to each storage location across the facility, controls raw material inventory levels, work-in-process, and finished goods as well as communicates information regarding material needs throughout the supply chain. The water spider will typically follow a designated route or “milk run” at a specified frequency or when triggered by material need. Material handling involves the movement, storage, protection, and control of materials and products throughout the manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution processes. The concept of traceability can apply to raw material, parts targeted for finished goods, and production equipment such as tools and gauges. Health and safety are important in the movement of material. Raw material inventory consists of the materials and components needed for production.
