Volume and variety: Universal goals in today’s Material Handling and Distribution Systems.

As this function has evolved from back-office, operational fulfillment to an extension of the physical line, it has also become a strategic differentiator in the delivery and cost of goods sold.

Our technical understanding of the interconnection between inventory management, production planning, traffic flow and existing/new product and packaging sales creates strategic advantage for customers.

E²M's differentiating point is in developing designs to handle the volume and variety of the current and future product mix in the most cost effective manner. E²M helps clients react to quick changes in production schedules; product matrix; inventory management; and logistics decisions to provide efficiency and sustainability throughout your operations.

Through comprehensive design and management, we’ll account for your inventory space requirements, traffic flow, flexibility, automation opportunities, and special requirements based on your product portfolio.

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System Modeling & Capacity Analysis

Simulation and emulation are computer models that mimic the real Material Handling Systems, with or without the use of a PLC, to provide insight on material handling systems' operations and performance, and to verify controls strategies or the actual line controls. Capacity Analysis is a spreadsheet-based tool that includes three types of analysis: Palletizer (Unitizing), Trunkline, and Merge Analysis. It helps identify the capability of the Material Handling System and current or future constraints in the system. Output of the analysis is used to create options for designing the Material Handling System. 

Shipping/Receiving Dock Requirements

When determining growth or capability of a warehouse or distribution center, the dock doors are often times a bottleneck for getting the materials in and out in a streamlined manner.  E2M's tools utilize customer-specific input to help determine the minimum number of dock doors required and traffic flow to support the plant’s planned throughput.

Full Goods Inventory

Depending on the process each customer uses for shipping their full goods, analysis and calculations are used to determine the optimal quantity of stored on-hand full goods as well as required shipping practices to the end user or distribution center. Based on available storage area, product environment requirements, and turn time, E2M provides clients with the plans and minimum space required for storing full goods.

Raw Material Handling Systems & Storage

To have a smoothly run, optimized process, the raw goods must be received, stored, and ultimately brought to the manufacturing system  for consumption. At times, certain products must be handled with specific storage requirements in mind – whether it is product that is rarely used, contains allergens, is flammable, or simply requires special consideration. E2M's  clients use our raw material warehouse designs, plans and layouts to ensure that the handling of materials  and storage requirements are at a minimum.

Material Handling Systems Designs

Material Handling Systems designs are created using a formal process. The first step of the process is to gain stakeholder alignment on the production design basis of the system. A capacity analysis is performed based on this design basis to determine the major equipment required to achieve the production requirements. Flow diagrams are developed to simply illustrate possible routing of materials from the end of the production line to the finished unit pick off point. The next step is the development of the 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional system layout of the actual equipment within the facility. Further refinement of the system can be achieved through simulation. The final material handling system design will incorporate good material handling practices, innovative concepts where appropriate, and special consideration of options that will enable the system to be efficiently operated and maintained while supporting the overall objectives of the business.

Traffic Flow Analysis

Moving products within a warehouse can prove to be some of the most time consuming portions of the manufacturing process. E²M has provided our clients with ideal layouts that have drastically reduced the distances of required driving, thus minimizing the driving distance. This results in reducing the risks associated with significant movement within the warehouse as well as the time required for product movement.

GMPs/Sanitation Requirements

E2M  understands the need for Good Manufacturing Practices, as well as sanitation methods and procedures critical for many operations.

E2M also understands dusty environments, as well as strict food and dairy sanitation requirements and pharmaceutical requirements, including cleaning procedures for CIP, COP, and SIP.