The speediness of the inventory movement through the supply chain depends on the methods of material handling. An inappropriate method of material handling will result in the product images and delivery delays and incidental overheads.
Automation and mechanisation in material handling improves the logistics system productivity. Other considerations for choice of a material handling system are the capacities to be handled, the required speed for material movement and the service level to be offered to the consumer. The storage system is vital for maximum space utilisation (cubic and floor) in the given size of a warehouse. The material handling system should support the storage system for speedy movement (storage and retrieval) of goods in and out of the warehouse.
(i) Logistical packaging is an important element in the physical distribution of goods, which influences the effectiveness of the logistical system.
(ii) It varies from product packaging, which is based on objectives of marketing. However, logistical packaging plays
a vital role in material handling, in damage protection, and storage space economy.
(iii) The load utilisation has a major bearing on logistical packaging regarding cost of packaging.