Teaching Materials Handling via Multi-media Tools

1 Sunderesh S. Heragu, Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180 [email protected] 2 Robert J. Graves, Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180 [email protected] 3 Charles J. Malmborg, Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180 [email protected] 4 Sybillyn Jennings, Division of Psychology, Russell Sage College, Troy, NY 12180, [email protected] Abstract: Materials handling is a vital function in a manufacturing or distribution system. Efficient handling of material allows such systems to operate at high levels of productivity. US companies invest over $90 billion annually in materials handling technology. In this paper, we discuss a multi-media based tool for materials handling engineering instruction. The CD based tool contains three modules. It introduces students to the ‘Ten Principles of Materials Handling’ and two major categories of materials handling equipment – conveyors and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). The CD also illustrates industrial applications of major types of material handling devices and teaches the problem solving process through an extensive series of models, algorithms, problems and solutions.