Aim
The course gives basic as well as advanced knowledge regarding the creation of effective and efficient materials flow in a company. The course also provides skills in methods for analysing material flows and materials handling needs, and how to choose and design materials handling systems. Another goal is to give a short introduction to queuing theory.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• develop knowledge about tools and concepts that can be used to analyse and improve the materials flow in a company and know when to apply and use these tools and concepts.

• as a member of a team, plan and suggest acquisitions of materials handling equipment in an industrial context.

• independently describe and explain different techniques that are used in a materials flow analysis

• describe and explain a company’s materials handling functions

• extensively describe and independently analyse material flows in a company and related activities

• describe and define concepts and constructs concerning materials handling and logistics

• explain and identify when different techniques for analysis should be applied in the examination of different material flows in a company

• describe and explain factors that affect the materials flow in a company

• independently describe and analyse the choice of materials handling equipment

• independently be able to describe and analyse the dimensioning of a warehouse

• describe and explain how basic production structures affect the materials flow in a warehouse or a factory

• understand and explain the factors that affect the dimensioning of a materials handling system

• understand and explain the basics of safety stock dimensioning

• understand and explain what costs arise in a materials handling system and a warehouse

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• apply techniques for analysing material flows and develop new solutions

• calculate and apply basic analysis for designing optimal stock levels

• estimate and evaluate materials handling equipment for industrial acquisition

• evaluate and analyse problems related to materials flow

• analyse and apply the basics in dimensioning a warehouse

• during lectures and exercises, independently and in groups, discuss problems related to materials handling

• in written form, describe as well as discuss their own and others’ analysis in a project report

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• critically and creatively be able to use different techniques for analysing material flows in a company with the target of improving their efficiency.

• be able to apply these techniques in an industrial context in order to help companies improve the efficiency in their internal material flows.

• understand the issue of dimensioning in the design and construction of a new warehouse.

Contents
Material flow analysis, fixed and flexible handling equipment, load carriers and unit loads packages, storage and warehouse equipment, terminal automation and layout planning, analysis of stock levels and tools for designing optimal stock levels, queuing theory and simulation. Acquire or rent equipment, production layout’s and structure’s effect on materials flow, organization structure’s effect on material flow, and study materials handling in practice.

Literature
Elvander, M. & Lundin, J: Compendium in materials handling. Engineering Logistics. 2008 (available for download)
Elvander, M. & Lundin, J: Exercises in materials handling, Engineering Logistics. 2008 (available for download)

Code: 0108. Name: Materials Handling.
Higher education credits: 3,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Passed written examination. Contents: Covers literature och lectures.

Code: 0208. Name: Cases.
Higher education credits: 1,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Satisfactorily completed cases. Contents: In a case study, the students in groups (3-4) should solve a fictitious company's materials handling problems. A written report should be presented. Furthermore, completed exercises and assignments are required.