Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions.
An aspect of materials management relating specifically to the physical transfer of materials. The movement of materials (raw materials, scrap, semi-finished and finished) to, through, and from productive processes; in warehouses and storage; and in receiving and shipping areas.