Material handling is a term used to describe the process of moving, controlling and protecting materials throughout a manufacturing or distribution process. This crucial component of the supply chain has a wide range of synonyms that can be used to describe it. Some of the most common alternatives for material handling include logistics, movement management, warehousing, distribution, inventory control, transportation, and handling operations. Additionally, some of the more specific synonyms for material handling include packaging, storage, shipping, and receiving. Each of these terms highlights a different aspect of the material handling process, but they all ultimately refer to the management of goods and materials in a commercial setting.