Which of the following best describes "material handling" in supply chain management?

The definition of "material handling" in supply chain management pertains specifically to the movement and storage of materials throughout the supply chain. This encompasses all activities related to the handling of materials, including their transport from one location to another, storage in warehouses, and the appropriate management of inventory at different stages of the logistics process.

Proper material handling ensures efficiency and safety in operations, reducing costs and improving service levels by streamlining the flow of goods. This aspect is critical because it affects how well materials are received, stored, and distributed, thereby impacting the overall effectiveness of the supply chain.

In contrast, creating new products from raw materials focuses on manufacturing processes rather than the logistics of material movement. Workforce management systems relate to human resources and operational efficiency, while marketing of finished goods pertains to sales strategies rather than the logistics and handling of materials itself. Hence, the best description of material handling is indeed focused on the movement and storage of materials throughout the supply chain.