Conveyor systems have revolutionized modern workplaces, streamlining operations and reducing human error.
While originally a preserve of established companies, belt conveyors have since found their way into multiple industries, and the demand simply keeps rising.
But why is there a growing interest in conveyor systems?
This article shall put that question into perspective by highlighting the role of this innovative machinery in modern factories.
1. Automating Product Delivery
Before the emergence of advanced mechanization, the only way to move items across various points along the production or assembly line was manually. Not only is this time-consuming. It also requires investing in larger human workforces, adversely impacting revenue generation.
Conveyors have improved efficiency for modern industries by automating the delivery of goods. Through these systems, businesses can now increase throughput while maintaining a lean workforce.
By automating routine tasks, conveyor systems free up manual laborers, who can then be redeployed to other critical departments to spur wholesome growth in a company.
2. Improving Speed
Automation is synonymous with speed.
Numerous companies that have integrated conveyor belts report a significant increase in workplace productivity, as these machines expedite the movement of products to pick-up points or storage units.
With conveyor systems, items that would have required several minutes to haul manually between multiple points can now be seamlessly transported. This translates to increased efficiency in various departments, from production and assembly to storage, distribution, et cetera.
3. Enhancing Accuracy
Conveyor belts vary in their sophistication levels.
Some advanced conveyor systems come equipped with a calibration mechanism, enabling them to be customized for specific product types, weights, and volumes.
For instance, you could preset the machine to convey smaller milk carton boxes required on short notice and then recalibrate the settings to larger packages that still need to go to the cold room. This can be instrumental in enhancing accuracy in each batch.
4. Promoting Standardization
Product standardization is a best practice in numerous industries worldwide. It ensures that all regulated goods in circulation meet the minimum requirements for consistency and compatibility.
Conveyor belts promote standardization by enabling you to customize them for specific item deliveries. As a result, products conveyed in each batch maintain consistent quality.
Maintaining product quality speaks to a company’s attention to detail and can foster a stronger brand appeal among its customers.
5. Reducing Accidents
Workplace accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries and even wrongful deaths. Besides, companies have had to part with millions for negligent workplace injuries. The surest way to minimize these incidents is by implementing robust workplace safety protocols, such as increasing automation.
By automating the delivery of items, conveyor systems minimize accidents related to handling bulky or potentially hazardous materials. These machines are resilient and won’t break down often, ensuring proper safety and maintenance procedures are upheld.
With regular inspection and servicing, a conveyor system can go for years without developing major breakdowns or posing risks to employee safety.
6. Guarding Against Item Damage
Hauling bulky items manually is not only a safety hazard. It can also lead to inadvertent product damage, adversely impacting your revenue.
In fact, a significant amount of production waste is attributed to manual labor, underscoring the significance of mechanization.
Conveyor belts can guard against unintentional item damage by automating the conveyance of bulky and hazardous materials. The machines also implement proper spacing between products, reducing damages due to item collision.
7. Saving Energy
For many industries, energy bills account for a significant share of recurrent expenditures. Monthly water and electricity expenses can quickly run into millions of dollars, depriving your company of the funds required to finance other critical expenditures.
Conveyor belts undeniably run on electricity. However, their ability to minimize production waste makes them less energy-intensive.
Moreover, conveyor systems may be configured to operate only when items need to be transported along the belt channel.
8. Fostering Inventory Management
Modern inventory management systems thrive on automation. Gone are the days when warehouse employees would manually tour through massive storage units trying to keep up with their inventories.
Some conveyor belt systems are compatible with cutting-edge warehouse management software. Therefore, you can quickly pinpoint the location of products at various points from the production lines or loading bays to the warehouse.
Syncing a conveyor belt system with inventory management software can minimize revenue losses from overstocks or stockovers.
9. Cost-Saving
The fact that conveyor belts automate product handling enables companies to manage the overheads associated with maintaining a larger workforce of manual laborers.
As mentioned, conveyor belts can also be remarkably energy-efficient if properly used. Companies can integrate these machines into their production or packaging systems without worrying about high electricity bills.
Moreover, conveyor belts enhance cost savings by minimizing product mishandling—their superior resilience guards against operational downtimes caused by frequent machine breakdowns.
Summary
Conveyor belts play a significant role in modern workplaces by automating repetitive tasks while minimizing human error and product mishandling. These machinery also foster standardization along the production and assembly lines, thereby reducing costly product recalls.
If properly utilized, conveyor belts can optimize workplace productivity by reducing the need for manual laborers.
Despite the ethical issues surrounding their adoption, such as the potential for job displacements, the benefits of installing conveyor systems far outweigh any drawbacks. The trick is to ensure the machinery is installed correctly and well-maintained. Common maintenance tips include regular belt tracking and tensioning, routine cleaning, and constant maintenance of the electrical components.