The Advantages Of An Automated Conveyor System
Conveyor systems have been staples in the warehouse environment for the variety of benefits they offer – especially in busy warehouses or during the busy periods of the year when a lot of product needs to be moved effectively and efficiently. In fact, the global conveyor market was valued at around $5.4 billion in 2021, and it’s supposed to increase to $7.76 billion by 2029, representing a continuous annual growth rate of nearly 5 percent. This data underscores the value many warehouses and industrial facilities have placed on conveyor systems.
In this post, we’ll dig deeper into some of the critical advantages of automated conveyors and why they continue to be necessary for the warehouse environment. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know:
5 Key Advantages of an Automated Conveyor System
1. They Reduce Manpower
It’s already often difficult for warehouses to keep up with demand as it is. Throw in the fact that hiring is also a challenge, and conveyors don’t just check one – but two – boxes. Manual material handling requires a significant amount of manpower to carry out, and warehouses need to find the right people to do these jobs. An automated conveyor, conversely, significantly reduces human resources needs. This can help firms maintain productivity while saving money.
2. They Help Improve Safety
Anytime you take a human out of the equation, you’re also removing the potential for that human to commit an error – and nobody is perfect. Regardless of how much safety is stressed and emphasized in a warehouse environment, accidents are still bound to happen from time to time. And while worker injury and the potential for loss of life is the most devastating aspect of any accident, some of the intangibles include lost productivity and expensive worker’s compensation costs. Furthermore, a safe work environment is also proven to be a happy, more productive work environment. Using conveyors instead of manual material handling is one key to achieving a safe work environment.
3. They Free Up Space
Space tends to be at a premium in the warehouse, especially during busy seasons. And we shouldn’t need to tell you how counterproductive clutter can be. That’s another nice thing about conveyors – they account for about half the total space of manual material handling tools and equipment. What’s more, there are various conveyors that warehouses can implement that can save even more space. For example, overhead conveyors are mounted on the ceiling and work to move material overhead, freeing up valuable floor space.
4. There are Many Conveyor Options
There are various types of automated conveyors, allowing warehouses to purchase and install the one that’s right for their particular environment. From the standard motorized roller conveyor to overhead conveyors to low profile conveyors to belt incline conveyors, the variety of conveyor options that managers have to choose from ensures they can find just the right fit.
5. They Streamline Productivity
Just because it’s worth repeating, automated conveyors streamline productivity in the warehouse – and that’s arguably the biggest benefit that they offer. While conveyors tend to come with an upfront investment, they typically more than pay for themselves over time with improved productivity and reduced overhead manpower. It’s why they’ve become a staple in the warehouse environment and why their market share is only projected to rise over the coming years.
Ultimately, automated conveyor systems can prove to be the most efficient, economical, and convenient way of completing complex tasks, helping businesses maximize profits while providing workers with the peace of mind that their tasks are in safe and capable hands. To learn more about A-Lined Handling Systems conveyors, reach out today!