A warehouse conveyor system is a mechanical means for automatically transporting goods throughout a facility. Conveyors take on various forms depending on a variety of factors, including:
However, all conveyor systems transfer goods from Point A to Point B with minimized human effort.
Of course, industrial conveyor systems are capable of more than simple transport. Modern conveyor systems can assist with nearly every phase of material handling. We work with Bastian and Hytrol conveyors to ensure you have access to a complete range of warehouse solutions.
Conveyor systems reduce wasted labor by removing the burden of repetitive, manual transport. Used throughout your facility, they can eliminate the need for workers to physically carry goods anywhere in your warehouse. Removing this wasted labor has several benefits that impact your shipping, receiving, and picking operations.
Pickers spend an average of 60% of their workday walking your facility. Automated warehouse conveyor systems eliminate much of that wasted time. That increase in productivity naturally translates into faster picking, shipping, and restocking. All three improve warehouse optimization and customer service, saving you money and actively making you more.
Overexertion injuries from lifting, pulling, or carrying activities caused 521,350 days away from work between 2021 and 2022. The potential for these injuries continues to grow as demands on warehouses increase. Conveyor systems reduce the risk of injury by reducing the amount of physical labor necessary in your facility.
You're probably most familiar with belt conveyors, such as the ones used in grocery store checkout aisles or the slat conveyors in baggage claims at airports. However, there are over 20 different kinds of conveyors, each with its own function. Of those, the following are some of the most common:
The cost of a conveyor system varies widely depending on the types of conveyors used. Motorized systems cost more to install and maintain than their manual counterparts. However, conveyor systems are highly cost-efficient for facilities with high throughput.
For example, a motorized belt conveyor can cost around $5,000 per linear foot. That might seem like a lot, but compare it to the savings they provide. Suppose you have 25 workers in your warehouse, each making about $40,000 annually. That's $1 million spent in labor each year, 60% of which is wasted walking around your facility. If a conveyor system allows you to reduce that wasted time to 10%, you've recovered $500,000 worth of productive work. That's enough to pay for 100 feet of motorized belt conveyor in a single fiscal year.
That example also assumes that your entire conveyor system requires motorized belts. However, many industrial conveyor systems combine conveyor types, mixing motorization with non-motorized varieties like Hytrol roller conveyors. This combination can dramatically reduce the overall cost.
Naturally, conveyor systems aren’t for every facility. Each warehouse must weigh the pros and cons to determine if the ROI justifies the expense. That’s where we can help. Our Solutions Team has the expertise you need to determine which type of conveyor system might be best for you. Let us help you find the perfect solution for all your warehouse needs. To learn more about conveyor systems or to request a quote, contact us online or visit one of our locations throughout Georgia and Florida.
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