Efficiency in your material handling can only be as good as the conveyor you’re using for this process. That means you choose the wrong tool, and it will frustrate you all the way. But at the same time, picking the suitable conveyor is key to increasing productivity and streamlining operations. Of course, you already know this, but the only challenge you’re facing knows which tool is suitable for the job you’ve got. The following are the top considerations to relieve you of anxiety and make your buying process as seamless as it gets.
1. The intended purpose
There’s a reason that has made it necessary that you acquire a material handling conveyor. Which material do you intend the tool to handle? That’s the question that should top your list. For instance, if you’re looking for a conveyor to handle large material, the tool you get must be strong enough to manipulate such a size. Such equipment may include overhead cranes, cargo elevators, specialized overhead cranes, and trucks.
If you require equipment to handle bulky products such as powder or grains, your best choice could be any of the following: bucket, drums, and silos, walking, screw, or vibrating beam conveyor systems. And if you’re looking to automate the material handling process, you need to be intentional about selecting a system compatible with your automation technology of choice.
Experts says that another critical aspect to think about is the type of flow pattern. For instance, lifts work best for batch handling, while conveyors do well for bulk handling. On the other hand, specialized overhead cranes and trucks are suitable for horizontal workflows, while pipes and elevators are ideal for vertical flows.
2. What’s your order picking method?
You must get the answer to this question before selecting and buying a conveyor system for your business. According to a recent study, the order picking method accounts for 63% of the costs associated with warehousing labor.
By implication, if you pick a method that’s able to perform this function, then you’ll have saved your business a lot of unnecessary expenses. The commonly used order picking methods include zone, picking, piece picking, wave picking, case picking, and batch picking.
If, for example, your business uses batch picking for retail, dry cleaning, or clothing applications, the best type of equipment to select is the horizontal carousels. Most laboratories and manufacturing plants use this system due to its efficiency in their operations.
In whichever case, it’s recommended that you for a system that’s compatible with your order picking method. Also, after getting the carousels, you may as well customize and configure them so that they include storage bins for moving powdered or bulky materials.
3. Consider the level of customization you’ll need
Buying material handling conveyors involves spending a substantial amount of money. You, therefore, need to approach the issue from all the possible angles. That includes planning both for the present and future of the equipment you’re about to buy.
If you figure out that you might need some modifications down the line, you should work towards getting a system that guarantees that flexibility. For instance, you may require specialized overhead cranes with customizable trolleys, a vast load capacity, and customized trolleys to handle materials with bulky and odd shapes.
Similarly, conveyor belts with scales may be the best option for that kind of workflow. Besides, lifting equipment and washing and drying mechanisms are the other significant factors you shouldn’t forget. In the case of handling liquid material, you’ll want to think about customizing draining or filling systems. You should contact an expert like Mainway Handling to learn which systems are best for your business.
4. Space availability
You can only buy a material handling conveyor system that can fit flexibly into your space. If you’re limited for space, your top priority should be to utilize the amount of space available to the best of your ability. Start by analyzing the floor space you’ve got, including the storage area and where the site for the material floor. Other important considerations when thinking about space include ceiling, height, wall strength, floor level inequality, the width of gates and doors.
Try and think beyond the obvious so that you don’t incur expenses you can avoid. For instance, if you feel that the floor area is limited, why don’t you consider vertical storage? Such a move will eliminate the need to invest in additional square footage.
5. Do the math
Does your current financial standing allow you to make such an initial investment? What are those installation charges; will you cover these expenses without jeopardizing your stability? Have you keenly thought out the maintenance and operational costs now and in the long run?
The maintenance and other associated costs shouldn’t be so high that they surpass the buying price at one point in the future. Another tip to keep the operational costs low for such equipment is to use preventive maintenance to remain in good working conditions. Trouble begins when it’s serviced when repaired after breaking down entirely before it gives some attention.
Also, what’s the estimated lifespan of the material handling equipment you want to buy? If its projected stay is enough to justify the investment, then you can tick this box and move on to the next.
Summary
If you take these factors into keen consideration, you will inevitably buy the equipment that corresponds to your needs and financial ability. In case you’ve got more trouble questions that you need to be answered, drop a comment below, and we’ll be right back to you.
You must be logged in to post a comment.