Purchasing and installing a new conveyor system is a big decision, and one that will have implications on your entire operations and production process. It’s imperative to get it right by selecting the right solution and partner. Below, we’ll discuss 5 key things to consider before selecting and implementing a new conveyor system for your facility.
Assess your current system/situation
Before you begin the process, it’s crucial you have a strong understanding of your current situation, specifically the challenges, pain points, and needs of your operations. The type of conveyor system you’ll implement will vary based on the specific needs of the production environment and the products that will be handled. Know your products, your current process, your design criteria, and all of the things you hope to get out of investing in and implementing a new conveyor system.
Value quality over cost
Cost is certainly an important consideration; however, it shouldn’t be the sole focus of your search for a new conveyor system. Instead, place quality over anything else. At the end of the day, you’re looking to improve your production and facility operations, whether that’s for efficiency, ergonomics, etc. If you end up purchasing conveyor based on lowest cost, you might be missing out on a product that’s been proven to last longer, be more adaptable, or integrate with a software solution. In the end, the value of your product should always play the biggest role in the decision-making process.
Will your operations grow?
If there’s even a small chance that your operations can grow in size and/or scale in the foreseeable future, that should be taken into account when implementing a new conveyor system. There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to conveyor, so you need to look for a solution and a vendor that’s able to make adjustments and continuous changes to the system. If your demand fluctuates frequently, or you’re constantly adding new products, you’ll need to have that flexibility and scalability to fall back on. Seek out a solution that’s as adaptable and innovative as your business.
Ease of maintenance/repair
With a conveyor system, downtime can be a nightmare. When the conveyor system is down, it affects almost every aspect of a production facility’s operations. As such, it’s crucial and necessary to select a conveyor vendor and solution that’s proven, trustworthy, and simple to maintain. Additionally, you’ll need a conveyor system that’s relatively quick and painless to repair in the event that something goes wrong. In some cases, technology aimed at managing the flow of operations and monitoring efficiency and uptime can be implemented along with the conveyor system to help alleviate downtime concerns.
Find a conveyor partner
Again, if you’re even considering the possibility of expanding operations, you’ll need an adaptable product. And with that, an adaptable and reliable partner. Don’t get stuck working with a conveyor vendor who sells the product without any knowledge or follow-through. If you have any issues that arise, whether during the installation or afterwards, you might get stuck with a company unable to assist. Instead, seek a partner who has a vast knowledge of conveyor systems, is able and willing to design a layout, provides maintenance or installation, and will be there for your company long after time of purchase.
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