Conveyor belts are an irreplaceable tool in your company if you envision success. Relying on humans to ensure the smooth flow of goods and materials through production offers limited value. Also, you can encounter bottlenecks and downtime with an inefficient conveyor system. The outcomes lead to decreased productivity, too. You can fix this to boost your conveyor’s efficiency and productivity. This post provides seven simple ways you can achieve this.
1. Use the Right Conveyor System
A conveyor system is a tool you use to achieve your goals. However, its application must match the purpose for which it exists. For instance, you would get discouraging results using your conveyor to perform a function beyond its scope.
You can invest in a belt conveyor made from high-quality materials. Choose one with the capacity to handle your loads. Remember that some are better for moving loose objects like grains. Others efficiently transport heavy loads.
Before purchasing a conveyor, assess your needs. This step will help you to know whether you need a pull conveyor system. They are 50-to-70 percent more efficient than push systems. When you pull, the load capacity increases. Assess your needs and choose a suitable conveyor.
2. Choose High-Quality Conveyor Components
If you already have a conveyor system, check whether it has the best components. The system’s performance is as good as the quality of these items.
Some conveyors come with the right components. However, they degrade over time and lose value. Whenever this happens, your system’s efficiency and productivity diminish. You can invest in a conveyor belt made from high-quality materials. If you have an excellent belt, consider replacing other parts, like motors and rollers.
The upfront cost of investing in a conveyor’s high-quality components can appear high. However, the savings you gain from reduced downtime and fewer replacements are worth it.
3. Conduct Regular Cleanings
An excellent conveyor system can serve you well for many years. However, you need to conduct regular cleanings to sustain this performance. Rust can compromise your equipment’s quality. Debris and other dirt particles can also build up over time. If this happens, your system’s tubes can clog, reducing the lifespan. You can experience more severe problems if the products in your company generate dust particles.
Minimize these problems by cleaning your conveyor system regularly. Cleanliness also has health benefits. If you are in the food and beverage industry, you have more reasons to embrace it.
4. Consider Environmental Conditions
The surrounding environment determines whether your conveyor system can remain efficient for long. If the place where you keep it is in the best condition, you might have less unplanned downtime. On the other hand, if it is a harsher environment, problems related to iron corrosion might reduce your productivity.
If corrosion is a threat, replace your iron-made chain. A stainless steel or zinc-plated chain can serve you well in such places.
Workplace conditions can change at any time. However, you can use this idea to remain productive regardless of the prevailing challenges.
5. Embrace Automation and Robotics
Conveyors reduce the amount of manual labor you require to move your products. If you want to improve its efficiency and productivity, choose automation and robotics. It is a simple way to reduce reliance on manual work further.
You can integrate automated materials handling systems into the conveyor system. Robotic pickers and autonomous vehicles can also streamline the processes. If you do this, you can increase throughput and reduce cycle times. You can also enhance accuracy this way.
6. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
The manufacturer understands your conveyor more than you do. Follow their instructions to achieve much, regardless of your effort. They guide you on how to use this equipment. Also, you can find troubleshooting and proper maintenance techniques in the user manual. Follow them closely.
Moreover, ensure everyone using the conveyor system knows the need to follow instructions. You can conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. Additionally, you can keep track of maintenance activities. You can also ask your team to record all actions while operating the equipment.
7. Train Your Employees
Asking your employees to be accountable is an excellent step. The efforts can lead to frustrations and disagreements. When discord increases at the workplace, productivity and efficiency suffer significantly.
The solution lies in proper employee training. Create adequate time for your employees to understand technical concepts. Allow them to ask questions. You should also demonstrate a genuine interest in helping to learn. When you do this, you reduce accidents. You also boost the morale of your employees. Coupled with these skills, you empower your team to use the conveyor system to its full potential.
Summing Up
A conveyor can maximize productivity in your business. Boost its efficiency to achieve this. Invest in high-quality components and use the right conveyor system. If that is not enough, conduct regular cleanings and assess the impact of environmental conditions. You should also use automation and robotics and respect the manufacturer’s guidelines. For the best outcome, ensure you train your employees as well. If you follow these steps, your conveyor will operate at peak efficiency.