Move Over Marvel – Powered Conveyor is Here to Save Your Workforce

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape — See How Powered Conveyor Can Save the Day

Everyone loves a superhero –someone dependable to swoop in to save the day. Well, shake out that cape because automation is here to save the supply chain from software to AGVs and robotic handling equipment. However, one superhero has been on the front lines for a long time, and now is the time for it to really shine, and that is powered conveyor.

The powered conveyor of 2022 is not that different, and yet, in some respects, it’s very different from yesterday’s conveyor systems. Does it still move a variety of shapes and sizes of inventory? Yes, but with advancements in automation and technology, your powered conveyor system can take over where perhaps labor challenges are leaving you short. Here are some ideas for using power conveyors to fill the gap created by labor issues.

Powered conveyor as an umbrella term encompasses both roller & belt conveyor systems. From there, however, the type of conveyor you use can vary widely:

Types of Power Conveyor Systems

Accumulating Systems:

Warehouse Conveyor - Warehouse Optimizers, Inc.

Powered Roller with Chute Conveyor

Powered roller conveyor – Use for accumulating and sorting. It requires only a limited slope, and it’s belt or chain is driven by an electric motor.

Chute conveyor – connects conveyor lines located on different floors.

Cart-on-track – used to move carts along a set path embedded in the floor. Each cart is controlled independently, but the system can be used for accumulating materials.

Tow conveyor – towline operated to move trucks, dollies, and carts along a set path, usually long-distance or high frequency. You can secure the towline embedded in the floor or overhead.

Non-Accumulating Conveyor:

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor

Vertical chain conveyor – ideal for high-volume material transfer.

Slat conveyor – ideal for heavy loads and those requiring wash-down capability.

Tilt slat conveyor – same features as standard slat conveyor with an additional ability to sort items.

Trash Conveyor – Remove trash from packing areas. Overhead mounting is an option to cross over production areas.

Flat belt conveyor – best for lightweight to medium-weight items that do not require accumulating, sorting, or merging.

Vertical lift conveyor – carries freight up and down between floors or mezzanine levels. Loads manually or automatically from a connected conveyor or AGV.

Vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC or Freight Elevators) – also loads manually or automatically, however, only to lower materials from higher levels down to the ground level. They are often used for mezzanine access as material lifts — Lifts are available to transport people with the loads.

Trolley conveyors – load carriers used in order processing, assembly, packing, and storage. They are suspended overhead.

Sortation Conveyors

Multi-Line Conveyor with Diverter

Several types of sortation conveyor products can be combined to achieve merging or separating, inducting, and identifying products as they move from one location to another.

Diverter accessories – can be automated or stationary to deflect, push or pull items. They are powered hydraulically, pneumatically, or via motor.

Pop-ups – used to raise the item over the converter to divert or merge it with an adjacent line.

Sliding shoe sorter – slats positioned on the sides of the conveyor shift side-to-side to make contact and divert items.

Tilting – tilt trays or slat devices used for sorting or transporting items often to navigate elevation changes within a line.

Cross-belt transfer – secures individual items within a single conveyor line and diverts to multiple discharge lines.

Find the Right Conveyor System – Answer These Questions

Before investing in a fixed-powered conveyor system, gather the following data to ensure you use your capital wisely.

Frequency of movement – what is the volume of materials that will be moved?
Established route – can items be moved along a fixed route?
Types of product – are you moving unit loads or bulk materials?
Accumulation – can items accumulate on the conveyor?
Optimal Path – What is the best route for your conveyor?

As noted in the product descriptions above, powered conveyors can be installed overhead, on the floor, or in the floor. When looking for the best route, don’t forget to consider all possibilities. The best path may be up and over or between the warehouse floor.

Roller Conveyor - Storage Solutions Inc.

The Best Route for Your Powered Conveyor Application

If you want assurance that your powered conveyor system will be the hero you need in these challenging times, then call the Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. team. Our experienced crew is ready to come out to your facility, assess your current situation, listen to your challenges, and develop a plan to meet your goals. Rely on WOI for complete turn-key support from design to installation including electrical and mechanical.

An Important Note About Professional Installation

Installation is a critical element in your conveyor project implementation and should only be executed by a trusted, experienced crew. WOI is dedicated to workplace safety and project excellence. Our team is comprised of professional installers who are OSHA 10 certified and fully licensed and insured.

We complete approximately 300 per year and with our goal of 100% Customer Satisfaction we can assure you will be pleased with the results.

The WOI 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience™ guarantees that we will:

Listen to your needs
Execute your project with special attention to your unique application
Stick to project timelines
Ensure a safe environment
Pay close attention to the detail of the finished product

Call today to speak with an WOI representative (865) 540-4004 or email at info@warehouseoptimizers.com. We proudly serve customers throughout the Southeast, including KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA.

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