4 Ways Automated Pallet Conveyor Can Ease Manpower Demands & Boost Efficiency

Tackle Workforce Shortage and Space Constraints with Automated Pallet Handling

When it comes to productivity and increased throughput in your warehouse or fulfillment center, time waits for no man. With the continued explosion of E-commerce orders sending warehouse requirements through the roof, plus the arrival of the holiday season and continued labor shortages, the material handling industry is feeling the impact. 

Automation is the obvious answer to meet these aggressive production and fulfillment schedules in today’s fast, time-sensitive economy, however, pallet handling can be a challenging task to automate. There are many factors to consider, including workflow needs, personnel size, facility square footage and more. When you need to integrate automated pallet conveyor systems into your workflow, it’s important to partner with an experienced and qualified resource.  You’ve come to the right place at Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI).

Let’s start with some basics…

What Is Automated Pallet Conveyor?

Relying on powered motion and smart technology, automated pallet conveyors automatically transport pallets throughout the facility.

Warehouse Processes Ideal for Automated Pallet Handling:

• Production
• Warehousing & Distribution
• Quality Control Inspection
• Repack

Automated pallet conveyors can be installed in any number of operational areas from production to storage to dock staging. 

Automated Pallet Conveyor Applications:

• Inventory receiving – program accumulating conveyors to ensure a steady flow of pallets to feed unloading and/or bulk-storage operations. 
• Palletizing – accumulating conveyors can provide empty pallets to the palletizing area and move the full pallets to the next warehousing stage. 
• Automated pallet storage and retrieval – paired with an ASRS system automated pallet conveyors reduce the need for forklifts and operators and prevent vehicle/pallet rack interfacing to minimize rack and equipment damage. Automation of the flow of pallets can be optimized with the use of devices that determine when a pallet moves to the desired position.
• Dock Staging – accumulating conveyors help the flow of pallets in proper order for labeling, stretch wrapping, and shipment.

No matter the use of your automated solution, it is scalable to address your unique warehouse operation. Additionally, the system can be integrated to work with the warehouse management system (WMS) for an even greater hands-off approach to pallet in-take, storage and processing. 

Accumulating Conveyors

One popular type of automated conveyor is the accumulating conveyor. These conveyors are often used for picking and packing functions though they are also common in production lines to smooth line operations. Their purpose is to feed, hold or stop inventory… in other words,  accumulate, and index pallets. Photosensors are used to detect pallets on the conveyor and index them accordingly to maximize the pallet position of the conveyor. There are two types of accumulating conveyors, minimum pressure and zero pressure systems. Minimum pressure allows for items to touch on the conveyor and zero prevents contact.

Automated Pallet Conveyor Advantages

Automated pallet conveyors allow you to quickly shift inventory to the right place within your facility, to optimize space and protect goods from damage. Other benefits include:

• Decreased Labor Cost and Risk of Injury – An investment in an automated pallet conveyor can significantly reduce personnel costs and protect your staff from risk of injury. Though automated systems obviously require some level of human operation, their ability to modernize and streamline material handling practices helps keep your employees safe.
• High Weight Capacity – Pallet conveyor standard capacity is generally 2,500lb. per pallet but heavier and lighter weights can be accommodated with design features for each application.
• Accommodates Many Types of Pallet – Automated pallet conveyors can accommodate many different styles of pallets, including wood, plastic pod-style pallets, standard plastic pallets, slave pallets, automotive pallets, and cardboard pallets. With proper design most pallets can be accommodated with a powered conveyor.
• Increased Space – Automated pallet conveyor systems don’t require multiple forklifts and operators that occupy floor space. They can also be suspended from the ceiling and don’t necessarily need to be grounded, freeing up valuable space in your facility. 

Let WOI Help Your Facility Seamlessly Integrate Automated Pallet Conveyor

When you’re ready to explore the benefits of automated pallet conveyor, the team at Storage Solutions Inc. is ready to help. With our 5 Step Total Satisfaction Experience™ you are guaranteed that we listen and execute your project paying special attention to your particular application, project timelines, safety, and appearance of the finished product. We will walk you through each stage of the process and offer expert customer service and peace of mind. Contact a member of our team today and chat, Zoom, or call us at (865) 540-4004 for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers in Tennessee, Alabama, and throughout the Southeast.