Conveyor technology in logistics
A logistics center is only as good as the material handling technology and transport systems that keep it moving. Conveyor technology plays a central role in companies when it comes to the flow of materials in distribution and production logistics. Material and goods must safely be stored, transported, sorted, and available during the right place at the right time.
To ensure that internal logistics processes run smoothly, conveyor and storage technology, as well as the software-supported material and information flow, must be closely interlinked. They must be able to be integrated into individual processes, be expandable, and adaptable to new conditions at any time. In summary, companies need custom solution concepts that enable efficient and successful order processing.
Which conveyor system is the right one?
An optimal in-plant transport system depends on several factors and varies according to business model and industry. Different industries and operations have different criteria for selecting automated systems. In the food industry, goods must be transported quickly and gently to prevent spoilage or damage. Transporting frozen goods is a particular challenge because cold storage temperature requirements must always be maintained. Large manufacturing operations can benefit from large load carriers, while overhead conveyor technology best suits applications where delicate goods or apparel are transported.
The warehouse management system (WMS) serves as a coordinate system for intelligent route planning and path optimization. This system also considers any preferred storage strategy – fixed, contingent, or flexible. In conjunction with the material flow system, each unit reaches its destination directly, regardless of which conveyor technology is used.
Factors that contribute to a conveyor system selection are:
Type and characteristics of items being transported
Load carriers that are used during conveying
Required throughput
Intelligent control system
Available space within the facility
Temperature range of the equipment
