CCDM

3 Benefits of Automated Conveyor Systems

15th August 2019

It’s no secret that automation is booming in the manufacturing industry. According to the international federation of Robotics, robot sales in the United States have increased significantly since 2010. Why? “[To achieve the] necessary modernization of domestic production facilities.” Indeed, automation is moving the manufacturing industry into a more modern, efficient direction. Just look at the positive impact Kiva’s robotics have had on Amazon’s bottom line: Kiva’s automated picking and packing robots saved Amazon roughly $22 million in operating expenses.

In order for production facilities to compete--and thrive--in this fast growing landscape, managers should automate key processes. In addition to picking and packing, manufacturing plants should adopt smarter conveyor technologies too.

Why Manufacturers Should Use Automated Conveyors
Few plant managers argue against automation; however, when it comes to conveyor systems, apprehension typically stems from the upfront cost of programming. While the initial programming cost may appear high, it’s best to think of it as an investment. When properly implemented, automated conveyors can help a variety of different industries cut costs and improve productivity. Ultimately, you should adopt automated conveyor systems if you want to...

1. Free Up Space
Clutter is the enemy of productivity. Fortunately, automated conveyors require half as much space as manual-operated machines. When there’s no need to leave room for multiple operators or forklifts, it’s amazing how open a production floor can become. Furthermore, automated conveyors don’t need to be “grounded” either; on the contrary, conveyors can actually be suspended from the ceiling. This can be especially useful to small or medium sized facilities looking to maximize floor space.

2. Cut Manual Labor Costs
Manual material handling requires a lot of manpower. Automated conveyors, on the other hand, require far less human intervention.

3. Reduce Human Error & Workplace Injuries

We’ve all heard it before, and even uttered it ourselves: humans aren’t perfect. While automated conveyors will always require the supervision of trained human eyes, their ability to streamline material handling helps to significantly lower the risk of human error. Time and time again we hear about workplace accidents and mistakes that either cause severe injuries, recalls, or unsatisfied orders. While no single action can eliminate these risks entirely, automating your material handling processes with conveyors and proper guarding would be a big step in the right direction. 

FROM: mk North America