4 Key Factors to Look for in a Conveyor System

An automated conveyor system can dramatically improve the productivity of any manufacturing process. It’s why most manufacturing companies have employed automated conveyor systems in their plants – they know the benefits conveyors bring to their production process.

Conveyors are almost a non-negotiable, but choosing the perfect conveyor system for your manufacturing process? That’s not as easy. There are a number of factors to consider: initial cost, total cost of ownership, maintenance needs, noise levels, installation, and most important, the quality and usability of the conveyor. What conveyor system will give you the maximum output with the longest lifespan? How much will it cost you in maintenance and upkeep? Can the system be customized to your specific needs? All great questions to ask when looking for a conveyor system.

When looking to upgrade or expand your conveyor system, consider these key factors:

1. Conveyor System Design
   You have a unique manufacturing process that requires a unique solution. Look for a supplier who not only sells conveyor units, but who will partner with you to engineer a conveyor system that maximizes the productivity of your manufacturing process and ensures the safety of your employees. There may be a greater upfront cost, but the return on investment of a conveyor system designed to optimize your output will pay off in the end.
2. Equipment Longevity
   Nothing kills production worse than a worn out and broken conveyor unit. The time needed to repair or replace a broken unit costs you money. Look for a quality conveyor system built to withstand years of manufacturing. Quality parts and material play a big role in the longevity of your system.
3. Equipment Clean-ability
   In the food processing industry, the ease of which you are able to clean a conveyor system is imperative. You need to find a system meeting sanitary design requirements, including: Cleanable to a microbiological level, Made of compatible materials, Accessible for inspection, maintenance, cleaning and sanitation, No product or liquid collection, Hollow areas should be hermetically sealed, No niches, Sanitary operational performance, Hygienic design of maintenance enclosures, Hygienic compatibility with other plant systems, and Validated cleaning and sanitizing protocols. Don’t risk product contamination and recall – sanitary design and cleanability is important!
4. What’s Your Budget?
   The greatest conveyor system in the world is useless if it falls outside your budget. Ask yourself: how much are you able to spend on a new conveyor system and is there any leeway for an upgrade that increases productivity and output in the long run? Use your budget as the guideline while searching for the perfect conveyor system. Know what you are willing to sacrifice in order to keep the system in your budget, and what components are non-negotiable. Any good conveyor provider will take your budget and present a solution meeting your criteria.

These four key factors should serve as guidelines in your search for the perfect conveyor system for your manufacturing process. They will help you navigate the options and choose the system that works best for your company.

We Can Help!

If you’re in the market for a new conveyor system, Fusion Tech can help! Our experience & innovation provides our clients with custom-design processing and handling conveyor systems for bakery, dairy, candy, meat, poultry, grain, and pharmaceutical processors.  Our design team will meet with your group to determine your needs, design a complete cost-effective solution that delivers quality & payback, and build a system with proven longevity all while staying within your budget. You can see samples of our conveyors, view an export line system we designed and built, and learn about our strict sanitary design and quality standards.