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 be safely stored, transported, sorted and available at the right place at the right time.
In order 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 be flexibly adaptable to new conditions at any time. To this end, companies need tailor-made solution concepts to enable efficient and successful order processing.
Which conveyor system is the right one?
The choice of the 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 primarily quickly and gently to prevent spoilage or damage. Transporting frozen goods is a particular challenge because the cold chain must be maintained at all times. Large manufacturing operations can benefit from large load carriers, while overhead conveyor technology is best suited for applications where delicate goods are transported.
The warehouse layout stored in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) serves as a coordinate system for intelligent route planning and path optimisation. The system also takes into account the preferred storage strategy - fixed or chaotic. In conjunction with the material flow system, each unit reaches its destination directly, regardless of which conveyor technology is used.
Factors that contribute to conveyor system selection:
Type and characteristics of items being transported by the conveyor system
Load carriers that will be used during conveying
Required throughput
Intelligent control system
Available space in the facility
Temperature range of the equipment
