Conveyor systems are something that almost every warehouse has, and if they don’t, it might be something they should consider installing. Conveyor systems are incredibly beneficial when it comes to increasing productivity and helping you move product through your warehouse without relying on skilled human labor to do it for you. Conveyor systems free your team up to focus on other projects and can greatly increase your productivity. If you don’t have a conveyor system currently in your warehouse, the first thing you’ll want to determine is whether you want a powered or unpowered conveyor system. DAK Equipment & Engineering can help you sort through the pros and cons of both systems.
Should You Choose Powered or Unpowered Conveyors?
Unpowered Conveyor Systems
Unpowered conveyor systems use natural forces to move the product along the conveyor path. A natural force might be gravity or could be as simple as a shove down the line from your team member. Gravity conveyors can be great for unloading trucks quickly, while manual conveyance could be used along the pick line; when the picker is done filling the order, they can push it down the line to the next step in the fulfillment process.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install, easy to maintain
Cons: Not a lot of flexibility, best in certain working conditions
Powered Conveyor Systems
Powered conveyor systems are powered by belts and motors that move the product along the path. You’ll see these conveyor systems in larger warehouses, and even being used in airports to move people through long concourses.
Pros: Can be tailored to meet specific warehouse needs, can greatly increase productivity, can move product long distances, lots of control measures can be put in place along the line
Cons: More expensive to install and maintain
So Which Should You Choose?
Whether you need a powered or unpowered conveyor system for your warehouse will depend a great deal on the what needs you are trying to fill. If you simply need to move something a few feet or down an incline, an unpowered conveyor is a great choice. If you need something that’s more robust and complicated, you’ll probably want to choose a powered conveyor system. It will depend somewhat on your budget, too, though the DAK Equipment & Engineering team can help configure a conveyor system that works for your warehouse and stays within your budget.
Benefits Either Way!
No matter what system you choose, your warehouse will benefit from the increase automation. Conveyor systems are a must-have for any growing warehouse, and will allow you to expand your operations in the future with fewer growing pains.
Conveyor systems are just one of the ways the DAK Equipment & Engineering team can help you increase the efficiency and productivity in your warehouse. Get in touch with us today to talk more about your options, including pallet racks, mezzanine levels, prefabricated offices, and other solutions that can help your warehouse meet and exceed your goals. Give us a call or contact us through our website today for more information about all of our products and services for your warehouse.
