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MIXING, WEIGHING & CONVEYING
Get a well-organised maintenance schedule in place
A typical maintenance schedule might include:
• Weekly: Visual inspections, lubrication of bearings, and cleaning of conveyor belts • Monthly: Inspection of rollers, drive components, and electrical connections • Quarterly: Comprehensive system assessment, including motor and gearbox inspections
Keep spare parts on hand
By keeping essential components readily available, businesses can quickly replace worn or damaged parts, minimising downtime -
TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR CONVEYORS MOVING
Ed Wainman, Aftersales Manager at Conveyor Systems Limited (CSL) explores the vital role conveyor maintenance has to play in the UK’s burgeoning ecommerce industry and gives his top tips for developing a fuss-free and effective maintenance schedule
efficient movement of goods through the facility, connecting various processes and ensuring that orders are fulfilled on time. Without proper maintenance, these systems can break down, causing delays, lost revenue, and damage to the company’s reputation due to late deliveries. In some cases, even the products being transported can be damaged. The importance of maintenance to conveyor systems cannot be underestimated. Consistent maintenance of the whole system, component replacements, and timely repairs ensure that your conveyor system operates at peak efficiency and in a safe manner, allowing warehouses and distribution centres to maintain high productivity levels. Looking after a conveyor system is rather like looking after your car. Regular servicing can significantly extend the life of conveyor equipment, protecting your investment and preventing the need for costly replacements. With regular maintenance the life-span of your system could be extended by up to 10 years, increasing the return on investment. Looking at the significance of conveyor systems to the wider global economy, the UK is a major player in the ecommerce and logistics market, thanks to its strategic geographical location, advanced
C 6 MAY 2024 | PROCESS & CONTROL
onveyor systems are the lifeblood of any ecommerce distribution centre, 3PL, or warehouse. They enable the
infrastructure, and strong digital economy. The sector is estimated to be worth over £120billion, employing more than 2.7 million people across its various sub-sectors, including warehousing, transportation, and supply chain management.
Conveyor systems play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for efficient and reliable supply chain solutions in the UK’s ecommerce and logistics industry. Streamlining warehouse operations by automating the movement of goods means that the need for manual labour is reduced and productivity is increased. As the industry evolves and competition intensifies, the importance of maintenance to conveyor systems will only continue to grow. Top tips for best practice in conveyor maintenance:
especially important in the fast-paced world of ecommerce. Sourcing replacement parts can take days or even weeks. Keeping spare parts in stock will bypass these delays, as well as potentially saving on the cost of emergency shipping fees.
Train staff on maintenance procedures It’s crucial that staff members are well- trained in conveyor system maintenance and understand the importance of reporting and addressing potential issues in a timely fashion. This will help reduce the likelihood of missed issues and extend the life of your equipment. Use software to your advantage Using technology such as a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) allows you to identify trends, track the effectiveness of maintenance efforts, make data-driven decisions and generate reports on maintenance performance. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can also be installed on conveyor components to monitor data such as temperature, vibration, or wear. This data can then be used to predict when maintenance is needed, identifying potential issues before they become critical. Essential for success
The importance of maintenance to conveyor systems for ecommerce distribution centres, 3PLs, and warehouses in the UK cannot be overstated. By putting effective maintenance practices in place, businesses can keep their conveyor systems running smoothly, reducing downtime and prolonging the lifespan of their equipment. Conveyor maintenance is also a non-negotiable, as it will ensure compliance with legal safety regulations. In short, in the UK’s increasingly competitive logistics landscape where any sort of downtime or delay can result in disaster, proper conveyor system maintenance truly is essential for success.
Conveyor Systems Limited (CSL)
www.conveyorsystemsltd.co.uk
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