Sep 13, 2023 | 3PL, ABCO Systems, Automation, Conveyor, Maintenance, New Warehouse
The rhythmic heartbeat of any warehouse, conveyors serve as the vital arteries that keep material flowing seamlessly. But like any lifeline, these systems require proper care and attention to ensure uninterrupted operations. In this essential blog post, we’re diving into the world of conveyor maintenance, uncovering tips and strategies to keep your material flow pulsating at its best.
The Backbone of Efficiency
Conveyors are the unsung heroes of efficient material handling, swiftly transporting items from point A to point B. However, neglecting their maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns, costly downtimes, and disruptions in your supply chain. By implementing a proactive maintenance plan, you not only extend the lifespan of your conveyors but also enhance overall warehouse efficiency.
Routine Inspection: The First Line of Defense
Regular visual inspections are the cornerstone of conveyor maintenance. By routinely examining belts, rollers, bearings, and other components, you can identify signs of wear and tear early on. Addressing minor issues before they escalate can prevent larger breakdowns that require extensive repairs.
Lubrication: A Little Goes a Long Way
Proper lubrication is the lifeblood of conveyor systems. Regularly lubricating moving parts reduces friction, minimizes wear, and ensures smooth operation. Be sure to use the appropriate lubricants for different components and maintain a schedule for reapplication.
Tighten the Bolts and Belts
Conveyors endure constant vibrations and movements, which can gradually loosen bolts and belts. Periodical checks and tightening of all fasteners prevent components from becoming dislodged. Similarly, ensuring that belts are properly tensioned avoids slippage and maintains optimal traction.
Cleanliness and Debris Management
Cleanliness is more than just aesthetics; it’s essential for conveyor functionality. Debris accumulation can hinder movement, damage components, and even cause blockages. Regular cleaning of the conveyor system, including belts, rollers, and the surrounding area therefore is very important as it prevents foreign objects from causing disruptions.
Electrical and Control System Checks
Conveyor systems often rely on complex electrical and control systems. Regular inspections and tests of these components ensures they’re functioning correctly. Faulty sensors, misaligned photo eyes, or malfunctioning motors can lead to operational interruptions.
Training and Documentation
Equipping your maintenance team with the knowledge and training necessary to perform routine maintenance tasks effectively can go a long way. At ABCO Systems, we create a comprehensive documentation system that outlines maintenance procedures, schedules, and troubleshooting guides. This empowers your team to address issues promptly and effectively.
Partnering with Professionals
While proactive in-house maintenance is vital, the value of partnering with conveyor system professionals such as ABCO Systems should not be underestimated. Regular inspections by experienced technicians can identify potential problems that might be overlooked internally. Scheduled maintenance from experts can provide peace of mind and extend the longevity of your conveyor systems.
Implement Your Well-Structured Maintenance Plan
Conveyors are the lifeline of your material handling operations, and their maintenance is a non-negotiable responsibility. By implementing a well-structured maintenance plan that encompasses routine inspections, lubrication, cleanliness, and expert support, you’re ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials that keeps your supply chain beating. In the grand scheme of warehouse operations, the harmony of conveyor systems can only be maintained through consistent care, attention, and the understanding that a smoothly running conveyor network is the backbone of your operational success.
Click here to reach out to us at ABCOSystems.net today to learn more about our Preventive Maintenance Programs!
Aug 16, 2023 | Automation, Conveyor, Maintenance, Supply Chain
The costs of downtime to large manufacturing and industrial organizations have skyrocketed since 2020, the latest True Cost of Donwtime 2022 Report reveals. As the report indicates, in the manufacturing industry alone, unplanned downtime costs manufacturers at least 50% more today than it did in the period 2019-20, due to inflation and production lines running at higher capacity. The estimates are that unplanned downtime will cost Fortune Global 500 industrial companies a staggering $1.5trn this year, or around 11% of their annual revenues.
Many companies continue to struggle to obtain maintenance programs for their equipment. Effective maintenance programs reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and minimize repair time when equipment failures do occur.
Implementing a conveyor maintenance program offers a range of benefits that can positively impact the efficiency, safety, and overall performance of a conveyor system within a facility. Some key benefits include:
1. Extended Conveyor Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps identify and address issues early, preventing minor problems from escalating into major breakdowns. This extends the overall lifespan of the conveyor system, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
2. Reduce Downtime: Planned maintenance minimizes unexpected downtime due to breakdowns. This leads to increased production uptime, improved operational efficiency, and better utilization of resources.
3. Enhanced Safety: a well-maintained conveyor system is safer for workers and reduces the risk of accidents or injuries caused by faulty equipment. Regular maintenance ensures that safety features like emergency stop buttons and guards are functioning and secured properly.
4. Optimized Performance: Regular maintenance keeps the conveyor system running at its optimal performance level. This leads to consistent product quality, reduced product damage, and improved throughput.
5. Cost Savings: Preventive maintenances programs are typically more cost effective than reactive repairs. Addressing issues before they become major problems can save on repair costs, replacement parts, and the expenses associated with unplanned downtime.
6. Improved Efficiency: A conveyor system that is well-maintained operates smoothly and efficiently. This helps streamline the workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and increase overall productivity.
7. Lower Energy Consumption: Regular maintenance can include checks on motors, belts, and other components that impact energy efficiency. A well-maintained conveyor system operates more efficiently and consumes less energy.
8. Predictive maintenance: A comprehensive maintenance program can incorporate predictive maintenance techniques, such as using sensors and data analytics to predict when components are likely to fail. This allows for more targeted maintenance interventions.
9. Improved Record Keeping: A maintenance program typically involves keeping detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, and replacements. These records can provide valuable insights over time, helping you make informed decisions about future upgrades or replacements.
In conclusion, a well-designed conveyor maintenance program offers numerous benefits that contribute to increased efficiency, safety, and cost savings. It’s an investment that pays off in terms of improved overall operation and reduced risks. Contact us today, to learn how we can help your business run smoothly with our comprehensive Maintenance Program.
Jan 24, 2023 | 3PL, Automation, E-commerce, Maintenance
Conveyor systems are important pieces of equipment used in many industries. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, maintaining your conveyor system is essential to running a successful business. Regular maintenance helps to ensure that your conveyor system runs smoothly and efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run. Knowing what to look for and how to address any issues that arise is key to keeping your conveyor system in top shape. In this article, we will discuss tips for conveyor maintenance, so you can keep your conveyor system running in peak condition.
What are common issues with conveyor systems?
Conveyor systems often experience wear and tear over time. While they are designed to last for many years, the frequency of use, the amount of weight they are designed to carry, and the overall condition of the system all play a role in how long they will last.
As a machine operator, you are also responsible for inspecting the conveyor system periodically. Depending on your industry and the type of conveyor system you have, you may not need to inspect the system as often as other operators. However, it is important to inspect the system periodically to make sure there are no issues or potential problems that need to be addressed immediately. Inspecting your conveyor system can also be a good way to spot any issues that need maintenance before they become larger problems.
What safety measures should be taken when performing conveyor maintenance?
Before you begin any maintenance work on a conveyor system, make sure you are familiar with the system and the potential hazards. For example, the system may include moving parts that could cause you injury if you are not careful. When working on older systems, you may also need to wear breathing equipment to protect you from harmful fumes. You should also be familiar with the location of any shutoff valves or emergency stop buttons to make sure you can stop the system if needed. If you are unsure about the proper procedures or safety precautions to take when working on a conveyor system, contact your supervisor or the person responsible for maintaining the system for instructions.
What should you look for when inspecting conveyor systems?
During your conveyor system inspection, you should look for problems with the system, such as wear and tear. You can also perform a preventive maintenance checklist, which is a good way to address certain issues before they become more serious. The ABCO Systems Maintenance and Service team uses checklists to ensure they address all aspects of your systems. You can find a checklist online and customize it to suit your system. There are also online tools available that allow you to enter information about your system and generate a checklist customized to your specific equipment. When performing your inspection, keep an eye out for any of the following issues: – Excessive noise – This could indicate a problem with the bearings or other system components. – Oil leaks – These can indicate wear or damage in the system. They can also pose a fire hazard if the oil drips near hot components. – Poor lubrication – This can cause friction and overheat the system. – Excessive vibration – This can be an indication that parts are loose and need to be replaced.
How often should you inspect the conveyor system?
Depending on your industry and the type of conveyor system you have, you may need to inspect the system regularly. Manufacturers will often provide recommendations for the best maintenance practices for your system. You should also follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals to avoid costly breakdowns and repairs. If you do experience a breakdown, it is important to troubleshoot and repair the system as quickly as possible. A minor issue that goes unaddressed can become a major problem quickly. If you schedule regular inspections, you can spot potential issues before they become serious.
How can you prevent conveyor system breakdowns?
A regular maintenance schedule is essential to prolonging the life of your conveyor system and preventing breakdowns. Periodic inspections can help you identify wear and tear before it becomes a serious problem that requires extensive repairs. You should also make sure to use the system within the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you overload the conveyor system by exceeding the weight capacity or attempting to move more products through the system than it is designed for, you greatly increase the risk of breakdowns and other problems. You can also help to prevent breakdowns by following these tips: – Maintain proper speed, load, and tension settings. – Clean the system regularly to reduce the risk of corrosion and contamination. – Use lubricants to reduce friction in moving parts. – Replace worn or damaged parts promptly.
What should you do if you experience a breakdown?
If your conveyor system breaks down, you should first attempt to identify the cause of the issue. If you are not able to identify the problem, you may want to call a professional to help troubleshoot the issue. Some common issues and their causes include: – Excessive noise – A problem with the bearings, belts, pulleys, or other system components. – Oil leaks – Damage to seals, gaskets, or other system components that allow oil to leak. – Poor lubrication – Parts moving against each other without sufficient lubrication. – Excessive vibration – Worn or damaged parts that are loose and may cause excessive vibration. – Overloaded system – Exceeding the weight capacity or moving too many items through the conveyor system.
What are the benefits of regular maintenance?
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your conveyor system in working order. Even if you have a brand-new system, regular maintenance will help prolong the life of the system. A well-maintained system will operate more smoothly, efficiently, and safely compared to systems that are neglected. You can also expect to see a reduction in breakdowns and repairs if you perform regular maintenance on your system. This can save you time and money in the long run. A well-maintained system will also be safer to operate, which is important when working with heavy machinery. A poorly maintained system can lead to accidents and injuries, which is why it is so important to follow best practices for conveyor maintenance.
What are the top conveyor maintenance services in New Jersey?
While you may be able to perform some of the maintenance work on your conveyor system yourself, you can ensure your equipment is always up and running by having a preventative maintenance contract in place. ABCO Systems can perform a regular inspection of the system, replace worn or damaged parts, apply lubrication as needed, adjust tension and speed settings, and perform any other regular maintenance tasks. It is important to choose a service that is certified and follows manufacturer recommendations when working on your equipment to help ensure they perform the work correctly.
Why choose ABCO Systems for your conveyor maintenance?
Conveyor maintenance is an important part of running an efficient business. ABCO Systems, LLC provides its customers with best-in-class installation of some of the most technologically advanced material handling products on the market. To be compliant with manufacturers’ requirements for warranty, the systems must be properly maintained as part of a comprehensive pre-scheduled maintenance program. Headed by Heather Castro as Service Department Manager, ABCO Systems technicians and service staff are highly qualified to perform these required services. If you want to keep your systems running, run with the WolfPack and ABCO Systems Maintenance and Service Team.
Jan 13, 2022 | Maintenance, New Warehouse, Supply Chain
Preventive maintenance is a critical component of any maintenance strategy. It is a key factor in lowering maintenance costs, reducing equipment downtime, improving asset lifespan and efficiency, and increasing workplace safety. Having a clearly defined, well-thought-out maintenance plan is a crucial first step in long-term success.
Preventive maintenance is critical to any business looking to reduce maintenance costs and the number of reactive maintenance issues. But … what exactly is preventive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance involves taking the necessary precautions and actions to prevent accidents or equipment failures from occurring before they happen. Some examples of this would be: performing regular business and equipment inspections, cleaning and lubricating essential equipment, and tidying your business’s grounds are all examples of preventive maintenance.
The goal of preventive maintenance is to proactively prevent equipment failure and reduce the risk of accidents and downtime. Taking certain precautions to ensure minimal risk to your business ensures you and your staff can focus on organizational goals, instead of having to repair what is broken.
Any type of maintenance that is not reactive (i.e. a response to a problem, malfunctioning equipment, technology, etc.) is preventive, and there are many different types of preventive maintenance that pertain to different areas of a business, or specific timing.
In short, as a business owner or manager, you face a certain amount of risk when it comes to customer and employee safety, equipment operations and safety, and property upkeep, among other areas. Implementation of regular preventive maintenance measures can ensure your business is protected from substantial risks and accidents, keeping your business goals and safety goals intact.
CLICK to see how ABCO Systems can assist you with your Preventative Maintenance needs.
Feb 10, 2021 | 3PL, Automation, E-commerce, Maintenance, New Warehouse, order fulfillment, Storage, Supply Chain, third party logistics
In 2020, the world of e-commerce saw unprecedented growth due to COVID-19, with even the largest e-commerce retailers like Amazon struggling to keep up with the demand. As we know, Amazon has set the standard for order-fulfillment for fast and/or free shipping. Intuitively, a 2021 report by Shopify, a leading e-commerce store platform, shows that 67% of U.S. consumers expect either same-, next-, or two-day delivery, with a full 65% of consumers checking free-shipping thresholds before even adding something to their carts.
Moving forward into 2021, third-party logistics providers continue to adapt to this fast-changing landscape in order to meet the ever-growing need for e-commerce fulfillment.
Here are some of the key ways 3PLs can prepare for another year of growth in e-commerce:
Warehouse Automation
Looking to 2021, 3PLs will have to rely on integrated supply chain solutions like automation to increase inventory control. 3PLs benefit from cost-to-serve modeling to do so. In other words, the more 3PLs can save on their internal process efficiencies, the more profit they can make. Warehouse automation hardware like conveyor systems, print & apply solutions, inbound & shipping sorters, put-to-light technology, order-fulfillment picking devices, and infrared technology for application weighing are all worthy automation solutions that can make growth in 2021 seamless.
Automated Storage
During peak-growth, 3PLs often need to expand their warehouse capabilities. Thus, 3PLs should look to warehouse storage solutions to increase their operational storage efficiency. According to 3PL news, a 3PL industry newshub, automated warehouses use up about 40% less floor space than traditional warehouses. To decrease your operation’s footprint, automated warehouse storage solutions like push back storage rack systems, pallet flow conveyors, automated pallet storage and beyond can all reduce 3PLs storage costs.
Labor Management
3PLs looking to follow the largest e-commerce retailers lead in labor management can benefit from basic labor management practices moving into 2021. These practices include:
- Surveying team members on their concerns or challenges with new technologies
- Implementing change management teams to oversee changes
- Using robust systems to track laborer performance
- Creating systems for worker and supervisor feedback
- And putting worker safety at the forefront of all warehouse operations
Risk Management
A 2021 3PL Logistics Study by Infosys Consulting, Penske Logistics and Penn State University showed that readiness and continuity planning is a priority for 3PLs post-pandemic. Thus, internal strategies for unforeseen obstacles and challenges in the supply chain should be laid out for individual 3PLs in the coming year to better prepare.
In 2021, the 3PL businesses can emerge through another year of rapid growth by committing to smart practices and cost-saving hardware. By streamlining order fulfillment processes and investing in high-quality, innovative solutions— 3PLs may come out the other side just in time to grow with the trends.
For more information on ABCO Systems’ 3PL solutions visit http://abcosystems.net/3pl-warehouse-automation-solutions/ or contact us HERE.
Jun 9, 2020 | Feature, Maintenance, New Warehouse, Storage
Safety is critical to the continuing function of your daily operations. Accidents can happen anywhere to anyone – a trainee, a worker who takes a wrong turn, or even an experienced operator having an off-day. Efforts to protect your racking systems not only helps to reduce damaged merchandise but it also helps ensure the safety of your valued employees.
Forklift accidents can result in pallet rack damage, costly repairs, downtime, damaged inventory, and injury to workers. Rack protection is essential to maintaining your inventory and key assets because they keep the structure safe at various impact points.
No matter the size of your storage facility, pallet rack protection will increase your productivity and eliminate damages due to narrow aisle for trucks, lifts, and individuals encountering sensitive rack uprights. These factors are important particularly when you consider the damage a forklift can cause. ABCO provides the most suitable protector or guard for your pallet rack to ensure safety and no damages.
ABCO welcomes the opportunity to visit you and assess any at-risk products. There are several ways to protect your racking. The rack aisle protector, rack post protectors, wire mesh rack guards, and floor angle guide. These all offer protection to the most vulnerable parts of your warehouse and business. They can be formatted into the size and shape to fit your protection needs. ABCO helps to protect your inventory, investment, and your valued employees.
Contact us here for all of your rack protection needs.
