The importance of routine service and maintenance throughout the year cannot be overstated. Keeping your conveyor systems running smoothly during the busy holiday season is crucial. Material handling is the backbone to any operation and maintaining the equipment is the most efficient and cost effective way to minimize costly downtime in your facility. As such, performing regular preventative maintenance can ensure that all day-to-day operations perform processes without pause.   

Ecommerce facilities are at or entering their peak. Material handling equipment and systems are working overtime to efficiently, accurately and promptly fulfill orders. As facilities prepare and submerse their operations into the depths of another holiday season, there are some basic maintenance tips to consider:

Inspect

First and foremost, give a good look-over or schedule a visual system inspection with your systems integrator for any wear or damage to the system. Listen to unusual sounds and inspect all equipment for excessive wear, dirt or debris. 

Maintain

Proper alignment, cleaning and lubricating your material handling conveyor equipment routinely, to include rollers, bearings, and belts, will keep all systems running efficiently; and ensures the longevity of the conveyor. Do make sure that any dust or debris is free and clear from the rollers and conveyor surface. 

Inventory

Take an inventory of conveyor parts. As with any material handling equipment, it’s always good practice to stock up on critical spare parts to minimize downtime in the event of a breakdown 

Comprehensive service and preventative maintenance both allow you to preemptively address any issues before they become bigger problems. Preventing any unplanned downtime is always a plus, ensuring that your daily operations flow without interruption. Checking these basic tips off your to-do list will inevitably maximize the life of your conveyor system and keep operations running smoothly. Author: Heather Connors, Director of Marketing, Conveyor Handling Company