The evolution in how a solution for a turnkey material handling project emerges and materializes is broken down into different stages. This 3-part blog series will take you through the product journey, focusing on three stages of a turnkey system solution—design, engineering, and implementation/installation.

The supply chain is an intricate and vivacious process. Processes that control the flow and movement of material handling are finite so it’s critical to begin with a design that encompasses the flow and movement with detail and precision. A design that will incorporate the material handling needs coupled with the material handling wants.

A good design will showcase innovation to ensure that processes are as efficient and effective in adequately moving product to make it to their final destination. Getting to a good design requires a detailed plan and layout development along with an analysis on the material handling—exactly what challenges are faced and how is product moved within a footprint.

Understanding the distribution or facility operation is crucial. It begins and ends with not only the warehouse operations and the equipment but the floor space available. The design needs to consider and incorporate all aspects of the product to include the type of product, shape, weight, and dimensions. A good design also needs to take into consideration how many SKUs will be moved, the type of movement/system to move product, and the speed and throughput desired. The infrastructure and footprint of the warehouse plays a critical role in the design and function of the system. Maximizing on the capacity satisfies the footprint space while increasing throughput and efficiency. The location of dock doors or stairs, offices or rooms all have an impact on the design and its creation. Independently and collectively, every detail assists the applications engineers in designing a comprehensive system.

It is at this point, when all information and analyses are gathered, that the design can begin to take shape. Both sales and applications engineers collaborate together alongside the customer and their needs to create a well thought out design that is both efficient and effective in proficiency and productivity. Utilizing extensive knowledge, engineers will design a solution using the right material handling equipment to handle product loads, based on the direction, specific to the customer needs, and take into account all of the above collective criteria.

Layout drawings become the tangible output for a final design. Furthermore, product equipment simulations may be created and used to display the material handling process of product movement within the facility, visually engaging the customer through the product journey of the design phase. Ultimately giving you, the customer, a look into the turnkey system solution evolution before moving into the implementation stage.

The goal to any good design is to create a plan—a well thought out, complete functioning material handling system solution to maximize efficiency and productivity. When determining the best solution for your material handling needs, it’s true what they say in that it’s all in the design.  For it is in this design, the focal point of your operation and its processes, that a vision comes to fruition.

Author: Heather Connors, Director of Marketing, Conveyor Handling Company