from click to doorstep: how conveyors power e-commerce

The first step of the order fulfilment process is finding the correct product that the customer has requested. Warehouses are large facilities with thousands of products at different heights, which can be challenging and time-consuming. Integrated automation solutions can identify the product via unique codes and transfer it to the retail conveyor system to begin its journey to the customer. The inventory will be automatically updated to ensure accurate stock levels and avoid overselling. The package will move along the conveyor system to the packing zone, where it will be packaged securely and efficiently. Shipping labels will be printed and attached to ensure the correct product reaches the right customer. Before going to the final zone, some warehouses may have additional processes, such as quality control.

It’s essential not to overlook the returns process either. Customers may return an item because it’s faulty, no longer needed or wasn’t the right fit. Companies will want to get returned goods inspected and restocked as soon as possible so they’re available to purchase again. Conveyors will help transport the item from the delivery vehicle to the inspection, refurbishment, and storage zones.

Speed is perhaps the most valuable benefit for retail conveyor systems. We know that the ultimate goal of a retail brand is achieving customer satisfaction with quicker and more accurate deliveries, which will encourage consumers to keep returning. Processing, packing and shipping a high volume of orders needs to be fast. Customers expect to receive their orders within days or even hours. Conveyors are the optimal solution for increasing productivity and streamlining the process, ensuring products fly off the shelves and into the back of a truck ASAP. These systems help orders move through the supply chain while freeing up human resources to be used elsewhere. Without a conveyor system, think how long it would take for one person to find the product, package it in a box, and then carry it to another part of the warehouse for shipping.

It’s easy to focus on speed and ignore the risk that this may create more errors and decrease the quality. Humans are prone to making errors, especially when handling multiple orders at once or working long hours. Not to mention, manual handling can lead to someone injuring themselves or damaging the product. Thankfully, conveyors are more refined and accurate, reducing the risk of human error. Machines are not perfect, but if there are errors, you will at least have access to data that you can use to prevent future mistakes.

Last but certainly not least, conveyors can be integrated with many other equipment and technologies you use. For example, you can use them with your existing management systems to see visibility on what’s currently happening or maintain good communication with robotic systems. Conveyors go hand in hand with other modern technologies like scanners and automated sorting systems to identify the right products and move them along the chain to where they need to be. Once again, it’s all about achieving speed and efficiency without error.

We are a unique service provider, focused 100% on repairs, maintenance and refurbishment of conveyor systems. Our team of conveyor carers are experts because they are not distracted by lots of additional bolt-on services; when your equipment needs attention, we’ll carry out conveyor troubleshooting and fix the problem to get you back operational as quickly as possible.

Learn more About Us and how we can help to keep your, and the UK's conveyors rolling, by preventing and fixing common conveyor belt problems.

We are the UK's leading conveyor solution and support partner and we help businesses with complete conveyor systems and ongoing maintenance support to increase their operational efficiencies and minimise downtime.

With a call centre that's open around the clock 24/7, 365 days a year and a 99% first-time-fix rate, our national network of mechanical/electrical trained engineers are in fully stocked vans meaning we can get you operational within a couple of hours.

Whether you need complete conveyor systems, maintenance services, or some free conveyor system or maintenance advice, we're always there to keep your conveyors rolling.