Companies which depend on the conveyor system for daily operations may not properly take care. When breakdowns occur, the company may be out of commission for some time. It usually causes production to come to a halt. The following are some of the ways to avoid such mistakes.
Be Observant
It can seem silly, but watching and listening to the conveyor system helps to determine inefficiencies. Rubbing or hearing squeaking is a sign that the system is not functioning well. A buildup of dust below belted conveyors could be a sign of excessive wear. Looking for such signs and listening to the equipment every time can save you repair costs.
Another part to be observant of is the temperature of reducers and motors. This is because drastic temperature change is a sign of system overload. It may also mean too much weight on your conveyor rollers and belts.
Maintenance Records
Ensuring that proper maintenance logs are kept on a regular basis will ensure your system lasts longer. Like getting maintenance checks and oil change help to extend the life of your car, up to date logs will also do the same to a conveyor. If multiple shifts use the same equipment, the logs have to be up to date for accuracy. The conveyor can fail to work when in regular use. These up to date maintenance records can help your case when approaching the manufacturer.
Employee Training
Do not just stick random workers on the conveyor line. They have to be adequately trained to operate the conveyor system safely. They should also know warning signs to watch out for. The employees are essentially your first line of defense of noticing potential problems or concerns. Proper training will, therefore, help you save money in costly repair.
Keep Spare Parts on Hand
When the conveyor breaks down, it may be costly to fix due to the system downtime. This will lead to reduced productivity, worker downtime and late shipments. Sometimes a specific part of the conveyor can take weeks to get from the manufacturer. You can ship changeover parts and store for use later. Such can be indirectly costly if it means productivity is halted. Keeping a few spare parts on hand for emergency situations is an excellent way of preventing detrimental delay times.
These are some of the tips for proper care of a conveyor system. A conveyor system is a costly investment, so it is worth the effort and time to keep it running like a new one. Do not let your conveyor go without regularly scheduled maintenance checks.