Gravity Conveyor FAQ 101: Everything You Need to Know About Century Conveyor Systems’ Gravity Conveyor Solutions

gravity conveyor

When warehouses and distribution centers need to move cartons, packages, totes, or other products efficiently, a gravity conveyor can be a practical and cost-conscious component of a larger material handling system. Unlike powered conveyor equipment, a gravity conveyor does not rely on a motor to move products. Instead, gravity and the design of the conveyor allow products to travel along the conveyor path.

Century Conveyor Systems works with warehouses, distribution centers, shipping operations, and fulfillment facilities to engineer conveyor and material handling solutions around the specific needs of each operation. Its conveyor offerings include gravity conveyors as well as powered conveyors, sortation equipment, robotic fulfillment systems, controls, and other automation technologies.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions businesses may have when considering a gravity conveyor from Century Conveyor Systems.

gravity conveyor

What is a gravity conveyor?

A gravity conveyor is a type of roller conveyor that moves products without a powered motor driving the conveyor rollers. Instead, products travel along the conveyor through gravity, generally with the conveyor positioned at an appropriate incline, or through manual movement by an operator.

Century Conveyor Systems describes gravity conveyors as using cylindrical rollers to help propel cartons and products forward. Unlike live roller conveyors, which use a motor to power the rollers, gravity conveyors operate without a motor.

This difference is important because it makes a gravity conveyor fundamentally different from many automated conveyor systems. Rather than continuously driving products through a facility, gravity conveyors are particularly useful in applications where controlled, relatively slower product movement is appropriate.

For example, a gravity conveyor can be incorporated into packing lines, divert lines, extendable conveyor applications, and end-of-line operations. These environments often benefit from equipment that can interface naturally with employees who are manually placing, removing, inspecting, packing, or redirecting products.

The simplicity of a gravity conveyor also makes it useful as one component within a larger material handling strategy. A facility does not necessarily have to choose between gravity and automation throughout the entire operation. Instead, gravity sections can be integrated with powered conveyor, sortation, robotic, and other technologies where each solution makes the most operational sense.

Why would a warehouse choose a G conveyor instead of a powered conveyor?

The biggest reason to consider a gravity conveyor is that not every material movement task requires powered transportation.

A powered conveyor is valuable when products need to be moved automatically over a defined path, particularly when consistent throughput, controlled movement, accumulation, or integration with automated controls is required. A gravity conveyor, on the other hand, can be appropriate when slower movement and direct interaction with workers are more important.

This makes gravity conveyor equipment particularly relevant to packing and end-of-line areas. Employees can interact with products as they move through the line rather than relying entirely on automated equipment to perform every movement.

A gravity conveyor can also complement a facility’s existing automation. For example, a warehouse might use powered conveyor equipment to transport cartons through the primary processing areas and then transition to gravity sections near a packing or shipping workstation. The gravity section can provide a convenient area for workers to receive, handle, inspect, or redirect products.

The important consideration is not whether gravity conveyor technology is universally better than powered conveyor technology. It is whether gravity is appropriate for a particular section of the workflow.

Century Conveyor Systems approaches conveyor projects as engineered systems rather than simply selecting one conveyor type for an entire facility. Its broader conveyor capabilities include belt and roller conveyors, pallet handling conveyors, sortation systems, robotic fulfillment, controls, and other material handling solutions. That allows gravity conveyor sections to be considered as part of the overall warehouse process.

Where are G conveyors commonly used?

Gravity conveyors are particularly useful in applications where products need to move at a controlled pace and where employees need to interact with those products.

Century identifies several applications where gravity conveyors can be useful, including packing lines, divert lines, extendable conveyors, and end-of-line operations.

Packing lines are a natural application because workers frequently need to receive cartons or products, perform a task, and then send the product onward. A gravity conveyor can provide a straightforward transportation surface between workstations without requiring a motorized drive for every section.

End-of-line operations are another important use. Products may need to be accumulated, staged, inspected, packed, or prepared for shipping after passing through other areas of the warehouse. A gravity conveyor can help connect these activities while maintaining a relatively simple material flow.

Gravity conveyor sections can also be used in divert applications where products need to be redirected to another path. Depending on the system design, additional conveyor components can be used to help route cartons toward their intended destinations.

Extendable conveyor applications are another consideration. Gravity-powered extendable equipment can provide flexibility when products need to be moved into or out of trailers or other temporary loading areas. Because the conveyor can be extended and contracted, it can adapt to changing loading and unloading requirements.

The correct application ultimately depends on the products being conveyed, their dimensions and weight, the desired flow rate, the available space, and how employees interact with the system.

Can a G conveyor be part of an automated warehouse?

Yes. A gravity conveyor does not have to mean that an entire material handling operation is manual.

Modern warehouses frequently combine different conveyor and automation technologies. The goal is to select the right technology for each stage of the process.

For example, a facility could use powered conveyors for high-throughput transportation, automated sortation for directing cartons, robotic systems for moving goods between areas, and gravity conveyor sections at packing or end-of-line workstations.

This approach can be especially useful when some processes benefit from automation while others require human judgment or direct product handling.

Century Conveyor Systems offers a broader range of automation capabilities alongside gravity and other conveyor types. Its solutions include robotic fulfillment using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), as well as controls and software capabilities involving programmable logic controllers, warehouse management systems, and warehouse control systems.

That broader capability matters when designing a material handling system because the best solution may involve several technologies working together.

Rather than asking whether a gravity conveyor is “automated enough,” warehouse operators should ask what function a particular section of the material handling system needs to perform. If a section primarily requires straightforward product movement and employee interaction, gravity may be appropriate. If it requires high-speed transportation, automatic accumulation, complex routing, or system-controlled movement, powered or automated equipment may be more suitable.

What products can move on a G conveyor?

Gravity conveyors can be used for a variety of cartons and products, but the appropriate conveyor configuration depends heavily on the physical characteristics of the items.

Product weight, dimensions, bottom surface, shape, packaging, and overall stability all affect how a product will behave on a gravity conveyor. A package that moves smoothly along rollers may behave differently from a small, lightweight, irregularly shaped, or flexible package.

That is one reason conveyor selection should be based on the actual application rather than simply choosing equipment based on a general product category.

Century notes that different conveyor types are designed for different materials and goods. Its broader conveyor portfolio includes roller conveyors, belt conveyors, modular belt conveyors, pallet conveyors, spiral conveyors, divert equipment, accumulation systems, and other specialized solutions.

For applications involving small polybags, irregular carton sizes, or products requiring additional stability, for example, a belted conveyor may provide advantages that a traditional gravity conveyor cannot. Similarly, palletized or unusually heavy loads may require a conveyor configuration specifically designed for pallet handling.

The right question is therefore not simply, “Can a gravity conveyor move my product?” It is, “Can a gravity conveyor move my product safely, consistently, and efficiently within my particular process?”

A conveyor systems integrator can evaluate those factors as part of the overall system design.

How does Century Conveyor Systems approach gravity conveyor projects?

Century Conveyor Systems positions itself as a full-service material handling automation integrator. Rather than focusing only on supplying individual conveyor components, the company provides services spanning system design, engineering, installation, startup support, and ongoing service.

That approach can be particularly valuable when gravity conveyor equipment is only one part of a larger warehouse project.

A material handling system needs to work as a connected process. Conveyor layout, product flow, employee workstations, automation, controls, sortation, storage, and shipping operations can all influence one another. A gravity conveyor that works well in isolation may not be the best solution if it creates a bottleneck elsewhere in the operation.

Century’s engineering approach considers the warehouse as a complete system. The company states that its engineers design, validate, and implement turnkey material handling systems for shipping warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment facilities.

The company also provides conveyor maintenance, repair, and parts services. Its service capabilities are relevant to facilities that want ongoing support after a conveyor system has been installed, particularly because conveyor performance can affect the productivity of an entire operation.

This full-system perspective is one of the most important considerations when evaluating a gravity conveyor solution. The objective should not simply be to install a conveyor. The objective should be to create a material flow system that supports the facility’s operational goals.

Is a gravity conveyor right for my facility?

A gravity conveyor can be a strong choice when an application calls for straightforward product movement, slower controlled flow, manual interaction, or an economical conveyor section that does not require motorized transportation.

It may be particularly worth considering for packing areas, end-of-line operations, divert lines, staging areas, and certain extendable conveyor applications.

However, gravity is not automatically the right answer for every conveyor application. High-throughput transportation, precise product control, complex accumulation, steep inclines or declines, specialized product handling, and highly automated processes may require other conveyor technologies.

The best solution depends on the entire workflow.

Century Conveyor Systems can evaluate the role a gravity conveyor should play within a larger material handling system and determine where other technologies may provide a better fit. Its broader capabilities include powered conveyor systems, sortation, robotic fulfillment, pallet handling, controls and software, storage systems, and conveyor service.

For warehouse operators, this means the decision does not have to be framed as a choice between a gravity conveyor and a fully automated system. A well-engineered facility can use gravity where it makes sense and automation where automation delivers the greatest operational benefit.

What should I consider before choosing a gravity conveyor?

Before selecting a gravity conveyor, consider the products being moved, the desired throughput, conveyor length, available floor space, elevation, loading and unloading points, employee interaction, and how the conveyor will connect with other equipment.

It is also important to consider what the operation may look like in the future. A conveyor system designed only for today’s volume may become a constraint as order volume, product variety, or automation requirements increase.

Century Conveyor Systems emphasizes designing solutions around warehouse output, efficiency, and the reduction of manual interactions where automation can provide value. Its conveyor systems can also incorporate additional solutions as operational requirements evolve.

A gravity conveyor may therefore be most valuable when it is treated as part of a larger system design rather than as a standalone piece of equipment.

For companies evaluating a new warehouse, distribution center, fulfillment operation, or conveyor upgrade, the starting point should be the material flow itself: What needs to move, where does it need to go, how quickly does it need to get there, and where do people or automated systems need to interact with it?

Once those questions are answered, a gravity conveyor can be evaluated alongside powered conveyors, sortation, robotics, accumulation, and other material handling technologies to determine the most appropriate configuration.

Final Thoughts on Gravity Conveyor Solutions

A gravity conveyor offers a straightforward way to move products without relying on motorized conveyor drives. Its ability to work well with manual induction and slower-speed applications makes it especially useful in areas such as packing, diverting, extending, staging, and end-of-line operations.

The greatest value, however, comes from placing gravity conveyor equipment in the right part of the overall material handling process.

Century Conveyor Systems provides gravity and live roller conveyor solutions alongside a much broader range of conveyor, automation, robotics, controls, and service capabilities. That allows businesses to consider gravity conveyor technology as one component of a complete warehouse strategy.

For facilities looking to improve material flow, the right question is not simply whether they need a gravity conveyor. It is where gravity conveyor technology can provide the most practical, reliable, and efficient movement within the operation—and how it can work alongside the rest of the facility’s material handling system.

Robots for Warehouse 101: FAQ About Century Conveyor Systems’ Robotic Fulfillment Solutions

robots for warehouse

Robots for warehouse is no longer limited to traditional conveyor equipment. As fulfillment operations become more demanding, businesses are looking for flexible ways to move cartons, totes, pallets, and other products while improving throughput and reducing unnecessary manual handling. Robots for warehouse operations can play an important role in that transition.

Century Conveyor Systems provides robotic fulfillment solutions as part of its broader approach to automated material handling. The company works with warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment facilities to design and implement automation systems, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Below is a FAQ covering the most important questions about Century Conveyor Systems’ robots for warehouse applications, including how the technology works, where it fits, and why a customized approach matters.

robots for warehouse

1. What are robots for warehouse operations?

Robots for warehouse operations are automated machines designed to transport or handle materials with less manual intervention. At Century Conveyor Systems, robotic fulfillment includes two primary categories: automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

These technologies are designed to provide transportation capabilities similar to those traditionally performed by lift trucks or other material-handling equipment. The difference is that robotic systems can automate the movement of products between different areas of a facility.

Century describes AGVs and AMRs as solutions for warehouse robotic fulfillment, with applications ranging from transporting pallets and cartons to supporting goods-to-person order fulfillment. 

Rather than treating a robot as an isolated piece of equipment, Century approaches robotic fulfillment as part of a larger automation system. That distinction matters because the value of a warehouse robot depends on how effectively it works with conveyors, storage, controls, software, packing operations, and the overall flow of goods.

2. What is the difference between an AGV and an AMR?

The biggest difference is how the robot navigates its environment.

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) follows a defined navigation system. Century notes that AGVs can use technologies such as magnetic tape, QR codes, inductive wires, and laser grids to navigate. They are particularly well suited to transporting pallets, cartons, or non-conveyable products along established routes. AGVs can also be equipped with conveyor or cart attachments depending on the material being handled. 

An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is more flexible. AMRs do not require a fixed track and instead use sensors and programming to navigate through a facility. This allows them to move totes, cartons, and carts through a distribution environment with greater freedom. 

For a warehouse considering robots, the choice is therefore less about deciding which technology is universally better and more about determining which technology fits the facility’s workflow. A predictable, static transportation route may favor an AGV, while an operation requiring more dynamic movement may benefit from AMRs.

3. Why use robots for warehouse order fulfillment?

Robots can reduce unnecessary manual transportation while helping a facility process orders more efficiently.

Century’s order fulfillment approach focuses on optimizing operations for output performance, reducing errors that can contribute to returns or damaged products, and processing items faster with fewer manual interactions. 

This is especially relevant in goods-to-person environments. Instead of requiring employees to spend substantial time walking through a facility to retrieve inventory, AMRs can transport totes or cartons to designated areas and support the movement of products toward packing or fulfillment personnel. Century specifically identifies goods-to-person operations as a favored use case for AMRs. 

The benefit is not simply that a robot replaces a particular manual task. The larger opportunity is to redesign the flow of work so employees can spend more time on productive fulfillment activities while automated equipment handles repetitive transportation.

That can be particularly valuable in operations where order volumes fluctuate, travel distances are significant, or warehouse layouts make manual transportation inefficient.

4. Are Century’s robots for warehouse applications scalable?

Yes. Scalability is one of the key advantages Century identifies for robotic fulfillment.

Traditional automation can sometimes require substantial fixed infrastructure. Century points out that robotic systems are flexible because they are not “bolted down” in the same way as many other automation solutions. The company also describes robotic fulfillment systems as scalable, meaning additional systems can be implemented later as operational requirements change.

This can be important for a growing warehouse.

A facility does not necessarily know exactly what its throughput requirements will look like several years from now. Order volume may increase, product lines may change, or a company may expand into additional fulfillment channels. A scalable robotic strategy can provide a way to increase automated transportation capacity as those requirements develop.

For that reason, robots for warehouse applications can be considered not only as an immediate productivity tool but also as part of a longer-term automation strategy.

5. Can robots for warehouse work with conveyor systems?

Yes. In fact, integrating robots with conveyors can create a more complete material-handling system.

Century Conveyor Systems specializes in both conveyor systems and robotic fulfillment, which allows these technologies to be considered together rather than independently. Its conveyor solutions include belt, roller, modular belt, pallet, spiral, divert, accumulation, and extendable conveyor applications. 

AGVs, for example, can be deployed in environments where they interface with conveyor systems. Century notes that AGVs can also be fitted with conveyor or cart attachments for the products they handle. 

This integration can be valuable because different parts of a warehouse often have different transportation requirements. A conveyor may efficiently move packages along a high-volume fixed route, while a robot may be better suited to moving products between areas where installing permanent conveyor infrastructure would be less practical.

The result can be a hybrid system in which fixed automation and mobile automation each perform the tasks they are best suited to handle.

6. What warehouse tasks can Century’s robots for warehouse handle?

Century’s robotic fulfillment solutions can support several types of material transportation, depending on the system design and application.

AGVs can transport pallets, cartons, and non-conveyable items along established routes. AMRs can move totes, cartons, and carts throughout a facility. Century also identifies end-of-line and goods-to-person operations as applications for automated warehouse robots.

This makes robotic fulfillment relevant to more than one warehouse function. A system could potentially support the movement of inventory within a distribution facility, transport goods toward packing operations, or help move materials between automated and manual work areas.

The important consideration is that the robot should be selected around the material and workflow rather than simply choosing a robot because it is technologically advanced. Product dimensions, weight, transportation routes, operating volumes, interfaces with other equipment, and facility layout all influence the appropriate solution.

7. How does Century approach warehouse robotics differently from buying a standalone robot?

Century approaches robotics as part of a broader material-handling automation project.

The company describes itself as a full-service system integrator for shipping warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment facilities. Its stated process encompasses system design, validation, implementation, installation, startup support, and ongoing parts and service.

That systems perspective can be particularly important when introducing robots into an existing warehouse.

A robot does not operate in isolation. It may need to interact with conveyors, controls, warehouse management systems, warehouse control systems, storage systems, packing equipment, or other automated machinery. Century’s broader solution portfolio includes conveyor systems, robotic fulfillment, robotic palletizing, controls and software, storage modules, print-and-apply equipment, and service and parts. 

In other words, the objective is not merely to place robots inside a warehouse. The objective is to engineer an automated material flow in which the individual components work together.

8. Can robots for warehouse applications be customized?

Yes. Century specifically identifies customization as a benefit of its robotic fulfillment solutions.

Different warehouses have different products, layouts, order profiles, throughput requirements, and operational constraints. A robot designed for pallet transportation, for example, may have very different requirements from an AMR moving totes to a packing area.

Century states that its robotic systems can be customized for specific handling solutions. 

Customization can involve determining the appropriate robotic technology, navigation approach, attachments, transportation routes, interfaces, and relationship between robotic equipment and other automation. This is why application engineering is such an important part of warehouse robotics.

A properly designed system starts with the operational problem and works backward toward the technology.

9. Are robots the right choice for every warehouse?

Not necessarily—and determining that is part of the automation design process.

Robots can provide flexibility and scalable transportation, but they are one component of a much larger range of warehouse automation technologies. Century offers conveyors, sortation systems, robotic palletizing, controls and software, storage modules, and other solutions alongside robotic fulfillment. 

For some transportation paths, a conveyor may provide the most efficient solution. For another part of the facility, an AGV or AMR may offer the flexibility needed. A high-volume shipping operation might benefit from sortation equipment, while pallet operations could require specialized pallet conveyors or robotic palletizing.

The strongest automation strategy is therefore not necessarily the one with the most robots. It is the one that uses the right technology for each part of the workflow.

10. How can a warehouse determine whether it needs robots?

Start by examining the movement of materials, not by starting with the robot itself.

A warehouse should evaluate where products enter the facility, where they are stored, how they are picked, how they reach packing stations, how orders move toward shipping, and where employees spend significant amounts of time transporting materials.

Century describes order fulfillment as the sequence of activities from receiving an order through getting the item to the shipping dock. Its stated objective is to optimize the system for output, reduce errors and damage, and increase processing speed while reducing manual interactions.

That perspective provides a useful framework for evaluating robots.

If employees spend substantial time repeatedly moving totes between the same locations, an automated transportation solution may be worth investigating. If products need to travel through a fixed, high-volume route, conveyors may be more appropriate. If transportation requirements change frequently or goods need to move dynamically throughout a facility, AMRs may offer a better fit.

The right question is therefore not simply, “Do we need robots?” It is, “Where is automation capable of creating the greatest operational improvement?”

11. Why consider Century Conveyor Systems for robots for warehouse projects?

Century combines robotic fulfillment with decades of material-handling and systems-integration experience.

Century says it has more than 40 years of conveyor experience and provides full-service automation covering design, validation, installation, startup support, and lifetime parts and service. The company also reports more than 1,500 installations over the past five years. 

For businesses exploring robots for warehouse operations, that broader experience can matter because successful automation requires more than selecting equipment. It requires understanding how equipment, software, controls, facility layout, product characteristics, and human workflows interact.

Century’s portfolio allows robotic fulfillment to be evaluated alongside conveyors, sortation, palletizing, storage, controls, and other technologies. That can help businesses develop an automation strategy based on the complete material flow rather than a single piece of equipment.

12. What is the first step toward implementing robots in a warehouse?

The first step is to evaluate the warehouse’s current material flow and identify where robotic transportation can deliver measurable value.

Century encourages businesses to provide project details so an automation expert can help determine the next steps for a distribution-facility automation optimization project.

A useful evaluation should consider factors such as product types, weights and dimensions, order volume, transportation distances, existing conveyor infrastructure, storage configuration, employee workflows, peak demand, and future growth.

From there, an integrator can determine whether AGVs, AMRs, conveyors, or a combination of technologies makes the most sense.

For organizations searching for robots for warehouse applications, that systems-level evaluation is often the most important starting point. The goal is not automation for its own sake. The goal is a warehouse that moves products more efficiently, scales with demand, minimizes unnecessary manual handling, and supports reliable order fulfillment.

Century Conveyor Systems’ robotic fulfillment solutions provide a flexible approach to that objective, with AGVs and AMRs that can be engineered around the specific requirements of a warehouse or distribution facility. 

To explore Century’s robots for warehouse capabilities and begin discussing a potential project, visit Century Conveyor Systems or its Conveyor Systems and Robotic Fulfillment page.

Automated Conveyor Systems FAQ 101: Your Complete Guide to Century Conveyor Systems’ Warehouse Automation Solutions

automated conveyor systems

Modern warehouses and distribution centers need automated conveyor systems because of constant pressure to ship orders faster, improve accuracy, and control labor costs. As order volumes continue to increase, many businesses are replacing manual material handling with automated conveyor systems that keep products moving efficiently from receiving through shipping.

Century Conveyor Systems specializes in designing, engineering, integrating, and supporting turnkey material handling automation solutions for warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment operations. Rather than selling standalone conveyor equipment, Century develops customized systems that align with each customer’s operational goals while integrating conveyors, controls, robotics, software, and sortation technologies into one coordinated solution.

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Century Conveyor Systems’ automated conveyor systems.

automated conveyor systems

FAQ 1: What are automated conveyor systems?

Automated conveyor systems are integrated material handling solutions that automatically transport products throughout a warehouse or distribution facility with minimal manual intervention.

Instead of relying on employees to move cartons, totes, pallets, drums, or polybags between workstations, automated conveyors continuously move products through receiving, storage, picking, packing, sortation, labeling, palletizing, and shipping.

Century Conveyor Systems designs automated conveyor systems as part of complete warehouse automation projects. Every solution is engineered around the customer’s workflow instead of using a one-size-fits-all design. Depending on operational requirements, a system may include:

  • Belt conveyors
  • Powered roller conveyors
  • Gravity conveyors
  • Pallet handling conveyors
  • Extendable conveyors
  • Spiral conveyors
  • Conveyor diverts
  • Automated sortation equipment
  • Warehouse controls
  • Warehouse software integration
  • Robotic technologies

Because every operation has different throughput goals, product types, facility layouts, and growth plans, Century’s engineering team evaluates each application before recommending the right combination of technologies.

FAQ 2: Why should businesses choose Century Conveyor Systems for automated conveyor systems?

Many conveyor suppliers simply provide equipment.

Century Conveyor Systems delivers complete automation solutions.

This difference has a significant impact on long-term operational performance.

Century manages the entire automation process, including:

  • System design
  • Engineering
  • Validation
  • Equipment integration
  • Installation
  • Startup support
  • Controls implementation
  • Ongoing maintenance
  • Replacement parts and service

This turnkey approach helps eliminate compatibility issues that can occur when multiple vendors supply different portions of a warehouse automation project.

Century also focuses on designing systems around measurable business outcomes instead of equipment specifications alone. Their goal is to increase throughput, reduce labor dependency, improve order accuracy, minimize product damage, and create scalable systems that continue supporting operations as businesses grow.

Rather than forcing customers into standardized layouts, Century develops customized automation strategies that match each facility’s current needs while preparing for future expansion.

FAQ 3: How do Century Conveyor Systems’ automated conveyor systems improve order fulfillment?

Order fulfillment involves much more than simply moving products.

A successful fulfillment operation depends on efficient movement through every stage of the warehouse, including:

  • Receiving inventory
  • Storage
  • Replenishment
  • Order picking
  • Transportation
  • Packing
  • Labeling
  • Sortation
  • Shipping

If products stop moving efficiently at any point, bottlenecks develop that slow the entire operation.

Century Conveyor Systems engineers automated conveyor systems to maintain continuous product flow throughout the warehouse. Instead of requiring employees to manually transport inventory between departments, conveyors automatically move products to the next process with consistent speed and reliability.

This creates several important operational benefits.

First, throughput increases because products spend less time waiting between processes.

Second, employees can spend more time on value-added activities instead of walking long warehouse distances transporting materials.

Third, fewer manual touchpoints reduce opportunities for handling damage and fulfillment errors.

Finally, the entire operation becomes more predictable, allowing managers to better balance labor resources while maintaining consistent shipping performance during both normal operations and seasonal demand spikes.

FAQ 4: Can Century Conveyor Systems integrate automated conveyor systems with robotics and warehouse software?

Yes.

One of Century Conveyor Systems’ greatest strengths is integrating multiple automation technologies into a single coordinated operation.

Modern warehouse automation extends far beyond conveyors alone. Today’s facilities often require communication between numerous technologies, including:

  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
  • Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)
  • PLC controls
  • Automated sortation systems
  • Print-and-apply equipment
  • Robotic palletizing cells
  • Storage and retrieval systems

Rather than allowing these technologies to operate independently, Century engineers complete automation ecosystems where each component communicates with the others.

For example, warehouse software can direct inventory movement while conveyors transport products automatically, robotics complete repetitive transportation tasks, and automated sortation equipment routes packages to the correct shipping destination.

This coordinated approach improves overall warehouse visibility while reducing delays between processes.

Instead of isolated automation islands, businesses receive one integrated solution designed around the complete fulfillment workflow.

FAQ 5: Are Century Conveyor Systems’ automated conveyor systems scalable?

Scalability is one of the primary reasons businesses invest in warehouse automation.

Many facilities experience changing order volumes throughout the year. Seasonal peaks, business growth, new customers, or expanded product lines can quickly overwhelm systems that were designed only for current demand.

Century Conveyor Systems engineers automation solutions with long-term growth in mind.

Rather than replacing entire conveyor systems every few years, businesses can often expand existing automation by adding new conveyor sections, integrating additional robotics, increasing sortation capacity, or implementing new warehouse technologies as operational requirements evolve.

This modular philosophy helps protect automation investments while allowing facilities to adapt to changing business conditions.

Scalable systems also reduce operational disruption because future expansion often builds upon existing infrastructure instead of requiring complete redesigns.

For growing warehouses, this flexibility provides significant long-term value.

FAQ 6: Which industries benefit most from Century Conveyor Systems’ automated conveyor systems?

Automated conveyor systems can improve operations across a wide variety of industries that depend on efficient material movement.

Century Conveyor Systems supports facilities handling products that move in:

  • Boxes
  • Cartons
  • Totes
  • Polybags
  • Pallets
  • Drums

Common applications include:

  • E-commerce fulfillment
  • Third-party logistics (3PL)
  • Retail distribution
  • Manufacturing
  • Consumer packaged goods
  • Industrial distribution
  • Wholesale operations
  • Cross-dock facilities

Because every industry has different operational challenges, Century customizes each automation system according to product dimensions, shipping methods, throughput requirements, warehouse layouts, and available floor space.

Instead of offering identical systems across industries, Century tailors every solution to support the customer’s specific operational objectives.

FAQ 7: How do automated conveyor systems reduce labor dependency without replacing employees?

Warehouse labor shortages remain one of the largest operational challenges facing distribution facilities.

Automated conveyor systems help address this challenge by reducing repetitive transportation tasks rather than eliminating the need for skilled employees.

Without conveyors, workers often spend a significant portion of their shift walking products between workstations, pushing carts, or moving inventory manually.

These activities add little value while consuming valuable labor hours.

Century Conveyor Systems automates product transportation so employees can focus on higher-value responsibilities such as quality control, exception handling, equipment oversight, inventory management, customer service, and operational decision-making.

Automation also helps improve workplace ergonomics by reducing repetitive lifting and unnecessary travel throughout large facilities.

As a result, businesses can often improve productivity while making better use of available labor resources.

FAQ 8: What ongoing support does Century Conveyor Systems provide after installation?

Installing an automated conveyor system is only one phase of a successful automation project.

Long-term performance depends on proper maintenance, technical support, replacement parts, and system optimization.

Century Conveyor Systems continues supporting customers after installation through services that include:

  • Preventative maintenance
  • Conveyor repairs
  • Replacement parts
  • Equipment upgrades
  • Modernization projects
  • Technical support
  • System optimization

As operational requirements change over time, Century can also retrofit existing systems with new technologies, allowing customers to modernize automation without necessarily replacing every component.

This long-term partnership helps maximize system uptime while protecting the customer’s investment for years after implementation.

Final Thoughts

Businesses searching for automated conveyor systems are often looking for more than equipment—they need a strategic automation partner capable of improving the performance of their entire warehouse operation.

Century Conveyor Systems takes a comprehensive approach by designing customized material handling solutions that integrate conveyors, robotics, controls, warehouse software, and sortation technologies into one unified system. From initial engineering and system validation to installation, startup support, maintenance, and future modernization, the company focuses on helping warehouses increase throughput, improve order accuracy, reduce manual handling, and prepare for long-term growth.

For organizations planning to modernize their fulfillment, distribution, or manufacturing operations, Century Conveyor Systems’ turnkey automation solutions provide a scalable foundation for greater efficiency, higher productivity, and stronger operational performance.

Great Benefits of Warehouse Automation – FAQ 101 About Century Conveyor Systems

benefits of warehouse automation

Benefits of warehouse automation has shifted from being a competitive advantage to a foundational requirement for modern distribution, e-commerce, and fulfillment operations. Within this space, Century Conveyor Systems positions itself as a full-service systems integrator that designs, builds, and supports end-to-end automation ecosystems rather than simply supplying equipment. Their approach to warehouse automation—especially in order fulfillment environments—centers on engineered conveyor systems, robotics integration, and lifecycle support that work together as a unified operational strategy.

Below is a detailed FAQ exploring the benefits of warehouse automation, specifically framed through the capabilities and solutions offered by Century Conveyor Systems.

benefits of warehouse automation

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #1: Why is warehouse automation considered a strategic advantage rather than just an operational upgrade?

Warehouse automation is no longer just about moving boxes faster—it fundamentally reshapes how a facility performs under pressure. Century Conveyor Systems designs automation with the goal of optimizing the entire material flow from receiving to shipping, not just isolated tasks like transport or sorting.

The strategic value comes from how automation integrates multiple operational layers:

  • Physical movement (conveyors, sortation, robotics)
  • Decision systems (controls, PLCs, WCS/WMS integration)
  • Labor orchestration (reducing manual touches and travel time)

Instead of relying on human-driven batch workflows, automated systems create continuous, predictable throughput. This predictability is what allows warehouses to scale without proportional increases in labor or space. In practical terms, automation turns warehouse performance into a measurable, controllable system rather than a variable one.

Century’s role as an integrator matters here because the benefit is not just the equipment—it is how well the system is engineered as a whole.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #2: How does Century Conveyor Systems improve throughput and order fulfillment speed?

One of the most immediate benefits of warehouse automation is increased throughput—how many orders or units a facility can process in a given time window. Century’s order fulfillment solutions are designed specifically to increase output performance while reducing manual handling and delays.

In traditional warehouses, movement is fragmented: forklifts, carts, and manual picking create bottlenecks between steps. Century replaces these interruptions with continuous-flow systems such as conveyors, sortation lines, and robotic transport.

Key improvements include:

  • Continuous movement from picking → packing → shipping
  • Reduced idle time between workstations
  • Faster routing through automated sortation
  • Elimination of repetitive transport tasks

The real advantage is not just speed—it is flow consistency. When goods move predictably through each stage, downstream processes (packing stations, shipping docks, labeling systems) can operate at stable, optimized rates without sudden surges or bottlenecks.

This is especially important in e-commerce and high-SKU environments where order volumes fluctuate significantly.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #3: How does automation reduce labor dependency without eliminating workforce value?

A major benefit of warehouse automation is labor optimization, not simply labor reduction. Century’s systems are designed to minimize manual handling tasks while allowing human workers to focus on higher-value activities such as exception handling, quality control, and system oversight.

For example, conveyor and robotic systems reduce the need for:

  • Long-distance walking across warehouse floors
  • Manual cart movement between zones
  • Repetitive lifting and carrying tasks
  • Time-consuming sorting and staging work

At the same time, Century integrates robotics such as AGVs and AMRs that handle transport tasks typically performed by forklifts or manual labor.

The key insight is that automation redistributes labor rather than simply removing it. Instead of requiring more workers as volume increases, warehouses can stabilize staffing levels and redeploy personnel toward more complex decision-based tasks.

This improves both efficiency and workforce sustainability, especially in environments facing labor shortages or high turnover.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #4: Why does automation significantly reduce operational errors and product damage?

Error reduction is one of the most financially impactful benefits of warehouse automation. Manual handling introduces variability—mis-picks, mis-sorts, dropped items, and inconsistent routing. Century’s engineered systems aim to eliminate these inconsistencies through controlled, repeatable processes.

Century designs systems to optimize:

  • Order accuracy (correct item routing through sortation logic)
  • Handling consistency (reduced manual touches)
  • Product protection (controlled movement via conveyors and accumulation systems)

By minimizing human handling steps, the system reduces opportunities for error accumulation across the fulfillment cycle. Even small improvements in accuracy can significantly reduce return rates, re-shipping costs, and customer dissatisfaction.

Additionally, automation reduces product damage by controlling spacing, speed, and transitions between conveyor zones. Instead of unpredictable manual transport, products follow engineered pathways with defined acceleration, deceleration, and transfer points.

This is particularly valuable for fragile goods, high-value inventory, or high-volume retail fulfillment operations.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #5: How does Century Conveyor Systems improve scalability for growing warehouses?

Scalability is one of the most important long-term benefits of warehouse automation. Century designs systems with expansion in mind, allowing operations to grow without requiring complete system replacement.

Their approach includes modular integration of:

  • Conveyor extensions and additional sortation lanes
  • Robotics (AGVs/AMRs) that can be scaled up as volume increases
  • Storage systems that integrate with automated retrieval
  • Software controls that adjust routing logic dynamically

Unlike fixed manual workflows, automated systems can be expanded in phases. This means a warehouse can start with a partial automation footprint—such as a packing or shipping zone—and gradually extend automation across the entire facility.

The benefit is financial as well as operational: instead of large upfront redesigns, businesses can scale incrementally while maintaining system continuity.

This flexibility is especially important for seasonal businesses and fast-growing e-commerce operations.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #6: How does automation improve space utilization inside the warehouse?

Warehouse space is one of the most expensive operational constraints. Automation helps maximize usable space by reducing wasted aisle time, inefficient storage layouts, and oversized staging areas.

Century’s systems support space efficiency through:

  • Compact conveyor routing that replaces wide forklift lanes
  • Vertical integration with storage modules and racking systems
  • Automated movement that reduces the need for staging buffers
  • Robotics that operate in tighter spaces than traditional equipment

Because automated systems do not require the same turning radius or travel clearance as forklifts, warehouses can redesign layouts to prioritize storage density over manual accessibility.

This leads to a higher throughput per square foot, which is often more valuable than simply increasing speed.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #7: Why is system integration (conveyors + robotics + software) a major benefit of Century’s approach?

One of the defining benefits of Century Conveyor Systems is that they operate as a full systems integrator rather than a single-equipment vendor.

This matters because warehouse automation only performs well when all components work together:

  • Conveyors move items physically
  • Robotics handle flexible transport tasks
  • Controls systems coordinate flow and logic
  • WMS/WCS software manages inventory and routing decisions

If these systems are disconnected, warehouses often experience bottlenecks, miscommunication between systems, or inefficiencies in routing logic.

Century’s integration-first approach ensures that automation behaves like a unified ecosystem. This reduces friction between subsystems and improves reliability under high-volume conditions.

The result is fewer “handoff failures” between systems and smoother end-to-end execution of fulfillment workflows.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #8: How does warehouse automation improve long-term operational reliability?

Reliability is one of the most overlooked but critical benefits of automation. Warehouse systems run continuously under heavy load, and even small disruptions can create cascading delays.

Century supports reliability through:

  • Engineered system design tailored to operational needs
  • Preventative maintenance and service programs
  • Long-term parts availability and support
  • Controls and monitoring systems for early issue detection

Unlike manual systems, which vary based on workforce consistency, automated systems operate with standardized performance parameters. This consistency allows managers to forecast output, schedule labor more accurately, and reduce unexpected downtime.

Over time, this leads to improved service levels, fewer shipping delays, and stronger customer satisfaction metrics.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation FAQ #9: What is the biggest overall benefit of warehouse automation with Century Conveyor Systems?

The most important benefit is not any single improvement—it is the compounding effect of all improvements working together.

When Century designs an automated warehouse system, the combined result is:

  • Faster order processing
  • Lower labor intensity per unit shipped
  • Reduced errors and product damage
  • Improved scalability for growth
  • More efficient use of space
  • Greater operational predictability

Instead of optimizing isolated functions, Century’s approach creates a synchronized fulfillment system where each component reinforces the others.

That systemic alignment is what turns warehouse automation from a collection of machines into a high-performance logistics engine.

Industrial Automation and Robotics 10 FAQs: Your Guide to Century Conveyor Systems’ Automation Solutions

industrial automation and robotics

Industrial automation and robotics have become essential for warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment operations that need to increase throughput, improve order accuracy, and reduce reliance on repetitive manual labor. As customer expectations for faster shipping continue to rise, companies are investing in integrated automation systems that streamline every stage of material handling.

Century Conveyor Systems specializes in designing, integrating, installing, and supporting turnkey material handling industrial automation and robotics. Rather than supplying individual pieces of equipment, the company develops complete automation solutions tailored to each facility’s workflow and operational goals. Its offerings include conveyor systems, robotic fulfillment technologies, robotic palletizing, sortation systems, controls engineering, warehouse software integration, and long-term maintenance support.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about industrial automation and robotics and how Century Conveyor Systems helps businesses modernize their operations.

industrial automation and robotics

FAQ 1: What is industrial automation and robotics?

Industrial automation and robotics refer to the use of automated equipment, intelligent controls, software, sensors, conveyors, and robotic systems to perform material handling tasks with minimal manual intervention.

Instead of relying on employees to transport products throughout a warehouse, automated systems move products efficiently between receiving, storage, picking, packing, sortation, palletizing, and shipping.

At Century Conveyor Systems, industrial automation is viewed as an integrated solution rather than a collection of independent machines. The company’s engineers design complete material handling systems that combine:

  • Conveyor systems
  • Robotic fulfillment technologies
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
  • Robotic palletizing systems
  • Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
  • PLC controls
  • Print-and-apply solutions
  • Storage systems

By integrating these technologies into a unified system, facilities can improve productivity while reducing operational bottlenecks.

FAQ 2: How does Century Conveyor Systems approach industrial automation differently?

One of Century Conveyor Systems’ biggest strengths is its role as a full-service automation integrator.

Many companies simply sell conveyors or robotics equipment. Century manages the entire automation lifecycle, including:

  • System analysis
  • Facility layout planning
  • Engineering
  • Equipment selection
  • Controls programming
  • Software integration
  • Installation
  • Startup support
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Replacement parts
  • Ongoing service

This turnkey approach reduces complexity for customers because they work with one automation partner throughout the project instead of coordinating multiple vendors.

The company emphasizes designing systems around operational objectives rather than forcing businesses into standardized equipment packages. Every project is engineered to match throughput goals, available space, product characteristics, labor requirements, and future growth plans.

FAQ 3: What types of robotic solutions does Century Conveyor Systems provide?

Industrial robotics encompasses much more than robotic arms, and Century Conveyor Systems supports several robotic technologies for warehouse and distribution environments.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

AGVs travel along predefined navigation methods such as magnetic tape, laser guidance, QR codes, or inductive systems to transport materials throughout a facility.

These systems are well suited for repetitive transportation tasks that traditionally require forklifts.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Unlike AGVs, AMRs navigate dynamically using onboard sensors and mapping technologies.

Their flexibility allows warehouses to adapt layouts more easily while minimizing permanent infrastructure changes.

Robotic Palletizing

Century also integrates robotic palletizing systems that automate stacking products onto pallets while improving consistency and reducing physically demanding manual labor.

Together, these robotics solutions complement conveyor automation to create a more efficient material handling process from receiving through shipping.

FAQ 4: Why are conveyors still essential in industrial automation and robotics?

Although robotics often receives the most attention, conveyors remain the backbone of most automated warehouses.

Conveyors create continuous product flow between workstations, allowing robotics and employees to focus on value-added tasks rather than transportation.

Century Conveyor Systems engineers conveyor systems that support:

  • Cartons
  • Totes
  • Pallets
  • Polybags
  • Drums
  • Oversized products

Depending on the application, systems may include:

  • Belt conveyors
  • Roller conveyors
  • Poly-V conveyors
  • Pallet conveyors
  • Accumulation conveyors
  • Sortation conveyors
  • Trailer extendable conveyors

These systems provide the foundation upon which robotics, software, scanners, and automated workstations operate efficiently.

Rather than replacing conveyors, robotics works alongside them to create an integrated automation ecosystem.

FAQ 5: How does industrial automation improve order fulfillment?

Order fulfillment involves far more than simply moving boxes.

A typical workflow includes:

  • Receiving inventory
  • Storage
  • Picking
  • Transport
  • Packing
  • Labeling
  • Sortation
  • Shipping

Century Conveyor Systems designs automation solutions that optimize each touchpoint.

Its published objectives include:

  • Increasing throughput
  • Reducing manual interactions
  • Improving order accuracy
  • Minimizing product damage
  • Lowering return rates
  • Processing orders faster
  • Increasing profitability

By combining conveyors, robotics, controls, and warehouse software, businesses can create smoother workflows that keep products moving consistently throughout the facility.

This holistic approach helps eliminate bottlenecks that often develop when individual processes are optimized without considering the overall system.

FAQ 6: Can Century Conveyor Systems’ automation solutions scale as a business grows?

Yes. Scalability is one of the key advantages of Century’s automation philosophy.

Business needs rarely remain static. Seasonal demand, new customers, additional product lines, or facility expansions can all increase operational complexity.

Century’s automation systems are engineered with future growth in mind.

For example, the company notes that robotic fulfillment systems offer several scalability benefits:

  • Additional robots can be deployed as demand increases.
  • Mobile robotic systems are flexible and not permanently fixed in place.
  • Solutions can be customized for changing operational requirements.

This allows organizations to expand automation over time rather than replacing entire systems as production requirements evolve.

FAQ 7: What role do software and controls play in industrial automation and robotics?

Modern industrial automation depends just as much on intelligent software as it does on mechanical equipment.

Century Conveyor Systems integrates controls and software that coordinate the movement of products throughout a facility.

These capabilities include:

  • PLC programming
  • Control panel fabrication
  • Warehouse Management System (WMS) integration
  • Warehouse Control System (WCS) integration

These systems enable automated routing decisions, synchronize conveyors with robotic equipment, monitor equipment performance, and help maintain consistent product flow.

Without integrated controls, even advanced robotics would struggle to operate efficiently within a complex warehouse environment. Century’s emphasis on controls engineering helps ensure that mechanical and digital systems function together as one coordinated operation.

FAQ 8: Why is long-term service and support important for industrial automation systems?

Installing automation is only the beginning of the investment.

As systems continue operating, they require maintenance, replacement parts, upgrades, and technical support to maintain peak performance.

Century Conveyor Systems provides ongoing support that includes:

  • Preventative maintenance
  • Conveyor repair
  • Replacement parts
  • Mechanical service
  • Electrical service
  • Controls support
  • Modernization and retrofit services

This lifecycle approach helps customers extend equipment longevity, minimize unplanned downtime, and protect the value of their automation investment.

Instead of treating installation as the end of the project, Century positions long-term support as an integral part of successful warehouse automation.

FAQ 9: Which industries benefit most from Century Conveyor Systems’ industrial automation and robotics solutions?

Century Conveyor Systems focuses on material handling environments where speed, accuracy, and efficiency are essential.

Its automation solutions are particularly well suited for:

  • Distribution centers
  • Warehouses
  • E-commerce fulfillment centers
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Third-party logistics (3PL) operations
  • Shipping and sortation facilities

Any operation that regularly moves products in boxes, totes, pallets, drums, polybags, or similar containers can benefit from customized automation that reduces manual handling while improving productivity.

Because each system is engineered around the customer’s workflow, Century can tailor solutions for facilities with different layouts, product mixes, and throughput requirements.

FAQ 10: Why should businesses choose Century Conveyor Systems for industrial automation and robotics?

Choosing an automation partner involves much more than comparing equipment specifications.

Century Conveyor Systems distinguishes itself through a comprehensive approach that combines engineering expertise, turnkey project delivery, and long-term customer support.

Key advantages include:

  • Complete turnkey system integration
  • Customized engineering instead of one-size-fits-all solutions
  • Integration of conveyors, robotics, controls, and software
  • Order fulfillment expertise
  • Scalable automation solutions
  • Full installation and startup management
  • Preventative maintenance and lifecycle support
  • Experience serving warehouses and distribution centers

Rather than focusing on a single piece of automation technology, Century designs complete systems that improve overall operational performance. This integrated approach helps businesses increase throughput, reduce labor-intensive tasks, improve order accuracy, and prepare their facilities for future growth.

For organizations exploring industrial automation and robotics, partnering with an experienced systems integrator can simplify implementation while maximizing the long-term value of the investment. Century Conveyor Systems’ emphasis on customized design, coordinated project management, and ongoing service makes it a strong choice for companies seeking comprehensive material handling automation solutions.

Warehouse Conveyor Systems FAQ 101: Why Century Conveyor Systems Delivers Some of the Best Warehouse Conveyor Systems Available

Warehouse conveyor systems

Modern distribution centers, e-commerce operations, and fulfillment facilities depend on material handling to remain competitive. Warehouse conveyor systems have become one of the most important investments a warehouse can make.

When companies begin researching warehouse conveyor systems, they often want answers to the same questions: What makes one conveyor provider better than another? How important is system design? What should businesses look for in an automation partner?

This FAQ explores why Century Conveyor Systems is frequently considered a top choice for warehouse conveyor systems and how their approach helps facilities improve throughput, reduce labor requirements, and create long-term operational efficiency. Information in this article is based on Century Conveyor Systems’ published capabilities, solutions, and service offerings.

Warehouse conveyor systems

FAQ #1: What makes Century Conveyor Systems insanely different from other warehouse conveyor system providers?

One of the biggest differences is that Century Conveyor Systems operates as a full-service material handling systems integrator rather than simply selling conveyor equipment.

Many conveyor suppliers focus primarily on equipment sales. Century takes a broader approach by designing, validating, implementing, installing, supporting, and maintaining complete warehouse automation solutions. Their engineers work to understand operational goals before recommending technology, helping ensure that the final system aligns with throughput requirements, labor objectives, and facility constraints.

This integrated methodology provides several advantages:

  • Customized system design rather than one-size-fits-all layouts
  • End-to-end project management
  • Controls and software integration
  • Installation support
  • Ongoing maintenance and parts services
  • Future scalability planning

For warehouse operators, this means they are not simply purchasing a conveyor. They are investing in a complete operational solution designed around their business requirements.

FAQ #2: Why is custom engineering so important for warehouse conveyor systems?

No two warehouses operate exactly the same way.

Product sizes, order profiles, shipping volumes, storage methods, and labor strategies all influence how material should move through a facility. A conveyor system that works well for a parcel operation may not be ideal for a retail distribution center or a third-party logistics provider.

Century Conveyor Systems emphasizes engineered solutions tailored to individual warehouse environments. Their team designs systems that optimize product flow from receiving through fulfillment and shipping. Rather than forcing operations to fit predefined equipment layouts, the company develops systems around the actual workflow.

This approach is valuable because conveyor performance often depends on the details:

  • Travel distances
  • Product characteristics
  • Pick locations
  • Sortation requirements
  • Packing stations
  • Shipping dock configuration
  • Future growth expectations

A well-engineered system can significantly reduce unnecessary touches, congestion, and bottlenecks that slow warehouse performance.

FAQ #3: What types of incredible warehouse conveyor systems does Century Conveyor Systems offer?

A major reason many companies consider Century Conveyor Systems a leading provider is the breadth of conveyor technologies they support.

Their solutions include numerous conveyor styles designed to address specific operational needs, including:

Live Roller Conveyors

Ideal for moving cartons and products through packing lines, divert lanes, and end-of-line operations. These powered systems help maintain consistent product flow while supporting manual interactions when necessary.

Belted Conveyors

Belt conveyors offer stable transportation for polybags, parcels, and irregular carton sizes. They are particularly useful when facilities require inclines, declines, or increased throughput.

Modular Belt Conveyors

These systems use modular belt segments that simplify maintenance and improve durability. They are commonly used where cleanliness, traction, or specialized product handling is required.

Conveyor Diverts

Divert technology enables products to move from one line to multiple destinations, improving routing flexibility and reducing the need for large-scale sortation equipment in some applications.

Accumulation Conveyors

Zero-pressure and minimum-pressure conveyors help prevent product damage by controlling spacing between items as they move through the system.

Extendable Conveyors

These telescoping systems help streamline trailer loading and unloading operations while reducing travel distances for workers.

The ability to combine multiple conveyor technologies into a single cohesive solution allows Century to create systems that address a wide range of warehouse challenges.

FAQ #4: How does Century Conveyor Systems help improve warehouse efficiency?

Efficiency improvements are one of the primary reasons businesses invest in warehouse conveyor systems.

Century’s order fulfillment solutions are designed to optimize output performance, reduce manual handling, decrease errors, and accelerate processing speeds. Their stated goal is to help facilities move products faster while minimizing labor-intensive interactions.

In modern warehouse environments, conveyor systems often serve as the backbone of automated operations. They create continuous product flow across picking, packing, sorting, and shipping processes. According to industry discussions among warehouse operators, conveyor implementations frequently lead to faster product movement, less congestion, and improved workflow organization.

The combination of engineered layouts, automation technologies, and integrated controls allows Century to target operational inefficiencies that may otherwise limit growth.

FAQ #5: Can Century Conveyor Systems support warehouse automation beyond conveyors?

Yes.

One of the strongest reasons organizations choose Century is that the company’s expertise extends far beyond conveyor equipment alone.

Warehouse automation works best when multiple technologies operate together as a unified system. Century offers solutions that integrate:

  • Conveyor systems
  • Sortation systems
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
  • Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
  • Robotic palletizing solutions
  • Print-and-apply systems
  • Storage and retrieval technologies
  • PLC controls and software integration

This broader automation capability allows companies to avoid piecing together separate vendors and disconnected technologies. Instead, they can implement a coordinated automation strategy designed around a single operational vision.

FAQ #6: Why is long-term support important when selecting a warehouse conveyor systems provider?

Installing a conveyor system is only the beginning of its lifecycle.

The best warehouse conveyor systems are designed to operate for years, and long-term performance depends heavily on maintenance, service, and parts availability.

Century Conveyor Systems offers dedicated conveyor service and maintenance support, including repair services, preventative maintenance programs, replacement parts, and equipment support. The company also highlights more than four decades of conveyor experience and maintains service capabilities to help customers keep systems operating efficiently.

This matters because downtime can be extremely costly. Even a brief disruption can impact:

  • Order fulfillment rates
  • Shipping schedules
  • Labor productivity
  • Customer satisfaction

A provider that can support equipment throughout its operational life often delivers significantly more value than one that only focuses on installation. Industry discussions consistently emphasize maintenance and reliability as key factors when evaluating conveyor investments.

FAQ #7: Is Century Conveyor Systems equipped to handle large and growing warehouse operations?

Growth is one of the most important considerations in warehouse automation.

Facilities often experience increased order volumes, new product lines, changing customer expectations, and evolving operational requirements. Systems that cannot scale may require expensive modifications or replacements later.

Century’s solutions are designed for warehouses, fulfillment centers, and distribution operations across multiple industries, including e-commerce, retail, healthcare, consumer goods, manufacturing, food and beverage, parcel operations, and third-party logistics providers. Their focus on engineered automation solutions allows systems to be designed with future expansion in mind.

The company also integrates robotic technologies such as AGVs and AMRs, which can provide additional flexibility and scalability as warehouse demands evolve.

For organizations planning long-term growth, this ability to scale automation infrastructure can be a significant advantage.

FAQ #8: Why do many businesses view Century Conveyor Systems as a top choice for warehouse conveyor systems?

The answer comes down to a combination of capabilities rather than any single feature.

Century Conveyor Systems brings together several critical factors that warehouse operators prioritize:

  • Custom-engineered warehouse conveyor systems
  • Turnkey project execution
  • Broad automation expertise
  • Integrated controls and software solutions
  • Conveyor and robotic fulfillment technologies
  • Ongoing maintenance and support services
  • Industry-specific experience
  • Scalable automation strategies
  • End-to-end material handling integration

Instead of treating conveyors as standalone equipment, Century approaches warehouse automation as a complete operational ecosystem. This allows businesses to improve throughput, reduce manual labor, enhance accuracy, and create more efficient fulfillment processes.

Final Thoughts

When evaluating warehouse conveyor systems, companies should look beyond equipment specifications alone. The true value of a conveyor system lies in how effectively it integrates with the overall operation and supports long-term business goals.

Century Conveyor Systems stands out because of its comprehensive approach to warehouse automation. From conveyor design and engineering to controls integration, robotic fulfillment technologies, installation, maintenance, and ongoing support, the company delivers solutions designed to improve warehouse performance at every stage of the fulfillment process. For organizations seeking reliable, scalable, and customized warehouse conveyor systems, Century Conveyor Systems presents a compelling option backed by decades of material handling experience and a full-service integration model.

How to achieve Kaizen process success with warehouse automation

century systems kaizen warehouse automation blog header
century systems kaizen blog header

Kaizen (translated roughly from Japanese for “improvement”) is a lean operating methodology that provides continuous improvement by scrutinizing specific inefficiencies and accurately solving them. Typically, Kaizen steps follow the guidelines below:

century systems kaizen infographic 1
  1. Identify

Recognize and indicate sub-optimal processes

  1. Analyze

Research into why the process is not working optimally

  1. Solve

Generate possible solutions to eliminate the inefficiency

  1. Test

Thoroughly test possible solutions

  1. Report

Collect data and determine if test results display a positive outcome

  1. Implement

Act on results and integrate the tested solution

Kaizen methodology thrives on the idea of collaboration and precise measurements. For a warehouse to be operating to the best of its abilities- insights, direction, and data must be gleaned from the employee team, from the chief executive officer, all the way down to a warehouse worker. Understanding and utilizing the data from such varied viewpoints can provide valuable information as to what’s working, and what’s not. This combination ensures that the proposed solution performs well on every level, and is the result of both executive leadership, and hands-on experience.

When considering improvements consistent with kaizen practices, automation is a powerful tool that can solve those points of waste in your warehouse. Typically, kaizen is predominantly used in manufacturing operations, but the same principles apply to downstream, post-production operations like goods-to-person, pick-to-light, storage and retrieval, order fulfillment, and sortation- just to name a few EOL processes.

Inefficiencies exist in these processes too, and we’ve put together our recommendation on which automated systems fulfill kaizen standards for common warehouse waste.

Identifying warehouse waste

Identifying the source of inefficiency in your facility may be extremely simple or hidden enough that you’re not even aware of it.

An obvious source may be something like an old conveyor system that jams constantly, lack of available storage space, or multiple forklifts with not enough employees to operate them.

Hidden waste sources are harder to discover, and may not be something that can be corrected without data reporting software. A warehouse management system (or WMS), connected to any warehouse control system (WCS) can provide a wealth of incredibly detailed analytics and reports. Here is where you can pinpoint underperforming sections of your process, simply by reviewing system rates.

Before any extensive kaizen changes are implemented, a WMS is key to fully understanding the existing conditions of your warehouse and receiving hard empirical data as to if your improvements are, well, actually improving anything.

Losing track of items

As well as generating valuable system reports, a WMS can manage and maintain your inventory levels, important for any company, and crucial for any warehouse that handles a catalog of SKUs. Proper product tracking means less time spent searching and more time spent understanding the ebb and flow of product demand in your warehouse, which can help guide decisions on inventory forecasting and scaling.

Keeping track of product with Excel charts won’t cut it. The benefits of dynamically managing your warehouse inventory outweigh the costs of implementing a WMS platform, which, when compared to other automation solutions, isn’t as expensive or as difficult to integrate.

Manual product movement

Consider all the operations in your warehouse currently that include your workers physically transporting items to the next step in the process. Touchpoints, as we’ll call them, should be minimized. Essentially, automation can assist in lowering the number of touchpoints in your warehouse, if not completely eliminating some.

century kaizen blog descriptive image 1

The addition of a single conveyor line connecting in-feeding and out-feeding operations can lower worker touchpoints exponentially simply by eliminating the need for employees to transport product themselves.

Warehouse robots, like AGVs and AMRs can move product throughout a facility without an employee actively operating it, unlike a forklift or a cart.

Automation can be integrated as a compliment to manual operations. It’s understandable that not every facility has the budget, or the demand, to automate every operation fully, but having employees run a marathon when they need to pick an item is certainly a source of inefficiency.

Inconsistent product flow

Maintaining a congruent movement of products may seem like a no-brainer at first thought but consider every step of your warehouse process. Are there constant slowdowns and jams? Do you notice many employees waiting with no work to do? How come that pallet isn’t built yet?

Any mishap is much like a domino effect. It’s important to understand that a single area of inefficiency can affect whatever is downstream from it. Consider the timing for each product that’s processed and identify where it’s falling short.

Going back to the palletizing sample, your cartons may be outputting at a fantastic rate, but if your employees cannot build and stretch wrap pallets without a mass of boxes piling up, something needs to be adjusted (like an automatic palletizer, or an additional conveyor line). You may also be looking for the solution in the wrong area. Widen your lens and research how operations upstream can be fine-tuned to avoid errors down the line.

At Century, we engineer systems from start to finish, inclusive of a consistent CPM rate. Our goal is to offer you the best ROI and output rate across the entire solution. This takes a good amount of innovation and ingenuity, but we pride ourselves on being able to offer a specialized design that works just for you. We’d love to hear your challenges and offer our opinions on solutions.

Recurring downtime

System and equipment maintenance should be part of your warehouse’s normal operating routine. The waste appears when the amount of downtime becomes much too excessive.

In our experience, most powered equipment has a lifespan of around 25 years. For something that gets heavy-duty usage, that’s nothing to scoff at, but it’s important to realize when a machine is nearing the end of its duty.

In famous kaizen form, speak with your maintenance team or warehouse supervisor and gather their feedback on which systems are experiencing faults, the age of the systems, and what their ideas are for upgrades. They will have an intimate working knowledge of the warehouse floor and can provide valuable direction.

Downtime may not just simply be something breaking, but an inefficiency created in response to potential downtime, or a temporary band-aid solution. For example, a dock door that has been damaged and cannot be opened, and instead of repairing it, that door is just not used- opting to leave the excess to the other bays.

Difficulty training and retaining staff

A common source of frustration and difficulty for any warehouse, and even more so during current labor shortages, maintaining skilled facility staff is a constant source of improvement.

In terms of automation, any solution that replaces a manual operation will improve the performance of that specific function immensely. After the initial investment, daily utilization costs of the automation solution will be far less than those associated with an employee. The output and efficiency benefits will far outpace those done via manually.

Again, it may not be financially and practically viable to automate every function, so empowering employees with simple-to-use warehouse devices and properly training workers on how to operate systems is a promising path in cultivating skilled workers. Employees feel valued and important the more responsibility they are given and see the fruits of their labor by learning to operate, and work with, automation systems.

kaizen blog staffing image

Kaizen operates the best on the notion that communication, teamwork, and a clear upward trajectory are present and practiced. If you’re having labor troubles at your warehouse, implementation of automation will absolutely help, but proper training and empowering workers can motivate them to work better and stick around longer.

Poor usage of warehouse space

The most precious amenity in any warehouse is space. It’s vitally important to carefully place structures, systems, and walkways in a design that’s maximizing the space that it’s given, keeping future expansions in mind. Spaces that are not optimized are only hurting performance, and greatly limiting growth.

Space-saving automation solutions can be done directly with that notion in mind or as an added result of another solution integration. For example, installing a team of AGVs to transport packages can do away with bulky, manually operated forklifts

For a direct answer to your space-saving needs, a myriad of warehouse structure systems like an ASRS, robotic shuttle, or thin-aisle racking (just to name a few) are designed specifically to save space and increase output.

While these systems are powerful, it may not be viable for your warehouse to implement hem. Instead, consider the verticality of your warehouse. The space above you can certainly be utilized provided your warehouse can accommodate. Mezzanines and elevated conveyor systems can free up ground-floor space, leaving much more room to install additional systems.

Obsolete or underperforming equipment

Much like our previous point on downtime, older systems and equipment can impede optimal performance. It can certainly be the cause of the reliability of the system or the technology used is just outdated and essentially obsolete. Material handling technology is in a constant state of evolution, as more advanced developments are integrated. A conveyor system from 20 years ago, while still of the same basic design, is very much different from a modern-day one.

To give a general example, 5G connectivity adaption within warehouses is quickly being adopted, yet, many companies still have legacy systems that run on 3G. The difference is stagging, comparing the speeds of 3G networks (2 Mbps) vs 5G (up to 1 Gbps), and with the advent of IIoT (industrial internet of things), 3G is simply a fossil.

Apply the same perspective on any technical system or solution, and you’ll see much the same difference in the vastness of ability. Consider evaluating any aging equipment in your warehouse, and research the advancements it’s undergone over the years.

Where do I start?

Every warehouse and distribution facility is different, and each comes with its own set of unique challenges. Because of this, the mileage may vary, but correctly identifying pain points should never be a one-sided decision. Kaizen depends on teamwork, and having an intimate understanding of how your warehouse operates on a day-to-day basis means opening lines of communication between departments, and cultivating an environment where employees feel like their feedback is valued and important.

Follow the steps, identify carefully and accurately, and consider how automation can help you dispose of ineffective warehouse waste.

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How to start integrating automation in your distribution center

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Venturing into the world of distribution center and warehouse automation poses many questions, a burning one being “Where do I start?”

It’s critical to select a solution that checks off all your operational improvement boxes but doesn’t run up against parameters that you need to maintain. For automation to perform as best as it can, careful preparation and engineering must be done, among a few other tasks.

  • Identify inefficiencies
  • Evaluate existing systems
  • Consider demand futures
  • Warehouse capabilities
  • ROI analysis
  • Internal coordination
  • Assemble a project team

Century wants your warehouse automation operation to perform as well as possible, no matter what it is. Our recommendation is to complete a few or all the steps below before you begin.

Identify inefficiencies

Is there an obvious weak point in your warehouse that automation could solve? Or has it been a while since you’ve looked at efficiency reports or commenced in continuous improvement? It’s important to understand the current challenges your warehouse faces and validate that the automation solution you’re researching will solve most of those issues.

Another component to this point is predicting the operational outcome of the integration. Will your other manual operations be able to seamlessly accommodate for the increased processing rate? Evaluate potential impacts the system may have on other areas of your warehouse and adjust accordingly.

Evaluate existing systems

Updating older equipment that’s already a part of your operations is the simplest way to increase output and bolster distribution. The typical lifespan of most systems varies, but it may be time for an improvement solution if it’s over 15 years old.

Even if the solution still operates well, the advancement of material handling technology has increased drastically, and a newer, more modern application can outperformance the current system and provide additional functionality.

Consider demand futures

What are the predictions for the future of the industry (or industries) you primarily supply distribution services for? Is there an expectation for growth? If so, can your current operations realistically sustain satisfactory output? Consider the direction your company is heading in and apply automation in a way that’s flexible.

For example, there might be an exception in the future to handle products that have unique dimensions. Is the automation solution you’re researching able to transport smaller or larger products? Maintaining a dynamic, forward-thinking mindset and applying it to warehouse automation applications will benefit future expansion.

Warehouse capabilities

Every warehouse is different and has varying limitations and specifics. It’s important to understand this critical point, as some solutions may not offer optimal benefits if it won’t integrate seamlessly in your warehouse layout.

Keep in mind, many warehouse automation systems are designed with this mind. Mezzanines can be used to suspend conveyor lines in the air, while ground operations can continue unhindered below. Narrow aisle racking and autonomous lift trucks can be implemented to decrease the footprint of a storage structure. Robotic solutions like AGVs and AMRs come in multiple shapes and sizes and can move freely throughout a building without having to be “bolted down” in a static position.

When working with your engineers or an integrator, carefully examine the warehouse layout (typically a CAD drawing) and familiarize yourself with both limitations, and room for expansion.

ROI analysis

Price varies greatly depending on the automation solution used. Understand that it will pay itself back in time but know that the return-on-investment timeframe will be longer the more costly a system is. Take into account the system rates of the solution, what your current daily output is, and calculate the profits from the increase. Ensure that your ROI is financially viable and within your criteria.

Internal coordination

While you may be the main operations or warehouse executive, a good leader understands that they can’t possibly be aware of every oversight in their organization. It’s important to connect with other key individuals to gain a perspective on the warehouse challenges they encounter. Some of these departments may include:

  • Staffing
  • Maintenance
  • Transportation
  • Material suppliers
  • Third-party supply chain partners
  • Procurement

Scheduling a meeting to inform them of your automation initiative may bring about some pain points that the solution could solve or identify additional parameters that can be kept in mind as a solution is created.

For example, a maintenance lead may suggest a system that can be serviced easily or might have some insights about the warehouse that should be considered as an automation project commences.

Assemble a project team

Spearhead an effort to acquire resources to begin development. Depending on who’s employed at your organization, your team would ideally include engineers and project managers.

Alternatively, you can contact an automation integrator who will manage all aspects of the project. Here at Century Systems, we offer full-service automation engineering capabilities. Our team of engineers, project managers, account executives, fabricators, and installers see to it that your project is completed, from cradle to grave. Send us a message or give us a call to have a quick consultation with an automation expert.

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Warehouse automation trends that will dominate in 2022

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warehouse automation trends 2022 blog header image

2021 has proved to be a year of unforgiving supply chain challenges. From shortages in raw materials and important electronic components to understaffed operations and demand congestion. What trends in warehouse automation have been developed to avoid supply chain disturbances in 2022?

If there has ever been a time to consider warehouse automation, it would be now. Many DCs and warehouses have experienced an increase in demand, whether it be for products, or in clients. Adversely, the required labor needed to accommodate has subsequently dried up. Positions have gone months unfilled, leaving warehouses to turn to higher incentives for applicants or forms of automation that would eliminate the need for such positions. A growing trend among warehouse staffing is to maximize productivity by equipping employees with technology, and the knowledge to utilize them.

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1. Co-op automation

Voice-to-pick

Humans and machines working together, and not as counterparts, can eke the most efficiency out of warehouse operations. Voice-to-pick solutions, when combined with a robotic pick module, benefits when a human operator can continually pack orders, and use voice commands to operate a pick solution for the next order.

Wearables

Employees can be equipped with a plethora of devices to boost accuracy and productivity. Tablets running WMS software can be outfitted with wrist or armbands, so employees can always have both hands free. Enabling on-the-go access to inventory and order information keeps operators on-task, instead of having to access a static terminal.

2. Developments in warehouse automation technology

As new technology becomes more developed and available, so does the functionality of specialized solutions. Every warehouse is different, which means unique material handling challenges are posed for solutions provides to tackle. A few automation systems that have seen continued usage and advancements in 2021, and are expected to be major focuses in 2022 include:

  • 5G connectivity adaption
  • Warehouse distribution drones
  • Climbable pick robots
  • WMS automation integration platforms
  • Micro-fulfillment
  • Advances in machine vision
  • Electric standard (UL and ISO) revisions
2022 automation trends MHI quote

Century is constantly keeping up with new trends and technology, all in an effort to engineer the absolute best in efficiency systems for our clients. Our firsthand experience of the stressors has provided us with the insights to recommend scalable and dynamic warehouse solutions. 2021 has been unkind to all facets of the supply chain, and new warehouse technology and processes are in place to make sure there’s not a repeat in 2022. Get in touch with one of our automation experts and re-engineer the efficiency of your warehouse.

3. A focus on domestic supply chain partners

Supply chain turmoil, while affecting all involved, greatly disrupted those using overseas resources. Port congestion, expensive container prices, sky-high shipping fees, and the Delta variant have strangled international lines. In response, companies are searching closer to home for materials and services, avoiding such headaches in the future.

While outsourced partners may be cheaper up-front, eliminating loss and inefficiencies associated with overseas supply chains may prove fruitful after an extended period of using a domestic partner. 2022 will show how many companies decide to make the flip.

4. ScaaS (supply-chain as a service)

While not an entirely new idea for 2021, the expectation is that 2022 will see more users of SCaaS platforms. Essentially, SCaaS follows the footsteps of SaaS (software-as-a-service) by offering users supply chain functions through an external company. While full-service third-party logistics companies exist, SCaaS solutions strive to provide services for every step, from sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, procurement, reporting, and more.

With more and more companies strapped for staffing and adequate resources, enrolling in a tailored SCaaS platform can alleviate some of those operational pressures. Warehouse flexibility should be a key implementation goal as the new year inches closer.

5. DTC eCommerce disruptors

The explosive and continued growth of eCommerce continues to lead companies to invest in online shopping. For example, Shopify, a leading eCommerce platform grew 110% YOY in the first quarter of 2021, achieving a total revenue of $988.6 million. Industries that typically see a majority of sales via traditional brick-and-mortar channels have dipped their toe into direct-to-consumer sales, such as the alcohol industry, with companies like Drizly experiencing significant demand for home-delivery services. This boom has turned many eyes to new customer behaviors, and 2022 will see many larger organizations adopting DTC eCommerce warehouse automation systems as an additional revenue source.

In summary, the major focus for 2022 is FLEXIBILITY. Ensuring operations can scale quickly due to outside stressors like demand increases and staff shortages is the next step in continuous company improvement. 2021 was the year of reactivity, a learning lesson that hit hard and continues to sting. 2022 will be the year of proactivity- building up resources to avoid losses, establishing high-performing automation, and closely adapting to target consumer behaviors will separate the organizations that will thrive, from the ones that will remain stagnant or even worse, fail.

10 Warehouse Ideas for Outstanding Continuous Improvement

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warehouse continuous improvement blog header

The job of a continuous improvement professional is a multi-variable logistical nightmare, and typically they’re juggling multiple processes and implementation projects at once. A warehouse, whether used for manufacturing, storage, distribution, order fulfillment, or all four, is an integral point of the supply chain where many continuous improvement and operational excellence professionals (like yourself) focus on.

Century Conveyor Systems has over 40 years of working with warehouse operations and understands where streamlining tactics can be administered. Here are our 10 insightful ideas to generate positive warehouse performance.

1. Real-time warehouse visibility

Real-time visibility into warehouse operations through HMI (human-machine interface) will give you valuable control and insight into day-to-day product movement. Allowing warehouse employees detailed error notification, showing the status in all areas of the system, and providing remote access to all control stations located on a system are just three of the major benefits of an HMI.

Adding or updating an HMI program to any automated system immediately begins to increase productivity within a facility, and HMI programs give the warehouse employees a much easier approach to operating an automated system effectively.

2. Evaluate communication channels

How do your warehouse workers communicate with each other (if, at all?). A growing solution that many warehouses are adopting is providing communication methods for employees. This could be as simple as walkie-talkies or as integrated as a voice-to-pick system that prompts employees on picking operations.

Effective communication also extends to project managers. While the typical array of emails, video meetings, and phone calls are here to stay, ERP solutions can integrate direct messages based on specific projects, timelines, and areas of focus. SAP and Oracle are common platforms, but more focused ones like Jira can be implemented as well.

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3. Effective waste reduction

Environmental awareness should be an area of continuous improvement for any warehouse. Whether it’s distribution or manufacturing, waste is a byproduct of the operation and must be disposed of or repurposed quickly and effectively.

The most common form of waste disposal is a baler, which typically compresses packaging refuse (like corrugate or plastic). For operations that produce a larger amount of waste, a trash conveyor can move waste into a baler, so all workers must do is move their trash to the line as it automatically takes it away.

4. Maximizing warehouse space usage

Warehouse space is extremely precious-ensuring there’s room for storage, order fulfillment, loading, maintenance, employees, and office space- all while following building codes, is no easy feat. If space is at a premium, but additional systems will need to be implemented in the future, a few capacity-saving solutions can provide some leeway.

  • Inclined and spiral conveyors
    • Suspended conveyor sections above the warehouse floor.
  • Mezzanine structures
    • Walkways and platforms suspended above the warehouse floor.
  • Narrow-aisle racking
    • Special forklifts can be used to access pallets in these lanes
  • ASRS
    • Automated cranes travel within narrow-aisle racking structures to retrieve pallets
  • Shuttle system
    • Items are held in compartments within a complete racking structure, eliminating aisles completely.

If there are warehouse constraints you’re aware of, it may be time to complete a cost-analysis of keeping existing structures or replacing them with space-saving solutions.

5. Influence performance in partners

Transparency and a reporting cadence among partners are key to ensuring your process improvements extend outside of the warehouse. Whether it’s a third-party logistics company that cross-docks your products, or a trucking broker that provides delivery to retail stores, you should be informed of their performance like they’re your own employees.

Many partners provide data reporting software that’ll integrate into your WMS or send automatic updates via an internal portal or email. Review this data and ask questions on any discrepancies, sharing thoughts on where improvements could be made. Fostering open communication and knowledge will benefit both you and your partners and generate performance across the entirety of the supply chain.

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6. Reduce manual labor redundancy

Repetitive manual tasks within a warehouse can be a significant profit drain, especially when finding reliable labor is difficult. Although a more expensive upfront cost, automating such tasks quickly pays itself back and outpaces manual operations in every aspect.

As an example- manual box erecting requires at least one employee (more if it’s a 24-hour warehouse) to simply fold and form boxes all day. An automatic case erector can replace inefficient repetitive laborers, and far outpace their output and associated costs. There are many automated solutions, and each has different benefits and functionality. Century can help you navigate and engineer a system that’ll boost every aspect of your continuous improvement efforts. Let us know about what you’re working on, and we’ll be happy to share our experience.

7. Spur team collaboration

A term you may have heard before, a kaizen process is the idea that employees from all levels of a company can collaborate together to provide insights and skills in the pursuit of incremental improvement.

Every employee works on a specific touchpoint in your warehouse and most likely has deeper knowledge on whatever they manage the most. In this sense, they can provide expanded details that when rectified, can impact the overall process positively.

For example, a maintenance director may know which systems experience the most downtime, and why. Opening lines of communication and collaboration between different departments can solve inefficiencies that wouldn’t have been recognized otherwise.

8. Integrate a powerful WMS platform

The ability to have complete visibility of your warehouse inventory at all times is paramount to operating effectively. A warehouse management system (or WMS) stores vital information such as batch number, storage location, inventory quantity, and a multitude of SKU data for ordering. A WMS can even offer the best shipping rate selector and presents data with specific handling information (like weight and dimensions).

Besides being a source of important product information, a WMS can apply that information within your warehouse operations. For example, if the wrong item is picked and placed on an outbound conveyor, the scan tower will read the label and the WMS will recognize it is in the wrong batch, stopping that section of conveyor and sounding an alarm for a worker to remove the incorrect item.

9. Follow supply chain technology developments

As a continuous improvement professional, you should be aware of new developments in supply chain and warehouse technology. Solutions are becoming more nuanced in the sense that there is very specific functionality it provides, which could offer a potent process improvement if applied correctly.

The best way to stay up to date is by setting up a collection of RSS feeds that gathers news and press release articles from industry-leading websites. RSS.app is a great RSS program to start with. Checking your feeds on a daily basis keeps you in the know and allows you to be a proactive supply chain executive.

10. Establish and compare KPIs

Most importantly, before any continuous improvements are implemented, benchmarking has to be done to validate the cost-benefit and efficacy of your strategies. Identify the implementation points in the warehouse and compare output rates over a certain timeframe.

Coordinate with an engineer or plant manager on the system rates of any solutions used, and set goals on where you’d want those rates to be. Many reporting platforms offer KPI settings to collate data around a preselected criterion. Fine-tune these settings to identify inefficient warehouse touchpoints and explore solutions on what would solve them, while maintaining a positive ROI.

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