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.

Contact Us
All Solutions

How to start integrating automation in your distribution center

starting warehouse automation blog header image century
how do I start automating my warehouse blog header image

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.

Contact Us
All Solutions

Warehouse automation trends that will dominate in 2022

warehouse automation trends 2022 blog header image
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.

2022 automation trends MHI quote 1

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

10 warehouse ideas for impactful continuous improvement blog post header image
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.

newsletter sign up element

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.

10 warehouse ideas for continuous improvement in-paragraph image element

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.

century conveyor boilerplate element
Contact Century

10 Tips on How to Implement Powerful Automation for Wholesale Distribution

wholesale automation solutions blog header image
10 powerful automation solutions for wholesale distribution blog header image

Operating a wholesale distribution process is a complex series of moving parts. Each organization has a mix of inventory and typically involves itself in the process of purchasing, storing, and selling products to end buyers like retailers or other wholesalers. With the number of items wholesalers handle daily, it’s no surprise that many invest in automated solutions to enhance operations.

“Product availability and quality is a key element, together with a delivery service that is accurate and efficient is a driving force for businesses.”

Sedat Kaan Hendekli
Head of Operations at JJ Foodservice
Source: BetterWholesaling.com

The burning question is, what automation works best for the wholesale industry? We’ve compiled a list of 10 automation applications that we’ve experienced integrating in the past for some of our wholesale clients.

1. Robust inventory management system

The ability to have complete visibility of a wholesale operation at all times is paramount to effective distribution. A warehouse management system (or WMS) stores vital information such as scan dates, storage location, supply quantities, and a multitude of SKU data for ordering. Depending on the manufacturer, automation systems can integrate with a WMS and provide even more functionality and reporting data.

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 the conveyor and sounding an alarm for a worker to remove the incorrect item.

2. Robotic palletizing for redistribution

For wholesalers who use pallets, either robotic palletizing solutions automatically build and break a pallet. A wide variety of robots and end of arm tooling can accommodate most carton sizes and complex layer build configurations for pallets.

The speed and stability of robotic palletizing greatly outpace that of manual pallet building and even lift trucks. For further automation, completed pallets can be conveyed from a robotic cell to an inline stretch wrap operation, replacing tedious manual wrapping.

3. Rapid order fulfillment

Delivery expectations have greatly increased in recent years, primarily due to the prevalence of same or one-day shipping offerings online. Those expectations have extended to wholesaler clients, whose operations must match a competitive wholesale e-commerce landscape. Much like adjacent markets (third-party logistics, for example), automating order fulfillment is key to satisfying customers, while also offering an edge over the competition who don’t have quick shipping incentives.

A tried-and-true conveyor system is best suited for order fulfillment. Depending on the size of the warehouse it’s installed in, and the product being transported, a conveyor system can include a variety of automation:

  • Pack Tables
  • Carton Forming
  • Carton Sealing
  • Label Printing and Application
  • Destination Sortation
  • Loading Assistance

4. Automation-aided picking

For most wholesale operations, an inventory boasting thousands of different products and items is normal. Order picking is usually where inefficiencies are identified, as manual labor is greatly outpaced by a variety of automation solutions.

  • ASRS
    • An ASRS (Automatic Storage and Retrieval System) uses a crane attached to a horizontal and vertical track, scaling the racking structure, and using extendable forks to handle pallets. The operator terminal provides information on what product is stored where, and the ASRS operates when a retrieve or store command is inputted.
  • AMR/AGV
    • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and Autonomous Mobile Vehicles (AMR) both provide a multitude of functions, typically moving items from one area of the facility to another, absent of human interaction. The difference between the two is in the way it senses the environment. AGV’s move by using a sensor that follows a set path (typically a form of sticker or tape on the ground). AMRs move by sensing objects around them, and learning an optimal path. In this sense, both have applications that one or the other is better suited to.
  • Shuttle Systems
    • For the best of both worlds, a shuttle system utilizes pick robots within a racking structure. When an order is being fulfilled, the robot navigates to the compartment where the item is held, retrieves it, and brings it to the worker’s pack station or an item dispenser receptacle.

5. Flexible packaging

It goes without saying that a massive catalog of products varying in weight and size would need packaging solutions just as versatile.

Automation systems, such as conveyors, are manufactured in different dimensions and applications and can be engineered in a warehouse layout to accommodate cartons of varying sizes and fragility.

We go in-depth on carton packing solutions in our 3PL Automated Box Packing Solutions for Powerful and Profitable Order Fulfillment post.

6. Reliable sortation

Sortation systems separate products for induction into individual lanes typically associated with an outbound destination. Various types of sortation and conveyor systems are often connected to comprise a fully functioning material handling solution.

Wholesalers supply a diverse range of customers from all over, so quick, and accurate diverts are required to keep items moving and heading to the right destination. Selecting the correct type of sortation system is where the most thought should be put, as it all matters on the dimensions of the product being moved.

7. Effective pallet handling

Pallets can be cumbersome to transport throughout a warehouse, so offering simple solutions to warehouse workers to decrease human touchpoints with pallets can prove effective.

  • Pallet conveyor
  • Pallet flow rails
  • Pallet lifters
  • Pallet positioners
  • Gravity racking
  • Tugger and dolly attachments for AGVs

8. Maximize warehouse space

Wholesale warehouse space is extremely precious. Ensuring there’s room for storage, order fulfillment, loading, maintenance, employees, and office- 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.

9. Accurate reverse logistics

Returns are a constant area of disconnect in operations when it comes to order fulfillment. There needs to be a planned intake process to return the items to storage and re-fulfill the order with the correct products.

When returns enter back into a warehouse, they’re put in a separate staging area. Depending on the condition of the item, or whatever the nature of the return is, it may be returned to inventory, sent to another distributor who sells discount items or discarded.

Once a return item has been rescanned in the system, the customer’s order will either be marked as fulfilled (so they can receive their money back) or another order will be placed (in the event they were sent the wrong item, but they still need the correct item sent to them).

10. Forecast planning and optimization

Warehouse automation continues to improve as newer technologies are created and adapted. Artificial intelligence (AI), drones, machine vision, voice-to-robotic-pick, and warehouse data-driven learned actions are just a few examples of what’s on the horizon.

The wholesale industry is only going to grow, and understanding the current constraints of your warehouse, and the projected sales volume per quarter should be your guiding logic as to what automation can be implemented, and when.

Century Systems has had experience engineering systems for the wholesale industry (here’s a case study on a past client of ours), and we understand the importance of reliable and stable output rates. All of our projects are designed to be as efficient, turnkey, and results-driven as possible.

Contact Us
All Solutions

AGV and AMR vs. Conveyor Systems: Drive Efficiency With The Best Solution for your Warehouse.

agv and amr vs conveyor comparison blog post header image
agv and amr vs conveyor system comparison blog post header image

Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) have existed for years now, offering robotic material handling operations for a multitude of warehouse operations. The industry is well aware of its pros and cons, and supply chain executives are content with placing them within their arsenal of automated warehouse solutions.

The much harder decision when automating is understanding which solution will provide the most benefit, as opposed to if it will at all. In the case of AGVs and AMRs, conveyor systems are tried and true forms of automation that continue to provide exceptional output and return-on-investment. While both solutions differ in engineering and functionality, both exist for the same goal- reliable, stable, and quick movement of items. How do AGVs/AMRs stack up against traditional conveyor systems? Where does one solution shine, while another does better in a different application?

Century has experience integrating both and understands where and how these systems outperform one over the other. We wanted to share some of our insights so you can evaluate what works best for your warehouse.

newsletter sign up element

AGV and AMR

AGVs and AMRs are often grouped together, mostly because the operations they perform overlap with each other. The single main difference between the two is its form of sensing and moving throughout the environment. AGVs move by using a sensor that follows a set path (typically a form of sticker or tape on the ground-hence the word “guided” in its name). AMRs move by sensing objects around them, and learning an optimal path (hence the word “autonomous” in its name).

This characteristic defines what operations are typically assigned to an AGV or an AMR. Essentially, AGVs work best at moving cartons and pallets across the facility with little to no variation in its traveling path. AMRs shine in picking operations, where it would not have a set path.

AGV

Effective in moving, tugging, and towing cartons or pallets from a single location to another.

  • Carts
  • Tuggers
  • Lift-Truck
  • Pallet Jack
  • Unit Load

AMR

Assistance in multi-variable operations that require diversion in movement paths.

  • Picking
  • Sortation
  • Inventory Control
  • Sanitization

AGVs and AMRs have seen expanded use over the course of the past year, and most new warehouses are built with the notion that automation will be implemented at some point. According to Research and Markets, United States, Germany, U.K., China and Japan are going to lead the market with an annual demand of more than 200,000 mobile robots (AGV & AMR) by 2026.

To put the cost-effectiveness of an AGV and AMR into perspective, Annual costs for a forklift operator can run up to $50,000. If a forklift has to be operated around the clock, then at least 3-4 drivers are needed. Adding the invest costs of $10,000 for a forklift truck to the personnel costs, the annual costs for one forklift come to over $200,000 (ResearchAndMarkets.com). Depending on the output of the warehouse, operating AGVs and AMRs can save thousands over traditional manually operated lift trucks.

Automated robotic solutions continue to improve as newer technologies are created and adapted. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, voice-to-robotic-pick, and warehouse data-driven learned actions continue to provide added functionality and benefit to AGVs and AMRs (primarily the latter). This makes AGVs and AMRs a forward-facing implementation, as abilities are added to their repertoire of functionality through the advancement of warehouse technologies and software capabilities.

Conveyor

Conveyor systems are the typical solution of any automated operation, offering a continuously moving assembly line to quickly complete the processing and distribution of a package. Conveyors use belts or rollers to move cartons or pallets, powered by motors. Each warehouse that employs conveyors has a specially engineered layout, consisting of a variety of conveyor sections, depending on function.

Conveyor Section Types

  • Infeeding
  • Straight
  • Curved
  • Incline
  • Decline
  • Divert
  • Merge
  • Switch
  • Outfeeding

Conveyors produce the best results when implemented in fast-moving post-production operations such as order fulfillment, product distribution, sortation, and crossdocking. Conveyors are highly customizable, with the number of systems that can be added to the conveyor line spanning from carton forming to in-trailer loading, and everything in-between. Conveyors have proved the test of time as being the main system of reliable and quick movement in a warehouse. There’s a reason they’re still in use for over 100 years. The output rate is unmatched and its simplicity in design help it to easily integrate with other cutting-edge automation solutions.

The Most Important Factor: Your Warehouse

If you were to ask us what system we would use, we would ask “what’s your warehouse like?”. This is the number one question you should ask yourself as you’re exploring solutions. The effectiveness and benefit of these solutions are only relevant if integrated correctly in your distribution center, warehouse or facility.

To simply it even further- think on your answer to this question. Can your operations continue effectively if you install a “bolted-down” conveyor system. If the answer is a definite “NO”, then you’ll most likely benefit more from the use of AGVs and AMRs. A fully engineered conveyor system is not mobile, and if your warehouse has limited space, or needs open lanes for lift trucks to travel in, a conveyor system may not be ideal. That’s not to say it’s impossible to engineer, but an AGV or AMR would be a more realistic solution.

With that in mind, here’s our comparison between AGVs/AMRs and conveyor systems.

The Comparison

AGVs AMRs Vs Conveyor

Key Takeaway

Both systems will complete the task of transporting product across a warehouse, it’s that your operations and facility space will determine which one will work better.

AGVs/AMRs are ideal for warehouses that have:

  • Limited space and cannot install a conveyor system.
  • Extensive pick operations
  • Forklifts transporting the majority of items
  • A healthy output rate (5,000 to 20,000 cartons shipped per day)

Conveyor systems are ideal for warehouses that have:

  • Flexible space arrangements
  • A variety of package types
  • Extensive sortation operations
  • A high-output rate (20,000+ cartons shipped per day)

Both AGVs/AMRs and conveyors can benefit in more ways than one, and in many cases, are both implemented in a facility to maximize distribution operations.

century conveyor boilerplate element
Contact Century