5 Questions You Can’t Ignore When Choosing Your Conveyor Systems Partner

September 17, 2024

When it comes to product handling and packaging, there’s rarely just one way to get the job done. Multiple configurations may work, and there are a lot of good OEMs able to solve your application problem. But….consider this: One small, missed opportunity with your conveyor system can equal major underperformance in terms of product throughput, line efficiency, and total ROI on your equipment investment. 

Those missed opportunities happen more often than you’d expect. In today’s business environment, holding onto legacy line design ideas, not having enough engineers on staff, or simply not having the in-house knowledge are common challenges for manufacturers across industries. 

To help you reduce the chance of missed opportunities with your conveyor system, we asked our experts for a list of the most important questions to ask. Here’s what they shared:  

#1. Does my particular application require a supplier with specific experience? That’s a key question that could help you narrow your short-list of potential partners. Your need to meet the highest levels of sanitation, or desire to run at very high speeds despite space constraints, or production with irregularly-shaped containers, are just some of the factors that could determine who can best meet your conveyor needs. 

#2. Does the supplier manufacture their own components/parts and/or assemble the machine? Suppliers who design and manufacture their own solutions are likely to have a deeper understanding of how the solution will perform in your facility. They’re better positioned to control system quality and delivery times, and to troubleshoot. They’re also better positioned to avoid the missed opportunities and align the system for maximum value to you. 

#3. Will the supplier innovate for me?

Customers often give us a rough design of the conveyor solution they need. Probably just as often we help them see where adjustments can deliver a more efficient and cost-effective solution. We may suggest a different piece of equipment that would reduce their system needs overall, or changes to better accommodate their desired line rate. It’s worth asking, does this supplier truly care for my business- will they help me increase the value of the conveyor solution?

#4. Does the supplier offer replacement parts? 

This is essential information for optimizing the long-term performance of your conveyor solution. When parts reach or near their end-of-life, having replacements easily accessible and installed will reduce downtime. Learn more about how Nercon’s highly experienced Parts Department team keeps lines running.

#5. What else can the supplier offer to add value?

When evaluating conveyor partners, look beyond the quality and range of conveyor solutions. There’s more a supplier can do to ensure your conveyor solution works as hard as possible for your business.  Ask about:

• Electrical controls – does the supplier have in-house electrical engineering? On-site control design, programming and build of the panel creates important advantages with conveyor solutions, learned across many industries, that increase ROI by reducing installation and startup time and costs.
• Acceptance testing
• Delivery guarantees and equipment warranties
• Technical resources to complement your team or fill a need

At Nercon, optimizing conveyor solutions for each customer’s individual needs is what energizes our team. And those everyday opportunities are the reason we have incredible team member talent and retention. If you’d like to explore ideas for optimizing your conveyor, request a call or give us a call at 844-293-2814. You can speak with an experienced conveyor expert today!

Meet our conveyor experts at PACK EXPO 2024 in Chicago, November 3-6. We’ll have a large team of highly experienced conveyor professionals ready to talk with you and one of the largest operating loops at the show in booth S-2138.