Evaluating Your Bulk Material Handling System

1. Durability

We all want products that last. There’s nothing more frustrating about replacing components in your production facilities that should have lasted longer.

In an industry like bulk material handling that features highly repetitive motions, the durability of your components is paramount. You know how much wear and tear they go through every day, so you don’t expect them to last forever, but you do expect that technology is increasing the quality and durability of products, and that the companies that are selling you components are committed to that goal.

So, look for suppliers that are committed to durability, not the ones that are figuring out how to make products that will need to be replaced. The best suppliers in bulk material handling are fixated on making the slightest improvements to their products so that they will outlast the products of their competitors.

Having the most durable components in your conveying systems allows you to look to the future and consider growth, rather than brace for setbacks.

2. Dependability

This consideration is about performance. Are the components of your bulk material handling system doing exactly what you need them to do?

At most factories, downtime is death. When you’re making thousands of dollars per minute in production, dependable products are everything. In order to keep your facilities operating at their peak performance, your need dependable components that are working seamlessly with other components.

Sometimes that means looking for heavier-duty products, but sometimes it means adding a secondary component like a plastic liner. Maybe you’ve been using an auger in one part of your system that would be better suited for a drag conveyor. Maybe the small bin dryer with a fan and heater was once your best option, but now a tower dryer would be better for the next growth phase of the operation.

Making strategic upgrades in your conveying and storage systems can increase your production and save you money at the same time. We all know that sometimes making a small change can deliver a big impact. Finding the most dependable components for your systems can be a game changer.

3. Usability

We all know that systems don’t run themselves—no matter how mechanized and automated they are, there is always a human element to your operations. So, your conveying systems need to be practical and serviceable. If your team doesn’t know how to work with the components, maybe they are not suitable for your facility.

Look for components that are intuitive. It should be easy to find how tight the chain needs to be on the drag. It should be a breeze to get the safety shields back in place. You shouldn’t need the dealer onsite to figure out how to adjust the slide gates.

The best components for your bulk handling system are those that your people find easiest to work with. No matter who you have in your factory, no matter what language they speak, you should be able to expect a level of functionality from the components to keep your operations running efficiently and to ensure your peace of mind.

Is your bulk material handling system working like it should? If you’re considering an upgrade to your components that will deliver better durability, dependability, and usability, then give Helical Works a call today and let us help you develop the best plan for your operation.

Call us at 1.833.296.2234