CHANGING TRENDS IN MATERIAL HANDLING

I have been heading this company, which is into System Integration, handling complete Turnkey solutions from Concept to Commissioning. Our company has been catering to a broad spectrum of Industries ranging from Automotive, Food, Electronics, FMCG etc. We took a decision to modify the way Tires are handled in the Industry. Alongwith Industry experts and Intralox (modular chain manufacutring company from USA), we offered the first solution based on total Modular chain conveyors for PCR (Passenger car tires) handling system for a Leading tire company in India.

It is almost 6 years and the client has not even called us back for AMC (Annual maintenance contract), it feels a bit let down, but the brighter side is, the solutions provided by us was a combination of various factors like : Branded bought out components (Geared Motor from SEW, Modular chain from Intralox, PLC from Siemens, Sensor from Banner, Cabling from Lapp, Panel from Rittal etc), coupled with modular structurals, reduced the overall weight of the Handling system.

Secondly our company decided to do away completely with Worm geared box, due to its low efficiency and we shifted to Heli-Bevel and were able to achieve almost 25 - 20% reduction in the Connected load. Plus we went in for Hollow shaft mounted gear box, thereby avoiding Drive base, Coupling, Transmission sprocket, Transmission chain etc. To ensure that in the long run there is enough flexibility on the speed of the system, by default we started using VFD on all the conveyors.

Thirdly the paterrn in which the UHMW-PE liners were laid on the structurals for movement of the chain was such that even after 6 years, the chains have hardly worn 25%, and there seems to be a life in them for another 5 - 6 years. (against normal metallic chain which failes frequently, more noise, lubrication, extra heavy weight, higher motor capacity, frequent breakdown etc.)

Hence if Globally standard components of reputed brands are used and latest technological trends are adapted, I am sure in the long run the client will be benefitted in a big way. The client should always look at CAPEX (Capital expenditure) which is fixed one time Vs OPEX (operational expenses), which keeps on varying on the higher side year on year.

The opinion given are my personal experience in Material handling Industry for almost 28 years.