What is Conveyance in Fulfillment Operations?
Conveyance systems are designed to optimize the flow of goods, improve operational efficiency, and reduce manual labor requirements. Automation technologies and integration with warehouse management systems, warehouse execution systems or other supply chain systems are often used to increase speed, accuracy, process large volumes in short periods of time and to reduce errors within the fulfillment process.
Different Forms of Conveyance
- Conveyors: Conveyors are electro mechanical systems used to move goods or materials along a predetermined path within a facility. They can be belt conveyors, roller conveyors, gravity conveyors, or specialized conveyors depending on the specific requirements of the operation. Conveyors are commonly used in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and airports to transport items between different areas such as receiving, storage, production, and shipping.
- Material Handling Equipment: Various types of material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), are used for conveyance purposes. These equipment enable the movement of goods within a facility or between different locations, such as loading and unloading trucks, transferring items between storage areas, or transporting products along assembly lines.
- Transportation: Conveyance also extends to transportation activities outside the facility, involving the movement of goods between different locations in the supply chain. This includes the use of trucks, ships, trains, airplanes, or other modes of transportation to transport goods from suppliers to manufacturers, from manufacturers to distribution centers, or from distribution centers to end customers.
Effective conveyance plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth flow of goods, minimizing delays, and improving overall operational efficiency within the material handling and logistics operations. It enables the timely and accurate movement of items throughout the supply chain, supporting timely order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.