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The transportation and handling of agri-food products on a production line is no longer just a simple movement from point A to point B. The latest technological advancements have transformed conveyor and handling systems into powerful tools that can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of processing plants.

The challenges in the agri-food sector in the North American market have always been high, but in recent years, with sanitary, geopolitical, and economic tensions, the performance and profitability of processing plants are being put to the test. To remain competitive, companies must adapt as quickly as possible and maximize their modernization efforts.

Conveyor systems can play a leading role in making production lines more flexible, intelligent, energy-efficient, and connected.

At Storcan, we can help you optimize your conveyor and product handling systems to take your operations to the next level tomorrow.

Trends that will change your performance

Energy consumption is an increasingly important concern in the industrial sector, particularly to achieve sustainable development goals while optimizing costs. The trend is to gradually abandon pneumatic or hydraulic systems for electric systems.

The automation of conveyor systems, equipped with sensors or cameras, makes it possible to detect and handle food with greater precaution. In addition to their precision, these systems are also safer than traditional conveyors, as they eliminate the risk of injury to workers thanks to safety sensors, protective barriers and emergency stops.

Systems are also more reliable, flexible, and quickly configurable, thanks to complex architectures equipped with robust programmable logic controllers (PLCs) designed to withstand the specific environments of the agri-food sector. This programmable controller help avoid human error, create different sections/zones on the line, and handle higher production volumes. 

Above all, the configuration of these controllers remains simple to facilitate the use and maintenance of the system.

Connectivity has also become an important element. New conveyor systems can be equipped with automatic diagnostic features that detect problems and alert service technicians when needed. This facilitates preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and minimize maintenance costs.

Your conveyor system is like the backbone of your line, transporting your products from start to finish, so its connectivity provides a source of highly valuable information for your entire production. 

The most beneficial technical choices to make

Face to a high competitiveness, the best choice is to opt for a flexible solution capable of handling multiple products and container sizes, integrating a new product line without modifying the existing one, and capable of managing multiple lines simultaneously as needed. A solution that could, therefore, be easy to reconfigure. The latest innovations in modular chain conveyors offer great expectations in this area.

Speed is also a consideration, especially for high-volume production lines. Some transfer systems today offer product precision and control at high production rates.

The ergonomics of the new solution are also a beneficial choice to make, to signicantly improve the well-being of your operators.

Questions to ask before investing

Think about the Future. What are your plans for the medium and long term? Are you going to change machines soon? Do you plan to expand? These are crucial questions that must be answered to be able to select the system that will scale most effectively with your growth.

It is also important to choose the solution that will most easily adapt to the existing equipment and architecture.

Consider existing human skills and evaluate the impact on the work of your operators flow.

Choosing the right partner

Finally, no matter the latest innovation you have selected, if it is not correctly designed for your needs and integrated, it will have the opposite effect of the intended result.

The advantage of Storcan, a manufacturer and integrator of conveyor systems for over 45 years, is the ability to offer solid expertise and a complete service from line design to commissioning. Don't let market challenges hold you back; opt now for the latest trends in conveyor systems and give your company an advantage.