Why Conveyor Systems Are Critical for Improving the Flow of Goods in Distribution Centres

Distribution centres must meet growing demand with fewer resources, and that’s where conveyor systems step in.

These systems are mechanical handling solutions designed to efficiently move goods across various parts of a facility. From inbound goods to outbound dispatch, they automate repetitive tasks and keep product flowing smoothly.

Conveyor systems play a crucial role in automating material handling, improving throughput, and reducing manual labour. Choosing the right conveyor type depends on your product type, weight, and overall operational needs. Below are the main types of conveyor systems commonly used in warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing facilities, and fulfilment environments:

1. Roller Conveyors: Roller conveyors are ideal for transporting totes, cartons, and other rigid items with a flat base. Depending on the required level of automation, they can be gravity-fed or powered.

• Applications: Order picking, packing lines, sortation systems
• Benefits: Low maintenance, highly scalable, and can integrate easily with other systems such as barcode scanners, labellers and sorters, etc.
• Best For: Medium to high-throughput environments handling consistent loads

2. Belt Conveyors: Belt conveyors move goods using a continuous belt, making them particularly effective for items that are too small, irregularly shaped, or fragile to move reliably on rollers.

• Applications: Transportation of products over longer distances, incline/decline, between floors, movement, inspection or quality control stations
• Benefits: Gentle handling, supports a wide range of product shapes and sizes
• Best For: Fragile items, parcels, or lightweight goods that need a stable surface

3. Pallet Conveyors: Specifically engineered to handle heavy loads such as pallets, these conveyors can be powered by chain, roller, or belt mechanisms depending on the application.

• Applications: Bulk storage areas, end-of-line palletising, goods-in/goods-out zones
• Benefits: Built for durability, can handle loads exceeding 1,000kg, available in both modular and heavy-duty formats
• Best For: Warehouses, manufacturing lines, and distribution centres with high-volume pallet movements

4. Gravity Conveyors: These non-powered systems rely on a slight decline or manual push to move products. They are a cost-effective and simple solution for low-complexity operations.

• Applications: Temporary setups, packing areas, assembly stations, returns processing
• Benefits: Low cost, no energy consumption, minimal maintenance
• Best For: Low-volume or manual operations looking for budget-friendly solutions

How Conveyor Systems Enhance Distribution Centres

1. Reduced Handling Time

Manual processes are slow and inconsistent. Conveyor systems maintain a steady flow, dramatically cutting down on transport time between warehouse zones.

2. Improved Accuracy

With automated barcode scanning, weigh stations, and sorting, conveyors reduce errors in picking, packing, and shipping.

3. Labour Cost Reduction

By reducing manual movement of goods, you can run a leaner team. This is especially important when labour shortages or rising wages are affecting profitability.

4. Space Efficiency

Conveyors make it possible to use vertical and horizontal space better. Narrower aisles, overhead runs, and compact layouts are all achievable.

Integration and Data Flow

Today’s conveyor systems aren’t standalone machines, they integrate with your WMS, ERP, and order management systems. This allows real-time data tracking, predictive maintenance, and smarter inventory decisions.

Which Industries Benefit Most?

• eCommerce and fulfilment centres
• 3PLs and logistics companies
• Retail and wholesale distribution
• Healthcare and manufacturing

The Diamond Phoenix Advantage

With over two decades of experience, we help clients choose, design, and implement the right conveyor solutions for their unique needs. We specialise in:

• Fast turnaround quotes
• Tailored layouts
• 24/7 technical support

If you’re feeling the pressure to deliver faster, better, and with fewer resources, conveyor systems can help bridge the gap. With the right configuration, they’ll transform how goods move through your facility.

Considering automation for your distribution centre? Speak to the team at Diamond Phoenix for expert advice and fast, competitive quotes.