Facilitator's Question

Our facilitator, Mr Johnny Tan has given us something to ponder on and we are here to share with you the answer we came up with.

QUESTION:

Under what circumstance/s does the truck become a preferred choice instead of conveyor system (as shown in your Blog). Explain.

ANSWER:

Here are some situations where trucks are preferred:

1. Small scale operation with low throughput and similar products

When a company is operating in a small scale especially when the products are not of high throughput, trucks are the preferred choice. Relatively, when the materials handled are similar and are of smaller quantity, or when movements or shipments are performed batch by batch, trucks are used more often than the conveyors.

Using trucks in this situation is more beneficial to the company because the volume of the products transported may not be able to justify the cost of operating the conveyor system. In addition, the investment cost required in using conveyors is quite significant. Thus, small scale operation and handling of low throughput products may not be able to justify the investment cost as well.

2. Numerous pick-up and drop-off points

Several operations require various pick-up points or drop-off points that differ from time to time. For this situation, trucks are the preferred choice because conveyors require a specifically defined pick-up bay and drop-off section.

3. Varying route of movement

For production flows that are not constant with direction that changes occasionally from one point to another because several products are being produced simultaneously, moving equipments such as trucks would be preferable.

Conveyors would not be able suit this situation because just like the pick-up and drop-off points, the route taken by the conveyor system should also be specific and defined. Once the direction of the goods’ movement is set, the route is precise throughout the operations. Hence, the movement of the goods is not flexible with the use of conveyors and trucks are chosen instead.

4. Space constraints

Some warehouse and distribution centers may not have the luxury of space. With the use of conveyors, the space dedicated for the system will not be accessible anymore. The space used will be specifically for the conveyors only and even when the system is idle, the conveyors could not be removed from its location to accommodate any other operations or movements.

Thus, if the warehouse operator wishes to eliminate this idle space when conveyors are not used and to increase the flexibility in the floor space, trucks are preferred. When not used, trucks can be parked elsewhere so as not to have them hindering the use of relevant space; and even when they are being operated, they are not kept stationary on specific locations so the space can be further utilized for other operations or movement.

OUR TEAM,

Ann, Shireen and Izz