Efficient internal transport is one of the most overlooked areas of warehouse and packaging optimisation. Many businesses focus on staffing levels or floor space while ignoring how materials actually move between workstations. Conveyor systems solve this problem by creating a controlled, predictable flow of goods that reduces handling time, labour strain and operational bottlenecks.
For warehouses, production facilities and packing operations across the UK, conveyors are a proven way to increase throughput while improving safety and consistency.
What is a conveyor system?
A conveyor system is a mechanical handling solution designed to move products, materials or packaging between defined points within a facility. Unlike manual handling, conveyors operate continuously and at a controlled speed, allowing goods to flow smoothly through storage, processing, packing or dispatch areas.
The right conveyor setup depends on the type of materials being moved, available floor space and how the system integrates with existing processes such as shredding, packing or palletising.
Common types of conveyor systems
Conveyor belt systems
Belt conveyors are one of the most versatile solutions for internal transport. They are commonly used for cartons, bags, boxed products and lightweight items. The continuous belt surface also makes them suitable for moving loose or bulk materials when paired with appropriate side guards.
Belt conveyors are widely used in distribution centres, food processing environments and packing lines where smooth, uninterrupted movement is essential.
Roller conveyors
Roller conveyors use a series of rotating rollers to move items with a flat, stable base such as boxes, trays or crates. They can be powered for longer distances or gravity-fed where a slight incline is available.
These systems are particularly effective in packing rooms and order fulfilment areas where goods move between picking, packing and labelling stations.
Chain conveyors
Chain conveyors are designed for heavier loads and industrial environments. Parallel chains pull pallets, containers or large components along a fixed path, making them ideal for manufacturing halls or goods-in areas handling significant weight.
They are commonly used where durability and load stability are critical.
Screw conveyors
Screw conveyors transport bulk materials using a rotating helical screw within a trough or tube. They are often used for granules, shavings or loose materials such as grain, powders or waste by-products.
In packaging and waste handling environments, screw conveyors are frequently used to move shredded material or production waste to collection points.
Vibrating conveyors
Vibrating conveyors move materials through controlled vibration rather than belts or rollers. They are best suited to small parts, powders or granulated materials that require gentle, consistent movement.
These systems are often found in food production, pharmaceuticals and specialist manufacturing environments.
How conveyors improve warehouse and packaging efficiency
Reduced manual handling
Automating internal transport removes much of the physical strain placed on staff. This reduces fatigue, lowers the risk of injury and allows employees to focus on higher-value tasks rather than repeatedly moving goods by hand.
Faster movement between workstations
Conveyors eliminate delays caused by waiting for trolleys, forklifts or available staff. Products move directly between storage, processing and packing areas, reducing downtime across the operation.
Improved packaging workflows
In packaging environments, conveyors allow products to flow seamlessly from storage to packing benches and onwards to dispatch. When combined with shredders producing on-site packaging material, this creates an efficient closed-loop system with minimal waste handling.
Better use of available space
Conveyor systems can be designed to run around existing machinery, through mezzanine levels or overhead where floor space is limited. This helps businesses maximise capacity without expanding their premises.
Increased accuracy and consistency
Automated transport ensures products arrive at the correct workstation every time. This reduces picking errors, improves order accuracy and supports consistent production output.
Industries that benefit most from conveyor systems
Conveyors are used across many sectors, including:
- Warehousing and logistics
- E-commerce fulfilment
- Manufacturing and production
- Food and beverage processing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Construction materials handling
- Packaging and distribution operations
Any business handling regular internal movement of goods can benefit from a properly designed conveyor solution.
Integrating conveyors with packaging and waste handling
One of the biggest advantages of conveyor systems is how easily they integrate with shredders, balers and packing stations. For example, waste cardboard can be conveyed directly from unpacking areas to a shredder, producing packaging material that feeds straight into packing lines.
This approach reduces waste disposal costs, improves workflow efficiency and supports more sustainable packaging practices.
Choosing the right conveyor system
Selecting the correct conveyor solution requires careful consideration of:
- Load type and weight
- Required transport distance
- Speed and throughput needs
- Available space and layout
- Integration with existing equipment
A poorly specified system can create bottlenecks rather than solve them, which is why professional system design is essential.
Conveyor solutions from SRS Sales & Service
At SRS Sales & Service, we supply and support roller conveyor systems designed to improve internal flow within warehouses, packaging areas and production environments. Our approach focuses on practical, reliable solutions that integrate seamlessly with shredders, packing stations and material handling equipment.
We work closely with businesses to design conveyor layouts that suit their space, workload and operational goals, helping improve efficiency without unnecessary complexity.
If you are looking to streamline internal transport, reduce manual handling or improve packaging workflows, our team can help you identify the right conveyor solution for your operation.
Contact SRS Sales & Service today to discuss conveyor systems designed around your business.
