Anabel Rojas

Behind Every Running Conveyor Is Someone Keeping It That Way When a conveyor stops, operations slow down. Orders back up. Productivity suffers. That’s why Systems in Motion’s field service technicians are on the road every day, helping customers keep their operations moving. Christian Blair has been doing exactly that for nearly eight years as a Service Technician at Systems in Motion. Before joining the service team, he spent three years building conveyor systems, giving him firsthand knowledge of how they’re designed and how they operate. That experience naturally led him into field service, where he now helps customers troubleshoot, repair, and maintain material handling systems. Christian’s workday usually begins around 6:00 a.m. Before heading to a customer site, he checks his service van, making sure everything is ready for the day from vehicle safety to having enough fuel to reach the jobsite. His tools stay stocked and organized so he’s prepared whenever a service call comes in. No two service calls are exactly alike. When Christian arrives on-site, his first step isn’t grabbing a wrench it’s talking with the customer. He meets with the site’s point of contact, listens carefully to the symptoms they’re experiencing, and immediately begins building a mental checklist of possible causes. From there, he diagnoses the issue, identifies the root cause, and works through the repair until the equipment is operating properly again. While Hytrol conveyor systems are among the equipment he services most frequently, many of the issues he encounters are surprisingly simple. “Mostly photo eyes,” Christian says. “A lot of misaligned photo eyes.” One recent service call demonstrates the importance of careful troubleshooting. A customer reported that a belt had come off track on a multi-belt sorter. After inspecting the system, Christian discovered the belt had flipped upside down after likely becoming jammed by product. Rather than simply reinstalling the belt, he inspected the entire conveyor, corrected the issue, verified the belt tracked properly, and confirmed there were no underlying mechanical problems that could cause it to happen again. It’s this attention to detail that helps prevent repeat failures. For Christian, minimizing downtime means making sure the repair is complete the first time. “My job is fully complete, and I don’t get called back out between PMs,” he says. Many customers are surprised to learn that the job extends well beyond conveyors. “It involves more than just conveyor,” Christian explains. Service technicians often troubleshoot controls, mechanical systems, sensors, safety devices, and equipment from multiple manufacturers. During repairs, they also identify additional wear or damage that could lead to future failures if left unaddressed. Every repair begins with protecting people before equipment. For Christian, lockout/tagout procedures are one of the most important parts of every job. Once repairs are complete, he walks back through each step of the work to verify components were reassembled correctly and that the equipment is ready to safely return to service. Documentation is equally important. Service reports summarize the work completed and provide customers with a clear record of the repairs performed, while Systems in Motion’s Coast platform helps technicians capture photos and service information for future reference. After nearly eight years in the field, Christian says the most valuable tools aren’t just in his toolbox. “Years of knowledge.” That experience, combined with power tools and digital service platforms like Coast, allows him to diagnose problems faster and help customers get back up and running sooner. He also relies on diagnostic checklists developed by the Aftermarket Services team to guide customer conversations and identify simple solutions before more extensive repairs are needed. One of Christian’s favorite projects has been supporting the KeHE facility in Ellettsville. “I was part of the installation, and now I’m part of the aftermarket service.” Seeing a system through its entire lifecycle from installation to ongoing maintenance gives technicians a unique perspective on how customers operate and how preventative service can extend the life of their investment. The relationships built along the way are equally rewarding. Christian recalls receiving positive feedback from customers after not only solving problems but also taking the time to explain how equipment works and how they can troubleshoot issues themselves. When asked what people don’t realize about being a field service technician, Christian’s answer is simple. “You’re there till the job’s done.” It’s a role that requires technical knowledge, problem-solving, physical endurance, and a commitment to customer success. Whether working in tight spaces, traveling across the country, or responding to unexpected breakdowns, Systems in Motion technicians are focused on one goal: Keeping customers running. At Systems in Motion, our Aftermarket Services team supports material handling systems with preventative maintenance, emergency service, repairs, and technical expertise helping facilities reduce downtime and maximize equipment performance. Learn more about our Aftermarket Services: https://systemsinmotion.com/technology-solutions/aftermarket-services/    

The Food Service industry is changing fast. Distribution operations face new challenges every day—higher customer demands, tighter delivery windows, labor shortages, and rising costs. As a result, many organizations are turning to automation to stay competitive and efficient. At this year’s IFDA Solutions Conference in Columbus, OH, industry leaders will share strategies and best practices. Among them, Jesse Hardy, Regional Sales Manager at Systems in Motion, will speak on the panel: September 29Greater Columbus Convention Center | Room A220–22210:30–11:30 AM Automation Strategy in Foodservice Fulfillment Automation isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, success depends on matching the right technology to the operation’s needs. During the panel, Jesse will discuss how Systems in Motion helps organizations: Streamline fulfillment to keep orders accurate and on time. Boost labor efficiency while managing workforce challenges. Increase reliability and uptime with smart system design. Scale for growth with flexible, evolving solutions. A Collaborative Approach Additionally, Jesse will be joined by Michael Roe, VP of Sales at DMW&H; Cortney H., COO of Trew; and Gary Master, President & CEO of AGiLE Business Media & Events. Together, they will share real-world automation examples and practical takeaways. Why IFDA Solutions Conference Matters The IFDA Solutions Conference is built by and for foodservice operations professionals. Here, challenges meet solutions, connections spark innovation, and the future of the industry takes shape. For Systems in Motion, it’s a chance to show how automation strategies deliver real value. If you’re attending, catch Jesse Hardy on stage. Furthermore, connect with the Systems in Motion team to learn how we can help design automation strategies that work.

 Your conveyor system is the backbone of your operation. When it runs smoothly, productivity stays high, orders ship on time, and downtime is kept to a minimum. However, just like people, conveyors show “symptoms” when they aren’t healthy—and ignoring them can lead to costly breakdowns, product damage, or even complete system failure. The good news? By recognizing these early warning signs, you can address small issues before they grow into major problems. That’s where conveyor maintenance and preventative maintenance come in. In this article, we’ll walk through the most common conveyor “symptoms” and explain why catching them early matters. 1. Air Leaks Pneumatic systems are critical to many conveyors. For example, if you hear hissing or notice a loss of pressure, it may be a sign of air leaks. These leaks not only waste energy but also lower efficiency and reduce throughput across the entire conveyor line. 2. Oil Leaks Oil leaks are often caused by worn seals, failing gearboxes, or poor lubrication practices. As a result, they can lead to overheating, contamination, and serious equipment damage. A quick inspection can prevent small leaks from turning into major conveyor repair issues. 3. Broken or Damaged Belts A cracked, frayed, or mis-tracking belt is one of the most visible conveyor problems. In addition to causing jams, damaged belts may also result in product loss or safety hazards. Regular belt inspections are a critical part of preventative maintenance and help avoid unplanned downtime. 4. Bad Rollers Rollers are constantly in motion—and when they wear out or seize, they create friction that strains belts and motors. Over time, this extra friction can slow down your system and cause further equipment damage. Therefore, keeping rollers in good condition is essential for maintaining conveyor system efficiency. 5. Missing or Damaged O-Rings O-rings may be small, but they keep rollers aligned and conveyors running smoothly. If they are missing or damaged, the result is often mis-tracking, uneven wear, and reduced performance. During a preventative maintenance check, O-rings are one of the simplest parts to replace but one of the most important to monitor. 6. Noisy Motor or Reducer Unusual noises—such as grinding, squealing, or rattling—are early warning signs of motor or reducer trouble. In many cases, these sounds indicate lubrication issues, bearing wear, or gear failure. Addressing them quickly helps extend equipment life and reduce costly emergency repairs. Why Early Detection Matters Catching problems early isn’t just about preventing breakdowns. Instead, proactive maintenance offers several long-term benefits: Reduce downtime and increase throughput Extend the life of your equipment Lower repair and replacement costs Improve overall safety and reliability Ultimately, preventative maintenance is an investment that pays off in conveyor system efficiency and operational success. Don’t Let a Sick Conveyor Slow You Down If your conveyor is showing any of these symptoms, it’s time for a check-up. At Systems in Motion, we specialize in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining conveyor systems so your operation stays productive and reliable. Download  Is Your Conveyor Sick flyer.