Dan St. Peter

The type of inspection and maintenance performed on conveyors varies depending on the design of the machine. Performing routine planned maintenance on your equipment will lower the amount of downtime significantly. Best Conveyor Maintenance PracticesHere are our top 7 best practices for maintaining a range of conveyors: Belt Condition –(Belt over roller, belt under roller, orings between rollers) Check for dry rot, damage to belt or lacing, and proper position. – Loose belts can slip when heavier product is flowing through. This can cause changes to timing and spacing.   *Tip from our Service Manager: Loosen the belt enough to be able to fold it over with your hands to get a better view of possible dry rot, damaged areas, etc.  Some wear is hidden on the underside of a belt. Chains – Lubricate chains, check tension, and check for excessive wear or rust. Sprockets – Check set screws and excessive wear on teeth or rust. Bearings – Check for excessive wear, or loose conditions.  Non-Sealed bearings need to stay properly greased. Pulleys – Check for proper alignment, excessive wear of shafts and integrity of lagging. Excessive wear of lagging can cause a belt to travel to one side and become damaged.  *Tip from our Service Manager: With the conveyor locked out – run your hand across the belt where the lagged pulley is and check for lumps, bumps or divots. Photo eyes – Clean photo eyes, properly align and check condition.  A misaligned photo eye will create a dead spot and stop the flow of cartons in this area.  A damaged or missing reflector will cause a photo eye to malfunction. Reducers – Unsealed reducers need their oil changed yearly, and the oil level checked regularly. The correct amount of clean oil will prevent the reducer from overheating and failing.  Examine seals for dirt or oil marks, this may be caused by situational overheating and should be noted for future replacement. System in Motion offers maintenance packages include our 20-point planned maintenance plan. (Click here for more information)  (Contact us today)

An In-Depth look at our Ergonomic Pack/QC/ShipStation for Outbound Logistics “The Gravity Skatewheel, Electric Pop Up Transfer”   This article is specifically focusing on the ergonomic operations of this “Pack/ Shipstation” location.  There will be three focused areas to review: Process Efficiencies, Ergonomic Impacts and Financial Impacts.  Click here for a downloadable copy of this report with detail drawings and photos. Pack /Shipstations:  When shipping product, many companies need to have a final process step to get the product out the door.  This step can include Quality control functions, Re-packing, void fill, packing slip / literature insertion, sealing the box, applying one or more outbound logistics labels, closing out that order (job ticket) in the system to name a few.  Process Review:  In many of the applications, product is brought from the warehouse to a central area.  Pack Shipstation, Ship Manifest, Order Closeout are all typical names for this area.  A very basic process for this could be the same operator who picks the product to the order could complete the entire process resulting in a shippable package.  More complex processes separate the processes into specialized operations.  This can be done with the same operators via accumulation (stacking the orders, dropping off a cart, etc.), then flexing the staff to process all the accumulated orders in a type of slug mode. Even more complex operations use automated systems for the completely picked order to be brought to the packing/QC/Manifest areas.  With these individual stations can be identified by work to be performed.  For example, workstation operations could be sorted by QC requirements, outbound shipping destination, size, weight, customer, etc. Based on the customer’s throughput needs and specialized outbound logistics requirements, a Semi-Automated process was selected.  With the use of automation, a high-level view would require the automated system to bring product into a pack station and then move the completed shipping cartons back out of the pack area. There are three common ways of doing this.  Although there are multiple variations to these processes.  These are typical for local pack station / automated system interaction. Multiple elevations: This option would have a two-tier accumulation system that brings inbound product from the picking area in on one level, the outbound logistics to the shipping/pallet build/direct to container area on the other level. One issue with this concept is that it is not ergonomically friendly as product must be lifted or lowered to a second level tier.  A solution would be 90-degree transfers to decline accumulation with discharge on the back side of a pack station.  Although this reduces the ergonomic impact, the costs are significantly higher. Pros: Egress and ADA compliance easily satisfied. Smaller footprint required in the customer’s location Depending on application can be cost competitive. Cons: In some applications product coming into ship area is above operator’s view. Weight of product can be an issue Reach/extend requirements may limit which operators can work these positions Not easily ADA compliant due to reach/extend. Depending on the application can be cost restrictive. Pass across the pack station: Another way to do this is a with inbound accumulation (typically powered conveyor) on side of the operator, outbound transportation (powered conveyor) on one side of the operator and a pack station between. The issue with this layout is that you have the operator “land locked” in the middle and need a gap to allow access.  Egress is required for operator safety.  No one wants operators climbing over or under conveyor.  Some locations require ADA access to all work locations.  The egress can be handled in a few different ways.  1. The operators can carry product over the gap or across a gate.  (typically, not powered) 2. A gate can be placed in the takeaway section. (Typically powered) 3. Ladder style crossovers can be utilized. (Does not comply with ADA access) One other significant issue with this application is the restocking of materials to the pack stations.  Boxes, tape, dunnage will need to be physically manipulated to restock the pack stations.  Due to the land locked nature of the layout, it may not be as convenient to maintain the cleanliness of the area. Pros: Weight of product may not be an issue. Damage to product is minimized. Depending on application can be cost competitive. Cons: Egress and ADA compliance cannot be easily satisfied. Larger footprint required in the customer’s location. Weight of product can be an issue if operators are to carry product across gap. Issues with Egress remain. Restocking the pack stations can be cumbersome. In-Line Pack Stations: Another way to do this is a with inbound accumulation (typically carts, gravity, or powered conveyor) directly into the end of the pack station.  The operators will manipulate the product onto the workstation, perform all the functions, then pass onto a downstream outbound destination.  This can be direct to the pallet, onto another conveyor for sortation or to a conveyor system for downstream pallet build. This application can be very effective in smaller volume applications or applications with almost no variation in outbound shipping method.   If the goal of the project is to reduce walk space and reduce operator dwell time, this may become a rather expensive option due to sortation requirements, routing to specific workstations, etc. If the operation is a very high volume with multiple outbound destinations this may be the best alternative.  This also comes with a significant price tag but can be cost effective. Pros: Weight of product is not an issue. Damage to product is minimized unless using a Cart/pallet to stage product for ship processing. Depending on application can be cost competitive. ADA and Egress are typically not an issue. Cons: Larger footprint required in the customer’s location if more than 2 pack stations are required. Sortation and accumulation equipment and controls can significantly impact the cost effectiveness. Throughput restrictions, accumulation required, takt time of shipstation process all need to be reviewed to determine if this is a viable option. For a recent project System in Motion came

System in Motion has moved into the new Technology Center / Headquarters building today! Today is Moving Day at CSI! – October 18, 2019 System in Motion Inc has officially moved into its new headquarters located at 1450 N. McLean Blvd in Elgin, Illinois. Our new facility has 35,000 square feet of office and warehouse space. This location offers a wide range of opportunities to better serve our employees, customers and vendors. New areas will include a Dedicated Training Center, Dedicated Customer Area, New Technology Showcase, In-Stock conveyor and spare parts, additional offices and work space for Accounting, Engineering, Project Management, Service and Maintenance to name a few. We appreciate your understanding while we reconfigure our phone lines, set up the network, regain email access, and try to figure out where the bathrooms are. If you are having trouble reaching us today, please be patient as we get used to our new home.

Hytrol has discontinued the supply of Generation 2 Controllers for the EZ Logic System. System in Motion has a program to upgrade to the newer Generation 3, Zero Pressure Controller System Hytrol has discontinued the manufacturing of Gen2 – EZLogic Photo eye modules. Any replacement units you have in your inventory are the last of the new units available. If your system is down or individual zones are not working, your options are limited. System in Motion can help! We have an upgrade program designed to systematically upgrade parts of your system while restocking your inventory of available parts. As we upgrade the zones, we will test and verify the older Gen2 units. Provided these units are functional, you can place the controllers back into your parts inventory. As you get low on the Gen2 controllers, we can upgrade other sections of your facility.Approximate Costs*: 50\’ section with 24\” Zones? – $8,825 (includes Material and Labor) *-Based on a basic stand alone system with easy access  to system.  Most applications will need to be reviewed for elevations, external control applications, special conveyor configurations, etc.Contact us today for more information! Download the Project Overview Here

KVK staff delivers school supplies to a local Elementary School Way too often teachers and school administration staff end up purchasing school supplies needed for their classrooms.  To offset these costs, System in Motion and KVK organized drives asking our employees to donate school supplies.Last week the Staff at KVK (a Systems in Motion – Controls and Automation division) delivered a large collection of School Supplies to a local Elementary School.  In addition, the CSI Culture Committee delivered additional supplies to the Schaumburg School Commissioner.  Congratulations to all the employees at KVK for having a 100% employee engagement in the event.Scott Lee, President Systems in Motion, said in a message to the entire company “making a difference in a child’s life can change the world.  Thanks to everyone who volunteered and contributed.”

System in Motion is now a Stocking distributor Extendable Power and Gravity Conveyor IN STOCK and ready to deliverFMH Conveyor company has selected System in Motion  as a Phoenix Program Partner. In addition to this, System in Motion will be stocking a wide range of gravity and powered conveyor in our Chicago Area Warehouse.  FMH has developed a list of items they will stock in a Quick Ship Program.  System in Motion has partnered with them to stock in our Chicago Warehouse additional models not currently available from the FMH facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas.    Click here for more

Safe Summer Travel Tips from System in Motion All of us here at System in Motion want you and your families to be safe if you are heading out Summer Family Trips, so here are a few tips we have compiled to ensure your travels are fun and safe.1- Know and Beware of the ScamsScams unfortunately are everywhere, whether you are traveling around the block or around the world. Before you depart, spend a few minutes looking up the most common and current scams noted for the area you traveling to. Here in Arizona, we need to be on the lookout for suspect credit card readers at gas station fuel pumps. This quick search can help identify some simple warnings to be aware of so you don’t get scammed out of an enjoyable trip. 2- Write Down Emergency Contact Info When traveling things happen, from a flat tire on a busy freeway you are not familiar with to medical emergencies. Having all of the local emergency contact info along with important phone numbers saved in one accessible place will help have everything quick in a stressful situation. Using a simplified app on your phone is great as well as a laminated hard copy incase a stolen phone is the emergency. 3 – Check State Dept. Website If traveling abroad, you can visit the US state department website for current issues threats that pertain to the area of the world you are heading to. Keep a note that this site will give you all of the possible circumstances that may exist. Likely hood is defined differently, so research with optimism. 4 – Safeguard Your Valuables While traveling, either domestically or abroad, utilize methods to safeguard you valuables. Use lockers with your own lock if possible, safes and other security measures to ensure that you make it home with all the items you took on you adventure. 5 – Insurances There are several means of protecting yourself via insurance. Most travel companies (airlines, hotels, travel agencies, etc.) offer you the options to protect your trip investment. Review all options to decide which if any is right for you. Also, research if additional personal or vehicle insurance is required based on your travel location; such as Mexican Auto Insurance, home rental protection, or health care add-ons. 6 – Email your Itinerary to Family & Friends As you schedule and book you destinations, compile a day by day outline of where you are going and specific locations that you are staying. Once your list is completed, send that out to friends and family so in case of an emergency, some will know your whereabouts, or expected whereabouts. 7 – Limit Social Media Posts While Gone Traveling with your family and friends will make lasting memories that will definitely be captured on your camera. In the current world of technology and social media try to limit your posts, or at a minimum, limit the location or time stamps of those pictures you post. Those with poor intentions can track your absence and target your home while you are away. 8 – Crucial Supplies While packing your bag with all of your essentials try to add in a couple emergency supplies that could come in handy. Items like a first aid kit, flash light, OTC medications, basic tool set, road hazard kit and like items may help keep an issue from becoming a problem. 9 – Be Aware of What You are Wearing Do some research one where you are going. Limit flashy cloths and jewelry and safe guard your phones and cameras. If you are traveling specifically to a foreign country, look at religious and cultural customs to not where clothing the locals may see as offensive. 10 – Baggage Keep your baggage close. Limit opportunities for your bag to be taken or tampered with. Looking into locking suitcases or adding a lock to your bag can help deter both. Never leave your luggage unattended and try your best to keep it tethered to you at all times you are in public spaces.

System in Motion recognized with \”Top 6\” Award by Hytrol Conveyor System in Motion Named Hytrol Top 6 Integration PartnerRecently, Hytrol Conveyor honored System in Motion as a Top 6 Integration Partner for 2018. Each year Hytrol names their Top 6 most impactful Integration Partners/Distributors based on annual sales figures.  Chuck Waddle, Vice President of Business Development, presented the award to Scott Lee and Leah Lee at an award ceremony recently held in Jackson Hole, WY. System in Motion was Number 1 in Hytrol’s Group 2 standings. Scott Lee, System in Motion President, accepted the award on behalf of the entire CSI Team. “All of us at CSI are honored to receive this award and to be recognized as one of Hytrol’s Top Integration Partners world wide,” Lee said. “Integration Partners are more than important to Hytrol. They are the natural extension of our business process,” says David Peacock, Hytrol President. “They understand their markets, they guide product innovations, and they push us to continuously improve-our products, our quality, and our value. They are able to do this because of their industry-leading expertise and their unmatched ability to connect customer’s needs to Hytrol’s capabilities” Hytrol is the largest conveyor manufacturer in North America. Thank you to our Customer Partners for your confidence. Without you we would not have earned this award!

Ever have one of those days…   When Darry (our technician) arrived, the conveyor was leaning over and being supported by a lift truck. 4 supports were ripped from the floor.  He made new and bigger foot plates where needed, welded, re-anchored them, and used material onsite to strengthen the line. Inspected and tested the line. A note from the customer: Darry, Thanks for responding to our emergency and getting us back up and operational so quickly. It good to know that we have a partner in System in Motion that we can count on!!! Everyone here at Thermo Fisher appreciates your hard work and dedication. Bernard Gordon Facilities & Services ManagerThermo Fisher ScientificHanover Park, IL

Hytrol Engineers help select the correct sortation based on Performance and Cost requirements Hytrol Engineer Chris Bullard spent some time organizing an article to help prospective customers understand the differences between the various sortation options available.  From less than 20 cases per minute to over 100 cases per minute, Hytrol has the solutions.   Chris\’s article is available in the link below.  Contact the System in Motion local office to review your specific needs.https://blog.hytrol.com/selecting-a-sortation-conveyor