ACE Issue 28 2021 | Page 10

BestConnect

A Permanent Flexible Solution

10

The warehousing and distribution industry is an ever-changing monster . We hear it countless times from customers new and old , the stories of system specifications that are impossible to tie down or requirements that never seem to stop shifting . This has led to a lot of wasted resource in the industry , but also a tremendous wave of growth and improvements that are paving the way for its success - long into the future .

At FMH , we have spent the last 25 years aiming to stay on top of this wave . The constantly fluctuating requirements of vehicle loading and unloading could never be solved with a fixed piece of equipment . In general , by the time a company has signed off the installation of their new generic conveyor equipment , its already too small , cannot adapt to new requirements or it is in the way of another expanding area of the warehouse . In other words , the system is too rigid - too permanent for today ’ s environment . At FMH we solved this issue years ago , we became ‘ flexible ’.
We have an array of flexible material handling solutions in our catalogue , none more famous than our BestFlex and PowerFlex models . These conveyors are probably what we are ‘ Best ’ known for . Renowned throughout the world , these conveyors solve the issues discussed above , in a very flexible way . Simply extend and curve your conveyor into whatever form you need it to take . What if you need something like a sortation system or full conveyor application though ? Our solution , BestConnect . The BestConnect platform is based around the principle that it does not matter how definite you are of your conveyor systems requirements , it will change . Our BestConnect modules offer infinite options to arrange and rearrange sortation lines depending on the needs of our growing customers .
Powered BestConnect modules are comprised of 2 main unit variants , BestConnect Masters ( BLSM ) and BestConnect Secondaries ( BLSS ). To create a driven system , the BestConnect Master is connected to the Secondary units , via the onboard Harting plugs , allowing the power and communications to run down the whole line . These BestConnect Master / Secondary connections are what give the product its modular and reconfigurable qualities .
BestConnect Master units support all the power and control features needed for a BestConnect system . Secondary modules give the ability to extend that system , but are by name , reliant on the feed from the Master Module upstream .
Needing only a 16A power feed , the Master ’ s onboard control box and adjustable speed controller can support a maximum of 16x motors . Typically ( using our 6000mm long modules ) that equates to 1 BestConnect Master and 3 BestConnect Secondary modules – 24 meters of driven conveyance . Adding more Master Modules and varying styles of Secondary Modules makes it possible to create larger and more complex systems .
It is this architecture that makes BestConnect as appealing as it is for today ’ s industry - everything is modularised . The system is designed to provide rapid assembly of conveyor solutions for a changing workplace . Any style of system can be easily configured and re-configured as required to suit your immediate requirements . With a simple 230v power supply and our renowned ‘ lift and latch ’ connections , the engineering input is minimal . Simple wheel your desired modules into place , plug them in and start your operation .
Throughout the years , BestConnect has taken on various shapes and sizes to solve the conveyance problems of some of the world ’ s largest companies . Its steel side plates and sturdy construction make it a reliable work horse for the distribution industry and its operators . FMH offer a plethora of conveyor widths , pitches , heights , and styles - the modules are tailored to your requirements . Sorting letters or poly-bags ? Ultraclose roller pitch is a must - ensuring efficient transport of all parcel variants . Transporting large goods ? Extra wide + 1000mm module widths will give you sufficient transport surface to get your parcels to their destination . The list goes on .
Performance options are another key area of BestConnect ’ s success , and it goes much further than simply getting the modules painted to match your corporate colour scheme . FMH offer a wide array of intelligence options from optical electronic flow control to fully automated sortation . Delicate shipments can be transported around your factory in the knowledge that the BestConnect ZLP system will keep the items in a separated , organised , and efficient flow . Other performance options you could select for your BestConnect conveyor systems include castor / leg upgrades , a variety of side guide styles and an abundance of flow control / transition assists - for manual sortation applications .
The BestConnect platform lends itself incredibly well to the additions of other operational equipment . Weigh Scales , Ball Tables and Manual Sortation ( OMNI ) Tables can all be easily connected into a BestConnect system . Belt Conveyor options can also be integrated through our Group Partners , allowing for limitless system potential . FMH also offer a variety of Walkover Steps giving regular operations or emergency access over any style of BestConnect system . The 1200mm wide stairwell gives capacity for efficient 2-way traffic that could dramatically improve your systems usability .
BestConnect has become a stable platform for solving countless process challenges across multiple industries . It is highly regarded throughout our customer base and has become a firm industry favourite . Its unprecedented versatility means it can be transformed into what the operation needs , when the operation needs it .
For enquiries into BestConnect , or any of our other catalogue products , please do not hesitate to get in touch with our globally interacting Sales Team . FMH would be delighted to help improve and resolve your material handing requirements .
https :// fmhconveyors . com / en-in / products / bestconnect /