Simply Thank You specialises in creating and distributing corporate gifts and rewards. With a high volume of orders moving through its packing and dispatch operation, the business needed a reliable conveyor system that could support daily workloads and busy periods.
North Automation Group designed and installed a new three-line conveyor system to replace ageing equipment, increase capacity and reduce the manual work involved in moving packages.
The Challenge
The existing conveyor system was becoming unreliable and required regular intervention from operators. Faulty rollers and a lack of automatic accumulation meant staff had to push boxes along to create space, manually starting and stopping the equipment to manage product flow.
This took time away from packing and processing orders. Simply Thank You needed a more automated system that would make day-to-day operation easier while supporting future growth.
As Mark Eglington, Managing Director at Simply Thank You, explained:
“The conveyor system we had before was extremely old and very manual, and we wanted to look at something more automated.”
Our Solution
We designed and installed three identical conveyor lines with zero-pressure accumulation, providing controlled movement between the packing and dispatch areas.
Automatic accumulation allows boxes to queue without being pushed into one another, reducing the need for operators to move packages manually. The third line adds capacity, helping the team manage higher order volumes.
The Simply Thank You conveyor system also incorporates the existing case sealers, bringing the equipment together under integrated controls and emergency stops.
An HMI provides a clear view of system status and faults, helping operators identify issues. An energy-saving sleep mode reduces energy use during quieter periods when conveyor sections are not needed.
The aim was to give Simply Thank You a system that meets its current needs and supports its plans for the future.
“I wanted to future-proof the operation. The new conveyors allow the parcels to go from being made up to dispatch with ease.”
— Mark Eglington, Managing Director, Simply Thank You
The Outcome
Increased Capacity
The third conveyor line provides additional capacity for peak demand and greater flexibility when managing order volumes. Reflecting on the system’s impact during busy periods, Mark said:
“At peak, it has allowed us to quadruple our workload and make life a lot easier for us.”
Less Manual Intervention
Automatic accumulation reduces the need for staff to push boxes forward or repeatedly start and stop the conveyors. This frees operators to focus on packing and processing orders.
Controlled Product Flow
Packages now move through the packing and dispatch operation with controlled spacing. Zero-pressure accumulation keeps queued boxes from pressing into one another, supporting a smoother flow through the system.
Improved Safety and Visibility
Integrated controls and emergency stops bring the conveyors and existing case sealers together. The HMI gives operators access to system status and fault information, making it easier to see where attention is needed.
Reduced Energy Use During Quiet Periods
The sleep mode reduces unnecessary conveyor operation when demand is lower, helping limit energy use during quieter periods.
Client Feedback
Alongside the operational improvements, Mark highlighted the project management and installation team’s approach:
“Really professionally. I was really impressed with the project management, not just with Paul, but with Greg and the team.”
Reflecting on the overall experience, he added:
“From start to finish, the experience has been extremely positive. The engineers who came and fitted the systems worked extremely hard.”
Thank you to Mark and the Simply Thank You team for sharing their experience and giving us a closer look at the completed system in action.
Looking to Improve Your Packing and Dispatch Operation?
If ageing equipment or manual processes are slowing down your operation, North Automation Group can help you explore a conveyor system suited to your products, space and workload.
Contact our team at sales@northgroup.tech or call 0345 017 9765 to discuss your requirements. You can also explore our Knowledge Hub for more case studies and practical automation advice.
Discover Simply Thank You
Looking for a thoughtful way to thank customers, recognise employees or celebrate a milestone? Simply Thank You specialises in corporate gifts and rewards, helping businesses show their appreciation.