Materials handling: when are conveyors the preferred transport method? Conveyors are most suitable when which of the following conditions prevail for material movement?

Introduction / Context:
Choosing a materials handling system depends on load characteristics, routing, and flow pattern. Conveyors provide high-throughput movement along fixed paths and excel in continuous, predictable flows.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Items are relatively uniform in size/weight or carried in standard carriers.
• Path of movement is fixed (straight, loop, or network with merges/diverges).
• Throughput is steady or at least frequent enough to justify continuous transport.

Concept / Approach:
Conveyors (belt, roller, chain, slat) reduce manual handling and synchronize material flow with production. They are capital-intensive and layout-dependent, so they are justified when variability is low and the route is stable. For sporadic, random, or highly variable routes, industrial trucks or AGVs are better.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Check condition of load uniformity → supports standard conveyor design and spacing.Check routing → fixed paths favor conveyors.Check flow → continuous or frequent flow maximizes utilization and ROI.Thus, all listed conditions point to conveyors as preferred.

Verification / Alternative check:
Assembly lines, parcel hubs, and process plants widely use conveyors where flows are predictable and continuous.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option (E) contradicts conveyor strengths; flexible, random routing is better served by fork trucks, tuggers, or AGVs.

Common Pitfalls:
Installing conveyors where product mix changes frequently; ignoring accumulation and surge management; underestimating maintenance and safety guarding needs.

Final Answer:
all of these