A long conveyor system with a black belt and red edges angles upward in a warehouse. Boxes sit nearby on a pallet.

Upgrading your facility’s conveyor system is a significant step toward improving efficiency in your processes. However, it is critical to calculate the return on investment (ROI) before committing to any upgrade. By learning this number, you can determine a new system’s potential value for your business and estimate the profits and savings you will enjoy. Review this guide for calculating the ROI of conveyor system upgrades to make a more informed decision.

The ROI Formula

It is important to first understand of the ROI formula, which measures the profitability of an investment relative to its cost. When using the formula, subtract your net profits from the cost of the investment, then divide the difference by the investment cost. Next, multiply that number by 100 to get the ROI percentage. A positive result means the upgrade generates more value than it consumes, whereas a negative outcome suggests the investment may not justify the expense.

How To Calculate Your Net Profits

One of the most important steps in calculating the ROI of conveyor system upgrades is determining the net profits for your business. This process requires you to estimate the profits and savings that the new technology will provide.

Incorporate savings from reduced maintenance needs into this number since newer conveyor systems often feature components that experience less wear and tear than older models. In addition, include your estimated productivity gains since a new conveyor can move products faster and with fewer delays.

This directly translates to higher revenue, especially in manufacturing, where efficiency drives profits. Tallying these benefits provides a comprehensive view of how much revenue the upgrade will contribute.

How To Calculate the Investment Costs

When calculating investment costs, include all financial outlays required for implementing the upgrade. This includes the costs of the conveyor itself and additional expenditures such as shipping. Don’t forget to consider operational disruptions as well. Upgrading may require temporary downtime of your production line, impacting short-term revenues. Calculating this loss as part of the cost underscores its significance to upfront expenses.

Maintenance must also enter the equation. Even though modern conveyor systems reduce upkeep requirements, routine inspections and minor adjustments are necessary. Estimating these ongoing costs builds a more realistic ROI projection.

Finally, training may also contribute to the total cost. Employees operating or maintaining the new system may require hands-on instruction to take full advantage of its features.

By performing a careful analysis, you can decide whether a conveyor upgrade will provide greater operational and financial outcomes. One company that can help you achieve these goals is Redline Systems. Our products include mobile conveyors that can offer savings and increase operational efficiency.