Required to provide a buffer before processes including:

• Elevators
• Robotic Palletising
• Sortation
• Merging
• AS/RS
• Diverts
• Order picking
• Shipping
• Weighing
• Quality control
• Assembly
• Machining

Advantages

• No crushed or jack-knifed cartons
• Can accumulate a wide range of mixed loads
• They are economical to run because of reduced power requirements
• True accumulation offers separation of products on start-up

Disadvantages

• More expensive than standard transportation conveyors
• Require additional controls