Conveyor Optimisation Specialists

Belt Wise is a consulting and supply firm with multiple high-level divisions, specialising in material handling solutions, specifically conveyors. The primary division is the Belt Wise consultancy, which focuses on conveyor optimisation. They offer expert guidance in engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM), with an emphasis on technical, operational, and procurement optimisation. Efficiency, reliability, and safety are their top priorities. The Belt Wise optimisation team prides itself on being a solution-driven, reliable partner, ensuring customer interests and continuous improvement are maintained.

Belt Wise is harnessing technological solutions and using its sales and consultancy efforts to help meet its’ clients every need.

BELT WISE TAKES A DIFFERENT approach to conveyor system optimisation. Instead of looking to make sales, the company aims to provide objectivity. Unlike other firms that might push specific brands of products, Belt Wise deliberately separates its consultancy and sales divisions. Belt Wise managing director
Beau Weiss said this ensures that any recommendations are not influenced by potential commercial gain, allowing the company to provide the most effective solutions. Another key differentiator for Belt Wise is its performance-based commercial model. Unlike standard engineering procurement and construction firms that charge for services irrespective of the outcome, Belt Wise ties its consultancy fees to key performance indicators. This approach has gained traction, as many businesses have previously spent large sums on consultancy without achieving meaningful results. Belt Wise’s model reduces financial
risk for customers while ensuring that the company remains accountable for the outcomes. “We don’t charge clients upfront for consultancy,” Weiss said. “Instead, we commit to hitting specific optimisation targets before receiving payment. This ensures that we’re as invested in delivering results as our clients are.”

Gold standard
Belt Wise has successfully implemented its optimisation strategies across various industries in Australia. One notable example is its work with a large gold mining joint venture in Western Australia. “This company engaged us due to persistent tracking and efficiency issues with their primary conveyor system,” Weiss said. “They had consulted multiple engineering firms, yet the problems remained unresolved.”
Upon investigation, Belt Wise identified critical mechanical and belting issues, including a defective splice that was on the verge of catastrophic failure. The team warned that a major failure event was imminent within four to five weeks. Unfortunately, the predicted failure occurred six weeks later, resulting in millions of dollars in lost production. Following this incident, Belt Wise was appointed as the site’s conveyor system subject matter expert. Through targeted optimisation strategies, the company doubled the lifespan of the site’s conveyor belts by focusing on fundamentals such as conveyor hygiene, proper storage, and improved belt splicing standards. These seemingly small adjustments resulted in significant cost savings and efficiency gains for Belt Wise’s client.

Driving long-term value
In addition to operational improvements, Belt Wise plays a crucial role in procurement optimisation. Many
businesses struggle with inefficient procurement practices, often relying on outdated specifications or purchasing decisions based purely on cost rather than suitability.
“We work closely with procurement teams to help them understand exactly what they’re buying and why,” Weiss said. “A lot of sites continue using materials that were great a decade ago, but they’re unaware of advancements in the market.”
For example, Belt Wise introduced this customer’s procurement team to new conveyor belt compounds developed by other manufacturers. By trialling these advanced materials and demonstrating their superior performance, Belt Wise helped this company standardise its specifications, resulting in improved quality control and reduced costs.
“We also consolidate purchasing where possible,” Weiss said. “Many companies unknowingly use dozens of different conveyor belt specifications, which reduces their buying power. By streamlining their specifications, businesses can negotiate better prices and improve supplier engagement.”

Advanced diagnostic solutions
Belt Wise is at the forefront of diagnostic technology, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to revolutionise conveyor system monitoring.
“Our Singaporean division is heavily invested in AI-based diagnostics,” Weiss said. “We’re currently trialling a proprietary AI inspection system that uses infrared and high-resolution imaging to assess conveyor conditions in real time.”
Traditionally, inspecting a 25km conveyor system would require multiple personnel and several days. Belt Wise’s AI solution can complete a full inspection in under an hour, dramatically improving accuracy and efficiency.
“This system continuously learns from the data it gathers, improving its ability to detect defects, cuts, splits, and other abnormalities,” Weiss said.
“We’re also integrating side-mounted infrared cameras to monitor rollers, creating a comprehensive, automated inspection process.”
Early trials of this AI-driven diagnostic technology in Australia have shown promising results, with significant reductions in downtime and maintenance costs.

Empowering clients
Beyond implementing technology, Belt Wise is committed to educating its clients. The company’s ultimate goal is to empower businesses to become more self-sufficient in maintaining their conveyor systems.
“We don’t want customers to be overly reliant on us,” Weiss said. “Our role is to provide them with the knowledge and best practices to make informed decisions moving forward.”

This article was originally published on Australian Bulk Handling Review (ABHR) and has been republished here with permission.