DCS and KNAPP: Partnership strengthens supply chains with intelligent automation

A good example of what great collaboration is like is found in our partner DCS (Designed Conveyor Systems), a US company headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee and specialized in custom conveyor and automation solutions. As a KNAPP integration partner, DCS brings their in-depth industry knowledge and technical expertise to the table for joint projects.

We had the opportunity to speak with Matt Ferguson, DCS President, and Chris James, Sales Director at KNAPP US about the collaboration. In this exclusive interview, they talk about what makes the partnership so successful and how intelligent automation helps companies to compete successfully in a dynamic market environment.

Matt Ferguson: Customers want data-driven solutions, high storage density, flexibility as well as speed and precision. Personnel are also high on the list – from safety and ergonomics to the availability of the workforce. Our solutions are tailored to fit the situation, whether that means the location or the budget.

Chris James: Flexibility is key. Our customers’ order structures change constantly. They need systems that can process large replenishment orders for stores as well as small e-commerce orders equally efficiently. All the while, speed and throughput remain key factors.

Matt Ferguson: For most of our customers, less is more. For example, they want to reduce the cost per pick for fulfillment or shipping.   We are different because we don’t sell off the rack solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand the challenges our customer is facing and then develop a tailor-made solution.

Chris James: Our customers expect automation solutions that are flexible and work for various types of order structures. Combining the strengths of DCS and KNAPP means we offer solutions with a clear focus on data and totally reliable technologies, so everybody wins.

Matt Ferguson: Both DCS and KNAPP are really driven to fulfill the needs of their customers. We listen carefully and work very hard to make our customers’ goals a reality. KNAPP brings fantastic technologies and innovation to the table, and when we’re all in the same room, our customers can immediately tell that they’ve found the right partner. We have the same approach to projects and problem-solving and our customers notice that.

Chris James: Culturally, it’s just a good fit, and we developed a foundation of trust very early on. DCS included us in their customer meetings – initially just as observers – and that created a strong connection between us. Our aim is to surpass the competition and respond flexibly to all requirements, and working with DCS is fun and exciting. We are connected by our shared goal of achieving the best possible outcome for our customers.

Matt Ferguson: Innovation, Zusammenarbeit und Vertrauen. Wir gehen immer vom guten Willen des anderen aus und begegnen uns mit Respekt – gerade in herausfordernden Zeiten. Genau dann sehen auch die Kunden, wie stark die Partnerschaft wirklich ist.

Chris James: Offenheit, Ehrlichkeit und Dynamik sind essenziell. Wir spielen immer mit offenen Karten. Diese Transparenz schafft Vertrauen und führt zu Erfolgsergebnissen.

Matt Ferguson: I’d say Mission: Impossible. Our customers are often faced with challenges that they have never had to handle before. They don’t know where to start and need someone who can help them do the seemingly impossible. That’s right where DCS and KNAPP come into play.

Chris James: For me, Fast & Furious best describes our relationship. At KNAPP, we have to respond very quickly, and we know that DCS is often working under tremendous time pressure with their customers. We have to deliver the concept and all the numbers super fast. And sometimes that makes us kind of furious (laughs).

Matt Ferguson: We are optimistic about our prospects and are working on several exciting projects. KNAPP technologies are one-of-a-kind and help us to offer competitive solutions. The pace of work is a perfect fit for our customers’ requirements.

Chris James: The future looks promising. Innovations like the AeroBot open up great opportunities for both companies to grow. I only see positive things for the coming years.

Graco, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a worldwide leading supplier of industrial and commercial fluid handling systems. Graco’s goal was to take the quality of their customer service to the next level and, by automating, to create a foundation for the future. The most important targets were raising throughput, improving order precision and ensuring flexibility in handling the changing product range.

The solution: A state-of-the-art Evo Shuttle system with 44,000 storage locations to hold the majority of Graco’s SKUs. The robot-supported shuttle system is seamlessly integrated into picking, packing and shipping solutions and provides high-density storage in a small space while facilitating the efficient flow of products.

Here are the advantages of the solution at a glance:

• Greater precision: Automation prevents incorrect picks and ensures correct order processing.
• Higher throughput: Optimized processes support Graco’s growth.
• Flexibility for the future: The modular design allows the integration of new product types.
• Space-effectiveness: More storage capacity and throughput in a smaller space.
• Operational resilience: The system masters peaks in demand and personnel fluctuations.

Graco’s example demonstrates how the combination of visionary goals, modern technologies and confident collaboration promotes real innovation while helping companies to gear up their supply chains for the future.

As a value chain tech partner, we not only rethink value chains but also closely collaborate with warehouse system integrators. For more than ten years, we have been implementing automation projects in all sizes with selected integration partners. We have a broad portfolio of products suited to integrators – from smart individual components such as measurement technologies for product master data collection or flexible AMRs to fully integrated automated logistics systems including software and service. The level of the integration depends on the product group and complexity of the solution. Our aim is to ensure the highest operational reliability for the customers of our partners. Completed projects speak for themselves: We have successfully installed over 3,200 systems worldwide. Discover more about our work with integrators here.