How Collaboration Drives Innovation in Supply Chain Automation
For over a decade, we have been collaborating with trusted integration partners to deliver value across industries. We at KNAPP believe that strong partnerships are what drive supply chain success.
Recently, we had an opportunity to sit down with one of our trusted partners at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS). As a systems integrator with over 40 years of experience, DCS delivers custom material‑handling and warehouse automation solutions. Based in Franklin, Tennessee, they specialize in designing and integrating conveyors, sortation systems and full-scale distribution and fulfillment centers.
DCS and KNAPP have been jointly serving customers since 2022, delivering innovative solutions for leading companies. We sat down with Matt Ferguson, President of DCS; and Chris James, Director of Sales, Partners & Products for KNAPP North America.
President
DCS
Director of Sales, Partners & Products
KNAPP North America
Here’s what Matt and Chris had to say about what makes the KNAPP–DCS partnership unique and how together, they help customers navigate the exciting and evolving world of supply chain automation.
What trends and challenges do you see in supply chain automation?
Matt: Customers want data-driven solutions, higher-density storage, flexibility, speed and accuracy. They’re also focused on the impact on their people—safety, ergonomics and labor availability. We tailor solutions to fit their constraints, whether it’s location or capital.
Chris: Flexibility is key. Customers are facing changing order dynamics and need systems that handle both large replenishment orders and small e-commerce shipments. Speed and throughput remain critical.
Chris: Flexibility is key. Customers are facing changing order dynamics and need systems that handle both large replenishment orders and small e-commerce shipments. Speed and throughput remain critical.
How can DCS and KNAPP help companies to master current challenges?
Matt: What we see is that in almost all cases, our customers are attempting to do more with less. They're working to reduce their costs to pick or their costs to fulfill, cost to ship. What differentiates us is, we don't apply a one size fits all solution. We seek to really understand the challenge and tailor-fit a solution to get there.
Chris: Our customers want automation solutions that are flexible and capable of handling different order structures. By combining the strengths of DCS and KNAPP, we can offer solutions with a clear data-driven focus and rock-solid technology—this is a win for all.
Chris: Our customers want automation solutions that are flexible and capable of handling different order structures. By combining the strengths of DCS and KNAPP, we can offer solutions with a clear data-driven focus and rock-solid technology—this is a win for all.
What makes the partnership between DCS and KNAPP special?
Matt: Both DCS and KNAPP are obsessed with satisfying customer needs. We listen deeply and work hard to understand what our customers are trying to accomplish. KNAPP brings fantastic technology and innovation, and when we walk into a boardroom together, customers leave confident they’ve found the right partners. We think about projects and solving problems in the same way. Customers can sense that we work well together.
Chris: Culturally, there’s a great fit. We established trust early on. DCS was open and brought us into customer meetings. We took a backseat while they led, and that openness created a strong bond. We strive to outwork the competition and be flexible. Working with DCS is fun and dynamic. We share a commitment to doing the best for our customer.
Chris: Culturally, there’s a great fit. We established trust early on. DCS was open and brought us into customer meetings. We took a backseat while they led, and that openness created a strong bond. We strive to outwork the competition and be flexible. Working with DCS is fun and dynamic. We share a commitment to doing the best for our customer.
What is key to making such a partnership work long-term?
Matt: Innovation, collaboration, and trust. We assume good intent and treat each other with respect, especially in challenging moments. That’s also when customers really see how strong the partnership is.
Chris: It is essential to be open, honest, and dynamic. We always play with open cards. That transparency builds trust and leads to successful outcomes.
Chris: It is essential to be open, honest, and dynamic. We always play with open cards. That transparency builds trust and leads to successful outcomes.
Which movie blockbuster fits best to describe the partnership between DCS and KNAPP?
Matt: I would pick Mission: Impossible to describe our partnerhsip. So many times, our customers are experiencing big challenges they haven't experienced before. This can be overwhelming and they're not sure where to start and they need someone who can help them figure out what feels impossible. This is where DCS and KNAPP can step up and help them solve their problems.
Chris: I believe Fast and Furious describes our relationship best. At KNAPP, we have to be extremely quick with our responses and need to be mindful that DCS are working with a customer on a very short timeframe. So, we need to be extremely fast in providing all numbers and concepts they need. And sometimes, it makes us a little bit furious (laughs).
Chris: I believe Fast and Furious describes our relationship best. At KNAPP, we have to be extremely quick with our responses and need to be mindful that DCS are working with a customer on a very short timeframe. So, we need to be extremely fast in providing all numbers and concepts they need. And sometimes, it makes us a little bit furious (laughs).
What’s coming up next?
Matt: The outlook is very optimistic. We’re working on several opportunities. KNAPP’s technology is unique and helps us offer competitive solutions. Their pace of work suits our customer needs perfectly.
Chris: The future is bright. With innovations like AeroBot, there’s tremendous opportunity to grow together. We see nothing but great things ahead.
Chris: The future is bright. With innovations like AeroBot, there’s tremendous opportunity to grow together. We see nothing but great things ahead.
Project Spotlight
Graco, a global leader in industrial and commercial fluid handling systems, aimed to elevate customer service and build a future-ready automation foundation. Their goals included increasing throughput, improving order accuracy, and ensuring flexibility for evolving product profiles.
The solution is centered around an Evo Shuttle system with 44,000 storage locations that holds the vast majority of Graco’s SKUS. The robotic shuttle system is integrated with advanced picking, packing, and shipping sortation. This setup provides high-density storage and efficient product flow in a compact footprint.
- Improved Accuracy: Automation eliminates mispicks and ensures correct order fulfillment.
- Increased Throughput: Streamlined workflows support Graco’s growth.
- Future-Proof Flexibility: Modular design adapts to new product types.
- Space Optimization: More storage and throughput in less space.
- Operational Resilience: Handles demand surges and labor variability.