KNAPP has been a global leader in automation technology for distribution and production for over 70 years, with more than 3200 active installations. Over 6300 staff worldwide develop and deliver customised supply chain solutions, powered by advanced software including AI. Key clients in the UK include John Lewis, M&S, Boots, Next, The Very Group, Wincanton, Clarks, British Gas, Alliance Healthcare and Well, all of which have resident KNAPP service teams.
Managing Director at KNAPP UK Ltd
Craig Rollason, Managing Director at KNAPP UK, spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What products or services does your company offer?
We describe ourselves as the value chain tech partner of choice for major brands. This means we are a technology partner for our customers for the entire value chain – that is, all interlinked business activities. We provide the right automation, information and services for every step in the value chain to ensure optimal operation. The term ‘partner’ is crucial for us; we always strive to support our customers and promote their success. So, being a value chain tech partner means taking responsibility for our customers’ success by providing state-of-the-art technology, first-class service and a long-term partnership.
Which industries do your customers operate in?
We have customers in all sectors – from retail, e-commerce and fashion to healthcare, wholesale and industry.
How were business levels in 2022 compared to previous years?
The KNAPP group achieved turnover in excess of EUR 1.6 billion in the business year 2021-22, which represented a significant increase compared to the previous year. Business developed very dynamically in the core European markets and the North American market also made an important contribution.
Has your company celebrated any milestones this year?
In the UK, we celebrated our 25th anniversary, while KNAPP AG – our parent company – reached its 70-year milestone. We also achieved accreditation as a Best Companies ONE TO WATCH organisation with GOOD levels of employee engagement, which was a great achievement in our first year of entry. Since then, we’ve secured further success in the Best Companies league tables for Q4, coming 61st nationwide as Best Technology Company to work for and number 202 in the list of Best Large Companies to work for in the UK.
Do you have any examples of projects you have recently completed?
We have delivered a number of extension projects for existing customers in the UK this year and we are in the process of delivering several other key projects for new customers. One of these is a new e-commerce warehouse in Pontefract for the retailer, Next plc. This new facility will combine an OSR Shuttle™ Evo automated storage system with advanced pocket sorter technology to ensure rapid lead times and maximum flexibility.
What are your most recent product innovations?
We recently introduced Open Shuttle Store, a scalable robotic storage system. This solution features automated mobile robots (AMRs) called Store Bots that store and retrieve containers, which they can also transport to any work zone in the warehouse or factory. With a modular design, the solution offers short delivery and installation times, and can be easily adapted to meet future needs. Designed for low to medium throughputs, Open Shuttle Store is an ideal storage solution for small and medium-sized enterprises. Alternatively, it may be used as a buffer system or for goods-to-person order picking. Open Shuttle Store features intelligent fleet management using KiSoft FCS, our fleet control system. This manages and monitors all possible routes for the AMRs, automatically selecting the most suitable route for each vehicle. The software allows you to change the processes and layout in your Open Shuttle Store with just a few clicks of your mouse. You can even test changes in advance using the KiSoft FCS digital twin to simulate the impact of your plans.
What are the major trends and developments affecting your customers, and how are you responding?
Obviously, with high inflation and now recession, the business landscape is very challenging for most of our customers. However, it is clear that companies can no longer rely on attracting and retaining warehouse staff at predictable cost levels, which drives the need for greater investment in automation. We value long-term partnership with our clients and will seek to support them however we can through the difficult times ahead. For example, we offer Robotics-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service financing models that make investment more attractive.
In what areas are you making technological advances?
We invest heavily in research and development, as part of our culture of innovation. In the financial year 2021-22, KNAPP AG again invested around 5 per cent of turnover – some EUR 64 million – in R&D. We continue to make great strides in developing digitally driven solutions and applying artificial intelligence to the supply chain. Pick-it-Easy Robot, our robotic order-picking system, is powered by leading-edge AI that enables rapid self-teaching. The robot picks orders with a high degree of accuracy at speeds equivalent to manual picking stations yet over much longer periods. Applications worldwide include online grocery fulfilment for Shufersal (Israel’s largest supermarket chain) and handling of polywrapped fashion items for GXO in the Netherlands.
Further applications of AI include our KiSoft Genomix, KiSoft Analytics and redPILOT solutions. KiSoft Genomix is our self-learning software for managing master data – from weight and packaging type, to centre of gravity and tilting behaviour. The KiSoft Analytics software tool constantly analyses client data and visualises KPIs on dashboards to give a live overview of warehouse processes, benchmark performance and identify trends. Meanwhile the redPILOT solution enables management to optimise warehouse operations by creating shift plans, allocating resources and preventing errors.
What improvements have you made to your service operations recently?
As well as providing reactive Customer Service visits, we have resident Customer Service teams at sites across the UK, which operate on an open-book accounting principle to provide customers with maximum transparency. Our Customer Service department has grown again this year – currently standing at some 250 people – and we are adding a further two resident sites, bringing the total to 17. Our teams use a Computerised Maintenance Management System to provide a data-driven, proactive approach to service management to help maximise system performance, uptime and efficiency while minimizing costs.
Will you be exhibiting at any major trade shows in 2022?
KNAPP will exhibit at the Robotics and Automation show at the NEC (28-29 March) and at LogiMAT in Stuttgart (25-27 April), as well as at a number of other exhibitions worldwide.
How would you sum up your company in three words?
Making complexity simple.
KNAPP UK LTD
01865 965000
Comments are closed.