KNAPP technologies drive the success of world-class brands and are supported by an extensive Customer Service network. Clients of the group’s British subsidiary, KNAPP UK include Alliance Healthcare, Boots, Clarks, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Matalan, Next, The Very Group and Wincanton. KNAPP UK is proud to have achieved 2-star accreditation from Best Companies for its outstanding levels of workplace engagement.
Can you give us a brief overview of the products and services your company provides?
KNAPP offers a portfolio of award-winning technologies for handling totes, trays, cartons, pallets, hanging garments, flat packs and other single items. Our best-known solutions are the Pick-it-Easy Robot, the Evo Shuttle storage system, the EcoPocket and AutoPocket pocket sorter solutions, the Open Shuttle AMRs and the Central Belt System (A-frame autopicker). In addition to the pocket sorters, our wide range of sorters includes split tray sorters, push tray sorters and cross belt sorters, plus sorter control technology. As well as the Evo Shuttle solution, our formidable lineup for automated storage includes the Fastbox rapid buffer tower, the KNAPP-Store solution for single items, our new Evo Crane lightweight stacker cranes for pallet handling and – on show for the first time in the UK at IMHX – our brand-new AeroBot system. We’re also known for our proven software solutions, which boost efficiency during both operation and maintenance.
Will you be launching any new products or services at the show?
We’ll be displaying our brand-new storage technology, AeroBot, on our stand. Launched earlier this year, this award-winning solution features intelligent storage bots that move in three dimensions: lengthwise and crosswise on the floor and vertically by climbing the racks. The bots can access any area of the system and work independently of one another, resulting in high availability and reliable operation. Handling containers weighing up to 35 kg in racks up to 12 m high, they store goods four deep to maximise storage density, and the system can work around beams, slanted walls and sloping ceilings to make the most of existing space. AeroBot’s intelligent design makes it easy and fast to implement. The system can grow as required, by adding more locations for storage space or more bots to boost performance.
We will also be promoting KiSoft@Cloud, our Software-as-a-Service solution, at the exhibition. The SaaS approach allows companies to secure all the benefits of a powerful and secure WMS without the high cost of IT infrastructure and expertise – plus, they benefit from regular updates and new functionality at no additional cost.
What sets your company apart as a supplier in your sector?
We are renowned for the quality and reliability of our solutions. KNAPP products are manufactured from high-quality materials that guarantee a long service life, even with intensive use. For example, the high-performance split tray sorter we installed for the French fashion brand, Celio is still running smoothly over 12 years later.
We’re also known for our Customer Service, which is key to our long-term partnerships with many clients. Here in the UK, for example, we recently celebrated 20 years of partnership with global shoe brand, Clarks. As well as providing reactive field service, we have resident teams of engineers at 20 of our customer sites across the UK. They provide a data-driven, proactive approach to service management in order to maximise efficiency and uptime.
What sectors are your customers in, and which are growing the quickest for your business?
We serve customers in a wide range of industries, relying on the expertise of the specialists in our Business Units: Retail, Fashion, Healthcare, Food, Wholesale and Industry. Our largest projects in the UK tend to be in the retail, e-commerce, fashion and pharmaceutical sectors.
Healthcare has always been a particularly strong sector for KNAPP. We have recently implemented a number of our Pack2Patient systems, which provide automatic assembly of patient-specific medication orders, for pharmaceutical clients. We’re also enjoying success with our D³ Daily Dose Dispenser, which produces patient-specific medication blister cards automatically.
What innovative changes or strategies has your business adopted since the last IMHX in 2022?
More and more of our solutions are being supercharged by AI. These include the Pick-it-Easy Robot automated picking system; KiSoft Genomix for managing master data; KiSoft Analytics for real-time analysis and visualisation of client data; and redPILOT for simplifying and automating labour management and resource planning.
What major customer contract wins have you made recently?
Earlier this year we secured a fifth extension to our systems at Matalan’s distribution centre in Knowsley, near Liverpool. KNAPP’s automation at the site has enabled Matalan’s next-day delivery order deadline to be pushed back by 6 hours and reduced the average time from order placement to delivery by 48 hours. The latest expansion will make the automated system double its original size, proving just how successful a modular approach to automation can be. Other contracts in the UK recently include projects for Alliance Healthcare, Asmodee, Boots, Cohens, Coopervision, Day Lewis, Ethigen, Harper Collins, HubRx, John Lewis & Partners, M&S, National Veterinary Services, Next, Peak Pharmacy and Phoenix Healthcare.
In which overseas markets are you seeing the strongest growth and value creation at this time?
KNAPP has enjoyed steady growth in Latin America in recent years, with impressive projects for fashion brands, C&A and Lojas Renner. Australia is another growing market, with customers including Super Retail Group and the supermarket chain, Woolworths. KNAPP North America has supplied automated systems for four huge fulfilment centres for Walmart, with a fifth coming soon. This automation has achieved a 50% increase in productivity and an average e-com order lead time of just 30 minutes.
What is your vision for the company over the next few years?
We aim to be the value chain tech partner of choice for leading brands. This means we are a technology partner for the entire value chain – all the interlinked business activities from production to the end user. KNAPP provides the right automation, information and services for every step in that chain.
What strategy should the warehouse and logistics sectors take to drive and optimise efficiencies?
The case for automation is compelling in the vast majority of warehouse scenarios today, especially given the endemic labour shortage in the logistics industry. Automating warehouse processes not only secures significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy and cost-effectiveness, it also enables the harnessing of data that can add enormous value to a business, and can allow the application of AI to further enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
And finally, what key message are you hoping to share with attendees who visit your stand?
Our slogan – ‘making complexity simple’ – says it all. At KNAPP, we have a proven track record in simplifying supply chain processes and enabling our customers to achieve efficiencies that deliver competitive advantage for their business.
01865 965 000
Stand Number: D96
Comments are closed.