'We act for the customer as a total system integrator'

Vanas engineering has been an established name in Belgium for almost 80 years and now also in the Netherlands. The logistic engineering team of Vanas has already successfully completed 2000 projects. We talk to Steve Vercammen, Sales Director Benelux at Vanas Engineering.

"At Vanas Engineering, we primarily assist small and medium-sized companies in automating their warehouse and internal logistics processes. In this, Vanas is much more than a supplier of hardware; we act as a total system integrator for the customer," Vercammen begins. 

Total system integrator

"A total systems integrator doesn't think in individual products, but in total solutions for the customer. We really dive into a company's processes. We map out what is happening, why, when and by whom. Thanks to our broad product portfolio, we can then propose the best-fit solution."

Hardware and a brain

Often, in addition to the hardware, it takes a "brain" to control everything - software. "That's why we developed our own WCS that grows with our customer's needs and controls their warehouse optimally. After all, it doesn't stop at installation for us. We attach great importance to solid maintenance and support. With a local team of 14 technicians and internal IT support, we ensure fast and quality service."

Early involvement

Vercammen: "The sooner we are involved, the better: with early involvement, our specialists can help define the pain points and needs. This may involve saving space, increasing efficiency or better ergonomics. For example, we have cases that save up to 90% of space or work four times faster by involving us as a knowledge partner from the beginning. On the other hand, we also perform optimizations or re-engineering on existing installations. In both cases, we act as a consultant who makes the complex matter manageable."

More sustainable or efficient

There is currently an abundance of technology. Therefore, making the right choices is essential. "It's true that the sky seems to be the limit, but technologies don't work in isolation. The trick is to make them communicate in a new or existing setup. In addition, you need to know not only the product, but also the producer behind it: is it a sustainable and safe partner? So we act as a filter. Thanks to our years of experience and knowledge of the market, we can suggest reliable partners to customers."

Manageable for smaller businesses

When people think of automation, they quickly think of expensive, cumbersome projects. But even for smaller companies, this need not be an obstacle. "The image of expensive and cumbersome is often not true. We always look for a customized solution together. In doing so, we always look at the ROI and look for the untapped potential in a warehouse."

Being open to change

Vercammen explains what for him is the ideal warehouse to work with. "It is very nice when a company is willing to grow and open to change. We like to work with customers who have untapped potential and look for the most efficient way to exploit it. So it doesn't have to be a "perfect" warehouse; just in more complex situations we can make a difference. Moreover, as a smaller company, we recognize ourselves in our clients' way of working. We understand their struggles as SMEs and speak the same language. Our DNA revolves around openness, transparency and solution orientation. We are agile and can move quickly, unlike unwieldy organizations with long decision-making processes."

Regional

Companies today face several challenges. "For years, warehouses moved abroad, but now people want knowledge and control back at home. At the same time, companies are struggling with a shortage of manpower and space. The combination of reshoring and scarcity of resources will further increase the role of automation. Companies are realizing that they cannot remain competitive without efficient systems. By choosing the right partner early in the process, they can maximize that potential."