KNAPP Benelux: leading in new technologies for smart warehousing

An article about the customer event 'The journey towards automation', which KNAPP Benelux organized together with Logflow and Manhattan on June 11, 2024, will appear online soon. During this event, Werner De Swaef, Director of Sales at KNAPP Benelux since 2014, presented an account of the journey towards smart warehousing and the technological solutions the company offers, from AMRs equipped with a Fleet Control System to high-performance WMS software.

In recent years, KNAPP has become a one-stop shop for automation and digitization solutions. "Here we focus on five applications," said Werner De Swaef. "Companies can come to us for shuttle systems, digital solutions and AI, AMRs, pocket sorter systems and order picking robots. These globally implemented smart automation solutions find application in various sectors. The path toward smart warehousing can be a long and at the same time exciting journey. Therefore, we recommend entrepreneurs to proceed step by step: start with the basics and scale up according to new activities and/or growth. With intelligent fleet control software and digital twins, among other things, KNAPP helps companies realize their internal transports with AMRs optimally and efficiently."

Smart warehousing in practice

One of the key technologies offered by KNAPP is the advanced shuttle system OSR Shuttle™ Evo. "This system optimizes storage and retrieval of goods with automated shuttles. They move products quickly and accurately within the warehouse," Werner said. "With these shuttles, you control multiple layers, maximizing the utilization of your storage space. This not only results in higher storage capacity, but also faster order processing. An important added value at a time when customers are becoming more critical and delivery times shorter."

KNAPP also offers innovative solutions in robotic handling and pick-and-place technology. Werner: "I am thinking of our robotic systems, such as the Pick-it-Easy Robot, which are equipped with artificial intelligence and machine-learning algorithms. This makes these systems capable of performing complex tasks, such as picking, sorting and correctly placing, directly into shipping boxes of products. Our robots are flexible and can be quickly adapted to changing requirements. This is essential for companies that need to respond quickly to changes in demand, expected or otherwise."

Software for efficient warehouse management

Another key KNAPP solution is the powerful software platform KiSoft. Werner explains, "As a central part of the value chain, software is involved in all aspects. It connects people, processes and automation technologies. This is why it is important to have the right IT for warehouse management. KiSoft - our Warehouse Control & Warehouse Management System - is the central brain that brings everything together. With KiSoft, KNAPP offers tailored software solutions for all business processes. Here we focus not only on vertical integration such as machine control, warehouse control and warehouse management, but also on horizontal integration across the entire value chain - from production through distribution to point of sale."

"KiSoft Analytics, by the way, is much more than a logistics tool for Business Intelligence," said Nog Werner. "The smart data analysis software creates a clear overview of complex processes, from individual steps to their interrelationships. Based, among other things, on clear dashboards and an intuitive user tool, you always have the right information available at the right time and in the right quantity. KiSoft Analytics is a 'software as a service' solution that you can implement in any system environment, regardless of equipment and software landscape."

Finally, KNAPP offers innovative solutions for e-commerce and last-mile logistics, such as automated pickup points for e-commerce orders. This also includes fully automated sorting solutions. "These systems use advanced sorting technologies to sort and distribute packages to the right destination quickly and efficiently. This is crucial at a time when the e-commerce sector continues to grow," Werner confirmed.

Responding to dynamic requirements

KNAPP enables companies to transform their warehouses into intelligent, flexible and scalable environments that can respond to the dynamic demands of the modern market. By using advanced technologies such as shuttles, robots and advanced software, companies can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and ultimately strengthen their competitive position. 

This makes KNAPP a key player in the evolution of the logistics sector towards a more automated and smart future.