‘Sometimes our advice is: don’t automate this just yet.’

Growing Alongside Logistics and Our Customers

Automation doesn’t have to happen all at once. ARCO Solutions is increasingly focusing on modular systems, data analysis, and solutions that can grow alongside the customer. AI helps in this process by enabling faster decision-making. “Sometimes our advice is even: don’t automate this just yet,” says Sales Manager Bjorn Hutgens.

A year ago, ARCO discussed in *Warehouse & Logistics* its transition from a machine builder to a software-driven systems integrator. That strategy remains in place, but is now taking on a more concrete form. For example, the Limburg-based company is explicitly opting for modular solutions that can be expanded on both the hardware and software sides.

“That module-based approach is becoming increasingly important,” says marketing manager Sander Nijssen. “We build using components that can be deployed in various ways. This allows us to provide a customer with a solution that is efficient but can also be scaled up relatively easily later on.”

Understand first, then automate

In addition, projects are increasingly starting with data rather than technology. Using its proprietary Synthesize platform, ARCO can analyze processes and identify where bottlenecks arise. According to Hutgens, this is also changing the way clients are advised. “We want to get involved as early as possible and use data to assess: What will happen if you continue to grow at the same rate? Where will you be in five years?”

AI speeds up those analyses. Large amounts of data can be interpreted more quickly and translated into dashboards and possible scenarios. But Hutgens warns against technology for technology’s sake. “The art of AI isn’t just about the outcome. You have to understand what the results mean, be able to verify whether they’re accurate, and then act on them.” That level-headed approach also applies to automation itself. ARCO doesn’t automatically opt for the solution with the most technology. “We conduct a data analysis and then provide honest advice,” says Hutgens. “That might also mean that another party has a better solution, or that the savings are so small that automation doesn’t make much sense at that point.”

Growing Step by Step

It is precisely this consideration that is becoming more important now that companies are facing major investment decisions. Nijssen observes that clients prefer to automate in phases. An initial investment must yield immediate results, but at the same time leave room for the next step. “Automation isn’t always automatically the best first step. Sometimes it can be smarter to have people handle certain processes for the time being, while setting up the environment in such a way that you can easily scale up in one, two, or three years.”

This aligns with ARCO’s desire not only to deliver a system, but to remain involved after the initial handover. Not just to maintain systems, but above all to work together to explore how an operation can continue to evolve. “A logistics environment never stands still,” says Hutgens. “Volumes change, processes change, and new technology becomes available. That’s why we don’t view an installation as an end point, but as a foundation on which we can continue to build together with the customer.”

Across the border

That growth may also expand geographically. ARCO is focusing its attention on Flanders and the German Ruhr region. Nijssen: “We see organizations there facing similar challenges related to capacity, scalability, and efficiency. That makes it an interesting market for us to monitor and explore further, step by step. We don’t have a rigid international growth strategy, but we primarily want to let our geographic presence grow naturally based on existing relationships, projects, and market opportunities.” Hutgens: “The strategy is already starting to bear fruit. We’re still in the midst of a transformation ourselves, but our long-term goal remains the same. Ultimately, we want to continue growing from our region like a ripple effect, together with our partners.”

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