
First on-floor seminar explores how to design practical, end-to-end automated solutions; second details best practices when preparing for an automation deployment or update.
Franklin, Tenn. – January 10, 2025 – In addition to an exhibit at ProMat 2025 in Booth S1013 in McCormick Place’s South Building, Hall A, material handling systems integrator Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS) and its subsidiary Waller & Associates, an independent supply chain consulting firm, will present two on-floor education sessions:
INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES THOUGHTFULLY MAXIMIZES RESOURCES
Presenting “Designing Pragmatic Automation Solutions” on Monday are DCS Principal Solutions Designer Robert Hosier and Project Director of Consulting Services Justin Willbanks. The pair explained that as automated material handling solutions become more complex, it is increasingly important for system designs to focus on thoughtful technology integrations.
“Contributing to the ongoing labor shortages facing many operations, economic uncertainty is driving companies to look for practical, pragmatic automation solutions. They need to maximize their budget as effectively as possible while customizing a solution that allows their business to achieve long-term growth in an unpredictable marketplace,” noted Hosier. “In this seminar, we’ll explain how to do that with a focus on scalability, ease of implementation, and user-friendly interfaces.”
The session will emphasize how combining and synchronizing different automated material handling technologies can help streamline workflows. Applying these solutions enables operations to mitigate labor shortages, reduce operational costs, and enhance productivity by minimizing errors and optimizing resource allocation.
“Another challenge faced by many operations pursuing an automation project are the different concerns of multiple stakeholders,” added Willbanks. “We’ll share some approaches for considering and prioritizing those needs. Session participants will leave the presentation with best practices for achieving a scalable, sustainable automation solution.”
PLANNING ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL AUTOMATION TRANSITION
On Wednesday, Jeff Waller, Principal, and Al Richey, Managing Director of Supply Chain Consulting at Waller & Associates, a subsidiary of DCS, will be joined by Matt Greene, DCS Vice President of Life Cycle, to share “Operational Readiness for Automated Systems.” The presentation will explain why performing a comprehensive gap analysis — covering IT, workflows, and skillsets of current personnel — is critical to achieving a successful automation deployment.
“Companies undertaking an investment in automation cannot afford to take a ‘ready-fire-aim’ approach, or their project will likely fail,” cautioned Waller. “An automated system is only as good as the process governing it, and the people who use it. Therefore, it’s essential to incorporate a detailed analysis and integration plan for the automation, as well as for building the skills necessary to operate it.”
Seminar attendees will learn why every automation project should start with a thorough operational process assessment prior to selecting or implementing the technologies. The session will also share how to translate optimized processes into automated system planning, as well as how to properly train maintenance and operations teams.
“Business leaders need to establish both resource and process plans well ahead of an automation deployment,” added Greene. “Otherwise, they won’t effectively extract the maximum benefit of these systems. Session attendees will gather actionable planning tools that they can use to speed up an effective transition to new automation, or to improve an existing automated solution.”
MEET WITH DCS AND WALLER & ASSOCIATES PRESENTERS DURING PROMAT
Both education sessions are free for registered attendees of ProMat. Those who are unable to join the seminars can view the slides synced to an audio recording after the show concludes via promatshow.com. Alternatively, all five presenters will be in the DCS exhibit, Booth S1013, during the show. To schedule an appointment to meet with one (or more) of them in person, contact Megan Taylor, DCS Marketing Manager, at megan@designedconveyor.com.
ABOUT DCS
Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS) has 40 years of experience serving major clients in multiple industries by providing material handling, full-scale warehouse operations, and conveyor design solutions that are custom crafted for their needs. DCS does not sell ready-made conveyor systems but builds relationships that empower collaboration to craft custom warehouse designs together. DCS utilizes consulting, engineering design, project management, installation services, and client support to ensure our customers can keep their promises to deliver on time. For more information, visit designedconveyor.com.
ABOUT WALLER & ASSOCIATES, A SUBSIDIARY OF DCS
Established by Jeff Waller in 2009, Waller & Associates is an independent supply chain consulting firm with locations in both Atlanta, Ga., and Dallas, Texas. With a combined 90-plus years of hands-on expertise, the company’s consultants are dedicated to helping its clients in both commercial and government sectors achieve higher levels of operational performance, efficiency, and profitability. To learn more, visit wallerassoc.com.