On Time in Full

This year was a transformative one for Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), filled with groundbreaking achievements and industry-leading innovations. As highlighted in the latest On Time in Full podcast episode, host Gabrielle Bejarano looks back at the most impactful moments and conversations from 2024.

DCS marked the year with over 30 completed projects, the grand debut of IMI’s new facility, and a record-setting presence at MODEX 2024. The acquisition of Waller and Associates brought exceptional growth, while advancements with the DATUM platform positioned DCS as a leader in material handling innovation.

Key Highlights from the Episode

• People-First Approach: Alexa Brock emphasized the importance of fostering genuine relationships in a competitive industry. Her insight, "We’re not transactional—we want to get to know you and see if we’re a cultural fit," sets the foundation for DCS’s customer-first philosophy.
• Expert Guidance in Supply Chain Consulting: Jeff Waller of Waller Associates shared how their role as "tour guides" helps clients navigate complex challenges, providing clarity and direction in an ever-evolving landscape.
• Robotics Revolutionizing Warehousing: At MODEX 2024, Chris Mehl underscored the rapid rise of robotics and automation, transforming warehousing operations with smarter, more efficient solutions.
• Commitment to Quality Assurance: Stan Kania highlighted how rigorous quality checks and audits ensure DCS delivers excellence tailored to each client’s standards.
• Resilience in Adversity: Mike Smith from IMI shared an inspiring story of recovery and transformation after a facility fire. "It became a rallying cry, allowing us to rethink our business model and emerge stronger," he reflected.

Looking Ahead

As the episode concludes, Abigail Milligan shared her optimism for the future, pointing to DCS’s culture of positivity and innovation as the driving force behind its continued success.

A Bright Future

This year in review showcases not only DCS’s impressive milestones but also its unwavering dedication to clients, innovation, and resilience. Tune in to the full episode to revisit the conversations that defined 2024 and gain insight into the exciting future of supply chain innovation.

This year was a transformative one for Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), filled with groundbreaking achievements and industry-leading innovations. As highlighted in the latest On Time in Full podcast episode, host Gabrielle Bejarano looks back at the most impactful moments and conversations from 2024.

DCS marked the year with over 30 completed projects, the grand debut of IMI’s new facility, and a record-setting presence at MODEX 2024. The acquisition of Waller and Associates brought exceptional growth, while advancements with the DATUM platform positioned DCS as a leader in material handling innovation.

Key Highlights from the Episode

• People-First Approach: Alexa Brock emphasized the importance of fostering genuine relationships in a competitive industry. Her insight, "We’re not transactional—we want to get to know you and see if we’re a cultural fit," sets the foundation for DCS’s customer-first philosophy.
• Expert Guidance in Supply Chain Consulting: Jeff Waller of Waller Associates shared how their role as "tour guides" helps clients navigate complex challenges, providing clarity and direction in an ever-evolving landscape.
• Robotics Revolutionizing Warehousing: At MODEX 2024, Chris Mehl underscored the rapid rise of robotics and automation, transforming warehousing operations with smarter, more efficient solutions.
• Commitment to Quality Assurance: Stan Kania highlighted how rigorous quality checks and audits ensure DCS delivers excellence tailored to each client’s standards.
• Resilience in Adversity: Mike Smith from IMI shared an inspiring story of recovery and transformation after a facility fire. "It became a rallying cry, allowing us to rethink our business model and emerge stronger," he reflected.

Looking Ahead

As the episode concludes, Abigail Milligan shared her optimism for the future, pointing to DCS’s culture of positivity and innovation as the driving force behind its continued success.

A Bright Future

This year in review showcases not only DCS’s impressive milestones but also its unwavering dedication to clients, innovation, and resilience. Tune in to the full episode to revisit the conversations that defined 2024 and gain insight into the exciting future of supply chain innovation.

In the latest episode of On Time in Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Satyen Pathak, a Senior Account Executive at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), to discuss trends shaping the parcel market and strategies for companies to remain competitive. With over 20 years of industry experience, Pathak shares his insights into the evolving needs within supply chains and material handling.

The parcel industry faces increased demands from consumers for quick delivery, from same-day to even one-hour options, which drive significant changes in operations. Pathak notes that parcel carriers are now consolidating operations, merging small and large package sorting within regional hubs to streamline last-mile delivery services. In response, DCS helps clients by offering solutions that meet these modern demands, whether through new facility designs or retrofitting existing infrastructure to support higher throughput.

Beyond the large carriers, regional parcel carriers are also reshaping the industry by forming strategic partnerships, expanding their reach to provide coast-to-coast services. DCS works closely with these carriers, offering design-build solutions tailored to their unique needs, including retrofitting facilities for efficiency and adapting to emerging technologies.

Pathak advises businesses to stay competitive by diversifying their supply chains, increasing operational flexibility, and leveraging automation. As an integrator, DCS brings a unique advantage, being brand-agnostic and able to select the best solutions for each client, from robotic systems to traditional sorting technologies.

For companies navigating the parcel landscape, Pathak emphasizes early-stage collaboration and scalable facility design to meet long-term growth and adapt to new market challenges. The episode closes with a reminder to explore more insights at DesignedConveyor.com.

In the latest episode of On Time in Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Satyen Pathak, a Senior Account Executive at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), to discuss trends shaping the parcel market and strategies for companies to remain competitive. With over 20 years of industry experience, Pathak shares his insights into the evolving needs within supply chains and material handling.

The parcel industry faces increased demands from consumers for quick delivery, from same-day to even one-hour options, which drive significant changes in operations. Pathak notes that parcel carriers are now consolidating operations, merging small and large package sorting within regional hubs to streamline last-mile delivery services. In response, DCS helps clients by offering solutions that meet these modern demands, whether through new facility designs or retrofitting existing infrastructure to support higher throughput.

Beyond the large carriers, regional parcel carriers are also reshaping the industry by forming strategic partnerships, expanding their reach to provide coast-to-coast services. DCS works closely with these carriers, offering design-build solutions tailored to their unique needs, including retrofitting facilities for efficiency and adapting to emerging technologies.

Pathak advises businesses to stay competitive by diversifying their supply chains, increasing operational flexibility, and leveraging automation. As an integrator, DCS brings a unique advantage, being brand-agnostic and able to select the best solutions for each client, from robotic systems to traditional sorting technologies.

For companies navigating the parcel landscape, Pathak emphasizes early-stage collaboration and scalable facility design to meet long-term growth and adapt to new market challenges. The episode closes with a reminder to explore more insights at DesignedConveyor.com.

In the latest episode of On Time In Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano sits down with Seth Taylor, Executive Vice President of Operations at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), and Mike Smith, Vice President of Operations at IMI Industrial. The conversation centers around the recent acquisition of IMI by DCS, a strategic move aimed at expanding both companies' capabilities and offerings in the conveyor systems and material handling industry.

IMI, based in Topeka, has a long-standing reputation for high-quality manufacturing and installation of conveyor systems, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction. Smith explains how IMI's vertically integrated model—encompassing design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance—provides end-to-end solutions for its clients. He emphasizes the company's commitment to its people, a value that aligns closely with DCS's culture.

Taylor recounts the origin of this partnership, highlighting DCS's need to scale beyond organic growth. After a promising initial call between the presidents of DCS and IMI, both companies recognized a cultural and operational synergy. This led to extensive discussions, culminating in an acquisition that brings over 100 new team members to the DCS family.

Smith shares how this partnership has been instrumental, especially after a major fire at IMI’s facility. The resilience of IMI’s team, combined with community support, enabled rapid recovery. The acquisition has provided IMI with new resources and capabilities, allowing it to scale and adopt new business models, including strategic outsourcing.

Both executives agree that the future holds exciting growth opportunities. With IMI’s rapid-response manufacturing capabilities and DCS’s project management strengths, the partnership is well-positioned to set new standards for customer service and innovation in the industry. This acquisition is more than a business deal—it’s the beginning of a shared journey focused on people, community, and excellence.

In the latest episode of On Time In Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano sits down with Seth Taylor, Executive Vice President of Operations at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), and Mike Smith, Vice President of Operations at IMI Industrial. The conversation centers around the recent acquisition of IMI by DCS, a strategic move aimed at expanding both companies' capabilities and offerings in the conveyor systems and material handling industry.

IMI, based in Topeka, has a long-standing reputation for high-quality manufacturing and installation of conveyor systems, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction. Smith explains how IMI's vertically integrated model—encompassing design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance—provides end-to-end solutions for its clients. He emphasizes the company's commitment to its people, a value that aligns closely with DCS's culture.

Taylor recounts the origin of this partnership, highlighting DCS's need to scale beyond organic growth. After a promising initial call between the presidents of DCS and IMI, both companies recognized a cultural and operational synergy. This led to extensive discussions, culminating in an acquisition that brings over 100 new team members to the DCS family.

Smith shares how this partnership has been instrumental, especially after a major fire at IMI’s facility. The resilience of IMI’s team, combined with community support, enabled rapid recovery. The acquisition has provided IMI with new resources and capabilities, allowing it to scale and adopt new business models, including strategic outsourcing.

Both executives agree that the future holds exciting growth opportunities. With IMI’s rapid-response manufacturing capabilities and DCS’s project management strengths, the partnership is well-positioned to set new standards for customer service and innovation in the industry. This acquisition is more than a business deal—it’s the beginning of a shared journey focused on people, community, and excellence.

In the latest episode of On Time In Full, a podcast from Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), host Gabrielle sits down with Alexa Brock, Strategic Development at DCS, to discuss the evolving role of in-person events and trade shows in the logistics and material handling industry. With a deep dive into the value of face-to-face interactions, Alexa shares key insights on how DCS leverages these events to build meaningful relationships, engage with industry advancements, and stand out in a crowded market.

Alexa highlights that in-person events allow companies like DCS to showcase their offerings in an interactive and creative way. For example, at MODX, DCS featured their WES software with a large Datum display, giving attendees a hands-on experience with DCS-branded swag like Starbucks gift cards and golf balls. This engaging approach helps prospects visualize how DCS's solutions could work in their own operations.

Beyond the flashy booths and innovative displays, Alexa explains that DCS places a strong emphasis on relationship building. "We’re not transactional," she says. "We take the time to get to know people, understand their challenges, and see if there’s a cultural fit before moving forward."

The podcast also explores how DCS prepares for trade shows, including the pre-show outreach and off-site events that help strengthen connections. Alexa emphasizes the importance of follow-up after events, noting that DCS’s approach is focused on relationship building rather than hard selling.

In-person events are not just about lead generation—they’re also an opportunity for team building and collaboration. Alexa encourages companies to use these moments to deepen internal relationships, making trade shows both a business and team-building opportunity.

In the latest episode of On Time In Full, a podcast from Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), host Gabrielle sits down with Alexa Brock, Strategic Development at DCS, to discuss the evolving role of in-person events and trade shows in the logistics and material handling industry. With a deep dive into the value of face-to-face interactions, Alexa shares key insights on how DCS leverages these events to build meaningful relationships, engage with industry advancements, and stand out in a crowded market.

Alexa highlights that in-person events allow companies like DCS to showcase their offerings in an interactive and creative way. For example, at MODX, DCS featured their WES software with a large Datum display, giving attendees a hands-on experience with DCS-branded swag like Starbucks gift cards and golf balls. This engaging approach helps prospects visualize how DCS's solutions could work in their own operations.

Beyond the flashy booths and innovative displays, Alexa explains that DCS places a strong emphasis on relationship building. "We’re not transactional," she says. "We take the time to get to know people, understand their challenges, and see if there’s a cultural fit before moving forward."

The podcast also explores how DCS prepares for trade shows, including the pre-show outreach and off-site events that help strengthen connections. Alexa emphasizes the importance of follow-up after events, noting that DCS’s approach is focused on relationship building rather than hard selling.

In-person events are not just about lead generation—they’re also an opportunity for team building and collaboration. Alexa encourages companies to use these moments to deepen internal relationships, making trade shows both a business and team-building opportunity.

In the latest episode of "On Time In Full," host Gabrielle Bejarano and Robert Hosier, Principal of Solution Design at Designed Conveyor Systems, discuss the critical differences between solution providers and integrators, and how understanding these roles can significantly enhance business improvement strategies in the evolving landscape of automation. Tune in for insights on fostering impactful partnerships and navigating the complexities of modern supply chain management.

As the supply chain and material handling sectors embrace technological advancements, the distinction between Solution Providers and Integrators becomes increasingly pivotal. In a landscape where automation knowledge among clients is rapidly expanding, understanding these roles can significantly impact a company’s operational success.

How are solution providers and integrators reshaping business improvement strategies? This critical question is at the heart of the latest episode of "On Time In Full." Host Gabrielle Bejarano sits down with Robert Hosier, Principal of Solution Design at Designed Conveyor Systems, to explore the nuances of this topic.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

• Role Definitions: Robert clarifies that integrators typically implement solutions developed by others, often with limited accountability. In contrast, solution providers design, develop, and support solutions from scratch, fostering deeper collaboration with clients.
• Client Knowledge: With the rise in automation technologies, clients are now more informed than ever. Solution providers must supplement this knowledge with detailed, client-specific insights to create effective solutions.
• Misconceptions: Robert addresses common misconceptions, such as the belief in "plug and play" automation solutions. He emphasizes the importance of thorough integration and customization to meet specific business needs.
• Broader Issues: The discussion reveals how apparent problems, like the need to increase throughput, often stem from broader systemic issues. A deeper analysis can uncover these underlying problems and lead to more comprehensive solutions.
• Case Studies: Robert shares examples where a detailed assessment and customized approach resulted in significant improvements, highlighting the importance of a thorough solution design.
• Strategic Partnerships: In today’s environment, having an “industry-tested” solution partner is crucial. Such partners provide continuous support from design to post-go-live, ensuring long-term success through comprehensive and customized solutions.

Robert Hosier brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond the "trusted advisor" label to establish impactful partnerships. As a Principal of Solution Design at DCS, his insights are rooted in a deep understanding of both operational challenges and strategic solutions.