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Prioritization on Partnerships
We focused on meaningful conversations. Our team connected with industry leaders, technology providers, and operations teams to explore how collaborative problem-solving drives long-term success beyond one-size-fits-all products.
By taking an agnostic approach, S&H Systems stays flexible and unbiased. We don’t push specific products; instead, we design and deliver solutions tailored to your facility, throughput needs, and budget.
Real Conversations, Real Solutions
One of the biggest takeaways from ProMat 2025 was the hunger for clarity and customization. Companies want partners who understand more than just the latest technology. They need experts who can integrate solutions seamlessly into both brownfield and greenfield environments. Whether it’s automation retrofits, conveyor optimization, or system-level integration, the discussions at our booth showed the real-world complexity of today’s operations.
“We don’t walk into conversations with a predetermined answer. Every customer has unique challenges, and ProMat gave us the chance to show how our agnostic approach helps us stay focused on solving their problems, not just selling a product. That mindset continues to drive real trust and long-term relationships.”
— Robbie Waldron, Vice President of Sales, S&H Systems
Momentum That Matters
We left Chicago energized – not by flashy displays, but by the strong relationships we strengthened and the new ones we formed. As the industry continues to evolve, S&H Systems is focused on staying nimble, practical, and always customer-first.
Missed us at ProMat? Let’s keep the conversation going. We’d love to talk about how S&H Systems can help you move from concept to completion with solutions designed around your needs, not someone else’s product roadmap.
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In today’s new era of customer-driven ecommerce, understanding and applying solutions to the reverse loop can save etailers a large percentage of their profit. Not to mention time, space, and even brand preference for the ecologically driven buyer. Return rates in retail and ecommerce reach 20% on average and and can peak at 30% during holiday seasons.
Challenge:
Returns management, or reverse logistics, has typically been a paper intensive operation. S&H Systems developed a simple, yet highly effective operation that processed 3600 return items per hour – with future growth expectations of up to 5600 units per hour. Additional requirements were maximum up time in a 24/7 operation and reduced task labor.
Solution: Create a flexible, modular system designed for maximum efficiency
1. Decanting:
- Returned items are fluid unloaded from inside a trailer using extendable conveyors. Each carton conveys to one of four decanting workstations where associates remove the dunnage and placed onto an ECC (empty corrugate conveyor) takeaway conveyor that feeds a dunnage auger.
- The decanted cartons are accumulated and fed into one of 18 processing workstations. Here associates scan the product and place it in a color-coded tote – each representing a destination for technical grading, vendor returns, liquidate and destroy, trans-out shipment, etc. The empty corrugate is placed on an overhead ECC takeaway conveyor that feeds an auger.
2. Empty Corrugate Processing and Metal Detection:
- Each ECC system is equipped with a metal detector, with capabilities of up to size AA battery, and will stop the system if metal is detected. The system is designed to prevent a fire within the auger system.
3. Processing of Returned Items:
- An associate releases the tote from their workstation using a decline gravity conveyor section that merges onto a takeaway conveyor. Each of the 18 stations convey out of processing and up an incline belt conveyor and merge through a sawtooth conveyor and on to the main trunk line. Downstream, each tote is scanned and assigned a lane for final processing.
- Here associates determine if the product is re-saleable, needs to be destroyed or can be shipped to another fulfillment center for re-distribution.
Benefits/End Result:
- The end user achieved a maximum throughput rate of 5600 units per hour with minimal downtime. S&H Systems’ design reduced sorting errors (even exceeding the initial design rate) and helped the client achieve ROI in under 12 months.
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]]>The post IMPLEMENT AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOTS IN A GOODS-TO-PERSON OPERATION THE RIGHT WAY FOR THE RIGHT REASONS first appeared on S&H Systems.
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Recent research from Gartner found that 66% of supply chain organizations point to labor availability constraints as the primary driver behind their investments in robotics – and explains in other research that too many options and lack of internal expertise are slowing adoption.
However, using robotic solutions, like autonomous mobile robots in assisted picking and staging operations, is still one of the most flexible and scalable solutions. Given so many options, how can fulfillment enterprises make the most efficient decisions in a fast-moving environment?
S&H Systems’ Matt Watkins (Director, Technology and Product Development), and Noah Cornett (Sr. Applications and Solutions Engineer) share insights for a successful approach to the implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in a goods-to-person operation.
Too many options
- Begin vetting possible solutions by engaging with a trusted integrator, or advanced technologies experts. Leverage the knowledge of experts to formulate a go-to-bid plan.
- This first step could take from 6 months to 2 years. Companies need that time to collect the correct data – working with solutions experts will help you understand what data you need, and in some cases how to collect the right data. Compare it to the research you do before buying a home – it’s an early investment in understanding AMR benefits in your unique situation.
- Why does the data matter so much? The acceleration of COVID pressured many companies to innovate and install quickly – and they are now finding that they are outgrowing the technology they chose – or it’s no longer a good fit. In some cases, there was a fundamental misunderstanding of AMR and AGV technology, an expectation of an almost AI level of operation, of comparing the machines to human operators.
- Consider a small trial by identifying one or two processes that are repeatable. AMRs are best for repeatable processes – and a trial can help with standardization. Take the mindset of simplicity to start – maybe trialing a ‘hot pick’.
- Look for installations based in your own industry or service area. There are a lot of start-ups coming out of other high-tech industries who may not have the right install base – or may have been purchased and rolled up into larger companies. It’s important that you have an opportunity to view the process.
Lack of Internal Resources
- A good integrator may be your best choice, one that has the training and expertise in your automation solution, and has the support team you need to meet challenging market changes. No matter how user-friendly a solution is there is always something that can go wrong and you’ll need a team who can marshal the resources you need.
- Again, take your time to collect the right data, and to choose the right expertise partner, someone who can help you understand the characteristics of AMRs to goods being handled, order and pick volumes, and growth projections
Integration into current operations can be a challenge
- There are a few ways to ‘on ramp’ a solution. Some AMR companies have a rental/lease program that helps both the company and its employees get used to the process and the machines.
- Many companies are building training centers, since the install base may not be accessible.
- Choose experts who understand your chosen technology, and may have partnerships that will allow you to see the solution in action.
Reward – risk confusion
- Facilities and products are changing rapidly so it’s best to be flexible, and remember that the ‘playbook’ that worked a few years ago may not be relevant today.
- Work to create a robust ROI calculator, remembering to factor in training, subject matter experts, maintenance and continued employee safety.
- We strongly recommend a small trial. AMRs are a great option to test the waters for new goods-to-person mechanization.
In this fast-moving fulfillment environment, building solid and trusted relationships is important. Take your time to determine, collect and understand your data. This vetting process of partner and data will help you build a solid platform – to help your company grow from novice to proficiency.
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You’ve invested millions in your warehouse or distribution center and it’s all working according to plan. Now what?
If you’re one of the 37%* of companies who have invested in scheduled and preventative maintenance, then you’ve extended the life of that facility and its automation by years.
Haven’t invested in keeping your facility running as optimally as possible?
Then Meet the S&H Systems Support Team.
With an experienced team of highly trained and certified technicians – we deliver proactive maintenance programs that keep your operation running smoothly.
And, as a Systems Integrator, we’ve worked with every major equipment company in the industry, so you can be confident our specialists will keep you operational.
Our clients benefit from:
- Increased Transparency: Know where the failure points are before they happen.
- Improved Safety: Even the most user-friendly machinery can pose a safety hazard.
- Optimized Workflow: Reduce the likelihood of business interruption, especially during high volume cycles.
- Increased Equipment Longevity: Early detection saves everyone time and money.
- Environmental impact: Manage energy consumption
- Extended Asset Lifecycle: Boost operational uptime and equipment life.
- Improved Workplace Culture: Keep workers engaged, active and safe with decreased downtime.
Our tried-and-true problem-solving programs have kept some the largest U.S. eCommerce and warehouse companies running with minimal to no downtime.
Here is what one client said:
Once the S&H team arrived, we were instantly impressed with their organization, drive, and most of all Safety. Witnessing the first night of work put my mind at ease and I knew we were in good hands. Seeing the work ethic and the plan that S&H had laid out was phenomenal. There was not any one technician on the team that I wouldn’t have back to perform work for me.
Learn about our methods for preventative maintenance and early detection that prevents major breakdowns, saving you money on emergency repairs and extending the lifecycle of your automation.
Call Zack Pate at S&H Systems. 870-933-7346
*U.S. Bureau of Labor
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The automation landscape for today’s warehouse, manufacturing and fulfillment operations is expanding. Many new and exciting options – Shuttles, Robotics, AMR’s and AGV’s as well as advances in ASRS, Conveyors and Sorters – offer a multitude of custom configurations. But that also means your Solutions Partner should know how this new technology works together – and how to add options for growth. In addition, your partner should have broad experience, avoiding a tunnel vision approach that constrains your choices.
Why is a Systems Integrator a better partner for this new landscape?
- Systems Integrators bring best-of-class options to the table – offering the best product and value for your needs. At S&H Systems, we’re focused on a sourcing strategy that uses multiple partnerships to deliver not only the best value but one that fits your schedule. Our suppliers are true partners, committed to your project goals as much as we are.
- Multiple product and software partnerships help us to keep your options fresh and relevant – avoiding “just what we make” solutions. We keep on top of the benefits, and constraints, of all material handling technology. We’re trained on the solutions we offer, helping you to understand best fit, form and function.
- As a team, we include Procurement at the beginning of our conversation, making the most of every budget. Supply chain issues are considered and choices offered, keeping your project costs and delivery on schedule.
- Our teams collaborate in a more nimble and multi-functional process, creating a high-performance organization that means better communication and a more successful project.
- We also bring our risk management tools to the table; looking at below-the-line costs, including your employee training, warranties, delivery costs and energy consumption as we help our clients develop a value-driven project.
- As a trusted advisor we keep safety at the forefront, for your employees and ours. That’s why S&H Systems has a safety program that’s imbedded in every step of our process, overseeing all operations, including equipment design risk analysis, pre-kitting, a dedicated on-site safety manager and safety-empowered install teams.
- Change is constant; our experience and expertise with a wide range of solutions helps you keep the future in mind, offering options and programs that keep your operation competitive while staying true to your ROI goals.
With S&H Systems, you get best-in-class broad spectrum technology options, and the expertise you need – from our leadership team through to our installation teams – and a culture of “client first”. It’s why our clients return, year after year.
Call us when you need a partner that is committed to your success. [email protected] | 870-933-7346
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The new relationship will add extensive conveyor and sortation options to S&H Systems’ solutions portfolio.
S&H Systems is pleased to announce that its new partnership with Dematic will provide conveyor and sortation solutions.
S&H Systems is known for delivering goods-to-person solutions that handle the increasingly diverse packaging and operational demands of the modern warehouse, focusing on modular, flexible and scalable solutions.
Dematic, a leading global provider of intelligent automation, specializes in optimizing operational workflow for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution customers. S&H Systems is the latest to join Dematic as an integrator partner, with the aim to advance innovation, bring value to customers, and achieve continued growth.
“We look forward to our relationship with S&H Systems and supporting their ability to bring additional material handling options to the market,” says Scott Hinke, Director, Integrator Network Sales, Dematic, Americas. “They will be a valued extension of our integrator partners and we’re eager to help each other meet our shared business goals.”
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S&H Systems thanks our employees who joined the Pink Warrior Walk/Run this past weekend to help raise over $120,000 for breast health services. Great fun and a great cause!
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