Learn the difference between WCS and WES in warehouse automation. See how Warehouse Control Systems control equipment while Warehouse Execution Systems coordinate work, improve workflow, and reduce bottlenecks.
WCS vs. WES: What’s the Difference in Warehouse Automation? Read More »
When investing in new automation, one question often rises to the top: should you conduct a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)?
KOZ 6.0: The Software Powering Smarter, More Connected Warehouse Automation Read More »
When investing in new automation, one question often rises to the top: should you conduct a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)?
Is a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Process Right for Your Project? Read More »
Have you ever felt that no one pays attention to your company after the sale?
Systems in Motion Receives MHEDA MVP Award for 14th Consecutive Year January 15, 2026.
January DCVelocity magazine highlights how fashion brand cabi made both a facility change and process improvements with the help of Systems in Motion, and Alpine Supply Chain. Cabi, a women’s fashion brand, reached a turning point in early 2024 as its West Coast distribution center lease neared expiration and operating costs continued to climb. Rather than making a like-for-like move, the women’s fashion brand used the moment to modernize its fulfillment strategy. Working with Alpine Supply Chain Solutions and Systems in Motion, cabi relocated its DC to Indianapolis and completed a market assessment, relocation plan, and facility launch in just 12 months. The move to a central U.S. location, combined with new automation, quickly improved delivery speed and reliability for customers across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The relocation also helped cabi overcome operational growing pains tied to its stylist-driven, highly seasonal business model. Shipping from a single West Coast facility had made fast, cost-effective delivery increasingly difficult, especially as on-demand e-commerce orders became more common. After evaluating options such as multiple facilities and third-party logistics providers, cabi determined that a single Midwest DC offered the right balance of agility and control. To ensure the operation could scale smoothly during peak seasons, the team redesigned workflows and implemented a warehouse execution system (WES) powered by Systems in Motion’s KOZ automation software. The KOZ-enabled WES plays a central role in orchestrating picking, sorting, and packing across the new facility. Batch picking by SKU feeds a put-to-light wall designed and built by Systems in Motion, where the WES directs inventory flow, synchronizes labor, and reduces manual decision-making on the floor. The result is faster onboarding, higher accuracy, and more consistent performance across peak and nonpeak periods. Since the move, cabi has achieved double-digit productivity gains, significantly reduced transit times, and sharply lowered its reliance on temporary labor—giving the company a more resilient fulfillment operation and a strong platform for future growth. Read the full article here. https://www.dcvelocity.com/material-handling/moving-with-the-times?oly_enc_id=8353F2995723C2S
Gartner® delivered three key findings in its Industry Wants and Needs Survey, including how companies often struggle with how to approach Warehouse Automation, beginning with choosing the right partner. The other two findings cited a lack of internal robotics knowledge and expertise, and the variation around product specialization. Gartnerâ began by outlining the three major partner operations: boutique consultants, systems integrators and material handling companies. Recommendations for choosing a partner include: 1. Aligning strategy among internal stakeholders 2. Conducting an RFI/RFP process to determine future partner industry focus. 3. Assessing whether one partner can manage the entire process, or whether divided responsibilities – such as consulting and design, and build/deployment – are best for your project. In terms of choosing the right partner, the study recommends working with a Systems Integrator if you have some experience with automation and have some idea of the types of systems you prefer. The study observes there is still significant and growing interest in automation for warehousing, fulfillment and manufacturing environments due to the continued market influencers of: 1. Labor Issues: mostly labor availability and rising costs. 2. Solution diversity: citing challenges of overwhelming automation choices and use cases. 3. Lack of internal experience: noting that most mid-market companies will rely on consultants and Systems Integrators for expertise. Systems in Motion is proud to be listed in this prestigious report as a representative vendor. Our services lie directly in the sweet spot for most companies – offering both consulting and design/build services. But it’s what this report doesn’t list that makes Systems in Motion a vendor of choice: – Our deep experience in many industries. – Our passion for helping our customers succeed. – Our end-to-end solutions, including consulting, design/build, aftermarket services, and one of the most robust on-line parts ordering system available. Give us a call today to get started on your automation projects. 1-800-678-9091.
Recent Gartner® Market Guide to Warehouse Automation Partners names Systems in Motion Read More »
We want to highlight a recent situation that perfectly showcases how our Systems in Motion (SIM) After Market Services team embodies our commitment to customer satisfaction and reliability. Earlier this month, A major “last mile” parcel carrier in the Chicagoland area and one of our significant clients— faced a major challenge. Their main sorter experienced a catastrophic failure, causing severe damage to essential components like the chain and shoes. With a system as complex as theirs, downtime isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a significant operational hurdle. A failure of this magnitude could have prevented as many as 70,000 packages from reaching their destinations on time. However, our SIM After Market Service team sprang into action without hesitation. They quickly assessed the situation, mobilized resources from multiple locations, and worked with remarkable speed and precision. Our team didn’t overlook a single detail while rebuilding the sorter, and they ensured everything was back online for the company to resume sorting their parcels on time that evening. This incident is a perfect example of how our After Market Service team can provide unparalleled support to our clients. Whether it’s addressing a sudden breakdown or performing regular maintenance, our team is always ready to ensure our clients’ systems are up and running smoothly. We offer comprehensive support across all areas of our business—from conveyor systems and installation to controls, software, wiring, and AMS. Our goal is always to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency, just as we did for this company. Our Aftermarket Services is quick thinking, hard working, and adherence to our Core Values made this rapid recovery possible. This is the level of service and dedication we strive to provide to every client, every day. Click here for more information on how Aftermarket Services can help you!
Exemplary Support from Our SIM After Market Service Team Read More »
We are thrilled to announce that Systems in Motion will be exhibiting at ProMat 2025, the premier event for the material handling and logistics industry! Mark your calendars and visit us at Booth #S3820 from March 17-20 at McCormick Place, Chicago. Exclusive Seminar – Don’t Miss It! We are excited to share our expertise in a must-attend seminar: Topic: Tired of Your Lack of Support from Your WCS/WES Provider? Find Out How to Replace WCS/WES Without Missing Any Shipments. Date: Monday, March 17thTime: 2:15 – 3:00 PMLocation: Theater A Topic: How Cabi, Alpine and Systems in Motion Developed a Distribution Facility for Growth. Date: Wednesday, March 19thTime: 3:30 – 4:15 PMLocation: Supply Chain Tech Theater 2 Our experts will provide valuable insights on WCS/WES. Register for FREE today!Click Here to Register Now We can’t wait to see you in Chicago! Stop by Booth #S3820 and let’s discuss how Systems in Motion can help you.
Join Systems in Motion at ProMat 2025 – Booth #S3820! Read More »
Elgin, Il. – January 25, 2025 – Systems in Motion today announced that Andy Sands has been appointed as the Vice President of their expanded Aftermarket Services group. “Our industry has seen substantial growth in Automation Technology investment, and we are committed to providing customers with technology maintenance options, so they can keep their competitive edge”, explains Systems in Motion President Scott Lee. “Our Aftermarket Services team is meeting that need by expanding services; including program options, technicians, and a robust reporting system. We are thrilled that Andy is leading that team.” Mr. Sands has held various engineering, sales, project management, and director positions with established Material Handling companies since 2002. Andy states, “Throughout the industry we see customers challenged with hiring and retaining knowledgeable service technicians. Our aim is to partner with existing maintenance teams to deliver the service and tools they need. We will continue to focus on supporting customer initiatives and being hyper-responsive.” With Material Handling equipment averaging a run-time of 20 hours per day, equipment experiences more wear, and fewer preventive maintenance windows; the Systems in Motion team has developed an exceptional reporting software and preventative maintenance process aimed at avoiding mechanical issues. About Systems in Motion Systems in Motion provides turnkey material handling systems for warehousing, fulfillment, distribution and manufacturing companies. Our clients experience results that are led by experts, providing superior solutions and continuous customer care. Corporate headquarters are in Elgin, Il. For more information, call 1-800-678-9091
