A look into the future: In-plant systems

This Q&A blog is authored by Colt Silvers, vice president of Business Development at Kahler Automation.

Colt joined Kahler Automation in 2021 as a Product Manager before being promoted to Vice President of Business Development in 2024. An alumnus of Oklahoma State University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. Colt’s career prior to Kahler Automation was centered in precision agriculture. In his spare time, Colt enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and all things outdoors.

How would you describe the current state of in-plant equipment and systems in the marketplace?  

The demand for in-plant equipment and systems remains strong.  We will continue to see a trend of consolidation as many retailers look to service larger geographic areas with fewer facilities. Advancements in automation technology have incentivized this distribution hub model as retailers continue to benefit from the transformative gains in speed, accuracy, and throughput provided by modern systems.

Are these systems proprietary?

In-plant systems tend to be proprietary.  However, Kahler Automation performs a substantial number of conversion projects each year as prospective customers with competitive systems see the value in our quality solutions, seamless business integration, and unmatched support.

How have these systems changed over the years?

Systems are becoming far more sophisticated as the market shifts to larger facilities offering a wider range of products and more complex blends.  This shift has dramatically increased the demand for robust enterprise data management tools as part of an automation program with organizations servicing larger areas with more miles between plants.

How has the way end-users put the technology into use changed over the years?

Technology continues to evolve along with retailers' needs. The struggle to find qualified employees, paired with the volume of products being moved through modern facilities, creates new challenges and opportunities for our customers. Our LOADPASS product is a prime example of innovation that increases product throughput while reducing the labor burden and improving overall safety on-site.    

What is driving those changes? 

Organizational growth and access to labor are major drivers. Accuracy, efficiency, and safety are more important than ever as facilities continue to move larger volumes of product with fewer employees.   

What are your projecting for in-plant systems as you look to the future?

Organizations with a clearly defined technology vision will have a competitive advantage.  Business integration and decision-support tools at the enterprise level will play a pivotal role as facilities become larger and more spread out.  We will see a rapid shift to a more connected automation ecosystem that spans plant locations and delivers actionable, real-time insights to key decision-makers, proving invaluable to long-term success.  

What opportunties do you see in the marketplace?

Organizations will continually migrate to newer technology as the market evolves, and companies will continue to grow.  This growth will undoubtedly require new and improved facilities and systems, but there is also a real opportunity for technology providers to deliver value throughout the entire supply chain.  Tools like LOADPASS and Constellation will be key to connecting partners in the supply chain through advanced business integration, powerful insights, logistics management, and improved safety.    

What future challenges do you see in terms of the marketplace? 

Economic challenges such as interest rates and commodity prices can be a limiting factor, but they also reinforce the value of a highly accurate and efficient automation system.  

What sets Kahler Automation apart? 

At Kahler Automation, we consult with our customers to build systems that meet their unique needs.  We encourage our clients to begin their projects with a plan for the desired functionality of the system, considering future growth.  Starting with automation in mind allows our customers to build a facility that will not limit the capabilities of their system while ensuring satisfaction with the project as a whole.

For questions or to learn more, contact Colt at csilvers@kahlerautomation.com or 507-848-0913