Definition of a Systems Integrator

What is a systems integrator? Wikipedia says: A systems integrator is a person or company specializing in bringing together component subsystems into a whole and ensuring that those subsystems function together, a practice known as system integration. In addition, they solve problems of automation.

That’s what we do at Abel Womack. In the supply chain industry, we focus on material handling and inventory storage systems in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, e-commerce fulfillment centers, 3PLs, grocers, medical-pharma facilities, and more. Systems integration assistance can be helpful on a small project with a solo piece of machinery as well as on a project with many components. The systems integrator typically takes on the role of getting all the pieces to work well together and provide the desired result.

Harness the Power of One

Why would you partner with a systems integrator? Experienced systems integrators are current with the most impactful solutions and techniques being used today. These integrators solve the riddle of process improvement and allow you to stay focused on your expertise. Moreover, they provide the experience of having worked on many projects, something that the customer often lacks internally. The integrator will apply that experience to mitigate or eliminate the “gotchas” that the untrained would not see coming and can derail a project.

To be competitive in today’s markets, continuous improvement is necessary. With a modernization project, it’s always essential to have a return-on-investment justification. This justification can be calculated and shared between the returns of improved accuracy, increased throughput, reduced labor, reduced waste or spoilage, reclaimed floor space, more storage capacity, etc. These are the targets that the integrator will design a system to meet.

For instance, when creating a plan, the systems integrator can run simulations based on collected flow rate requirements and machinery throughput expectations. This can help create balance that allows the facility to store the target volume while allowing for the throughput of moving that volume in and out as needed. There’s an art and a science to that process that benefits from experience. They can handle the software, hardware, and communications. Small and large projects can require interfacing with different systems within the facility, like ERP and WMS. In most cases, this is a team effort of individual experts. As a group, they analyze the data and make recommendations.

Competitive Advantages

A good systems integrator will partner with you on a plan and help you implement it. This includes acquiring and installing equipment, commissioning, testing, training operators, and providing service support over the equipment’s lifespan. Having one systems integration team take over this role for a company is appealing.

To sum up, when you’re ready to start your project, be sure to work with a knowledgeable and experienced systems integrator to help you optimize the process, implement the optimal solution, and support you over time.