How KNAPP combines IT security and flexibility with KEBA
- References / Success Stories
- Intralogistics
- 12.11.2025
- Reading Time: {{readingTime}} min
Contents
The international KNAPP Group with headquarters in Hart near Graz (Austria) and more than 8,300 employees develops, manufactures and distributes solutions for logistics automation including software for every step in the value creation chain. The company specializes in the design of custom logistics solutions guided by the philosophy of “making complexity simple”. KNAPP’s core industries include retail, wholesale and online commerce, textile and fashion, food retail, as well as the industrial and health sectors. Renowned companies worldwide, such as Würth, Zalando, Asos, Continental or SPAR rely on KNAPP systems.
Initial situation: IT security, discontinuations, and new requirements
The first talks between KNAPP and KEBA were held in 2018. Robert Gartler, Managing Expert and Global Portfolio Manager for Infrastructure at KNAPP Product Management, remembers: “We had recently standardized the development and manufacture of pallet conveyor systems at our plant in Leoben, and we were looking for an alternative panel solution for operator terminals in pallet conveyor engineering.”
In addition, the team was interested in exploring replacement options for the control cabinet panels. Almost all KNAPP main control cabinets include such a panel. Gartler: “Back then, we made the decision to replace the hardware and software components that were on the verge of obsolescence, and to standardize them as much as possible in the process. This meant that certain key requirements absolutely had to be met.”
The KNAPP team placed particular emphasis on IT security and the latest Windows versions – areas that are KEBA’s strong suit.
“Back then, we made the decision to replace the hardware and software components that were on the verge of obsolescence, and to standardize them as much as possible in the process. This meant that certain key requirements absolutely had to be met.”
At the time, two factors were crucial for KNAPP in their search for a suitable partner: On the one hand, the flexibility to handle custom requirements. Gartler: “We had definite ideas regarding the size of the panel and the required resolution of the display – at the time, there were few manufacturers who could offer such products.”
On the other hand – and this was the most important factor – KNAPP’s desire for a uniform software concept across all device types.
Solution: A consistent concept based on Linux
KEBA presented KNAPP with a concept in which all IPCs and panel PCs run the same software, allowing for the same configuration and maintenance. KNAPP solutions are mostly Linux-based. IPCs on a Linux basis therefore constituted a clear advantage.
Robert Gartler explains: “Since the entire KEBA system is Linux-based, we had a deep understanding and were able to integrate the system into our landscape really well and to do our own maintenance because we have the know-how.”
Another benefit of KEBA’s solution was the support promised for a period of time quite a bit longer than the industry average. Gartler: “Given the service life of our systems of 20 to 25 years, a long-term support commitment (support guarantee) of eight to ten years is a massive advantage!”
Collaboration on equal terms
For KNAPP, the cooperation with the KEBA team is just as easy and uncomplicated as the technology solution. Gartler: “KEBA offers a complete package that includes all components that we care about: It is a solid Austrian company with manufacturing operations in Austria and the character of a family-owned business. Customer focus and support enjoy top priority. The solution is always the main concern, and I have not encountered such an open style of communication anywhere else but with KEBA. Our cooperation goes well beyond the classic relationship between customer and supplier.”
KNAPP has defined five corporate values, which also apply to the selection of and cooperation with suppliers, and which KEBA also fully embraces: openness, courage, appreciation, creativity and reliability. Open and appreciative communication and reliability on both sides of the project teams were key elements that ensured the smooth completion of the project. On the whole, there were no obstacles at all in the project. Gartler: “The project cooperation was excellent from the get-go.”
Outlook: Strategic integration of KEBA IPCs
The solution implemented in the project now serves as the technological foundation for additional applications at KNAPP. The advantages of the uniform IPC system, particularly standardization, maintainability, and IT security, have led to the increased use of KEBA systems in other central products. Robert Gartler describes the outlook as follows: “We are incorporating an increasing number of KEBA IPCs into more of our key products, and we are looking forward to continuing our cooperation.”
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