Plako Systems is a Polish company that develops intelligent docking systems. Their solutions make it possible to minimize damage resulting from improper loading and unloading of goods at warehouse gates
The company develops hardware and software that allows effective communication between the warehouseman and the vehicle driver.
Interview with Renata Kozłowska, CEO of Plako Systems sp. z o.o.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Renata Kozłowska: The company mainly operates in the warehousing and logistics market, but in fact our target is all companies with warehouse docks.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
R.K: We are currently working on improving our product. Ultimately, we want to have a product that is compatible with any WMS and dock from any manufacturer.
Many manufacturers create some solutions, but these are compatible only with their own products. We are currently working to ensure that our system can be adapted to any product.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
R.K: Our products are basically one system, which can be more or less extensive.
In the basic version, we can include a metal wedge, a semaphore and a controller.
In the most extensive versions, in addition to the metal wedge and semaphore, there are a number of sensors that tell us the status of the gate opening and how far away the vehicle is from the gate.
All this means that we minimise the risk of accidents in the warehouse. If the system does not give the right signal, the warehouseman cannot start the loading process and the driver cannot leave the storage dock.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
R.K: Intelligent docking systems are still something of a novelty that is only just entering the market. Many companies treat it as a curiosity, but we are seeing an increasing number of enquiries.
Companies are beginning to see the potential in this type of solution especially as it has a very good price/effect ratio. The system can prevent losses of several thousand euros, while its price is many times lower.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
R.K: We see a growing commitment to employee safety.
This is not surprising. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find employees, especially in Poland where we have the lowest unemployment rate in the EU. Any accident, even the smallest one, that makes an employee have to go on sick leave is a serious problem for the company.
In addition, losses resulting from damage to the gate can also be very high. I am not just talking about repairing the gate, but also about the costs resulting from taking it out of service.
Therefore, this is a promising and growing market. We see a lot of potential there.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
R.K: The most innovative product is the one we are working on. Ultimately, it is to be able to integrate as much as possible with WMS, gateways from various manufacturers, but also to have some features of a YMS system
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
R.K: Getting better and better. The project is developing all the time. The number of enquiries is increasing, but we know that high interest rates and the uncertain economic situation are holding back investment somewhat. In the longer term, we are preparing for a boom in the market. Interest rates will fall, the economic situation will stabilize and the war in Ukraine will end, where we also see good opportunities.