Custom material handling systems are unique to every customer and project, requiring tailored solutions to effectively meet the customer's needs. When tackling these intricate, multifaceted systems, application engineers (AEs) provide a critical link between tailored solutions, innovative design, and practical solutions.
At Magnum Systems, our AEs bring depth, expertise, and adaptability to every project, ensuring each is customized to meet the individual demands of every customer. A successful AE requires technical acumen, creative and strategic problem-solving skills, and a commitment to collaboration through every step of the process.
Our AEs also play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between initial sales concepts and fully operational tailored systems. Their expertise translates complex customer requirements into innovative, functional designs while managing constraints and ensuring smooth execution throughout each stage of the project.
Initial Engagement and Scope Development
When the sales team proposes a new custom material handling project, the AE team begins by carefully evaluating the material and its operational constraints. A typical project might involve transporting bulk material, like flour or sand, from one location to another. However, while the basics can appear similar across projects, AEs analyze each factor to uniquely tailor each project to individual customer needs.
Some examples of important factors include material composition, environmental conditions, and safety classifications. All factors or components of each project must be verified before the design begins. The AEs then develop what is often called a “sales drawing.” This might include a process flow diagram to outline the system or equipment stack-ups for essential components like hoppers or feeders. These resources ensure the solution fits the customer’s operational needs and physical constraints or limitations, such as plant dimensions.
Examples of information often included in a sales drawing:
With this data, AEs can build a custom material handling system solution that addresses the customer's unique challenges.
"We consult our sales team, sometimes even the customers directly, to clarify the project's full scope," says Magnum applications engineer and test lab manager Sam Anderson. "It’s our job to ensure the customer’s solution is tailored to their needs, not just a generic system."
Custom Solutions: The Application Engineer’s Core Philosophy
"Magnum Systems' work is all about mastering custom material handling solutions," Sam explains. "No two jobs are the same. Even when customers think they want a duplicate of a past project—times change, and equipment evolves. We have to scrutinize and adapt designs to meet current needs."
From pneumatic conveying to packaging systems, the team ensures that customer requirements drive the tailored engineering processes. The application engineer’s role involves reviewing the customer’s requirements—often supplied through the sales team—and translating them into practical designs.
"Every day is a new challenge," says applications engineer Ben Adwell. "The fun comes in figuring out what the customer really wants and how we can make it happen—sometimes with very little information at the start."
Whether it’s the bulk density of material, operational environment, or system compatibility, the AE team collaborates closely with internal departments, external suppliers, and customers to effectively address all parameters.
Magnum System’s AE team excels in creating tailored solutions by:
Navigating Challenges
Custom material handling solutions often come with unique challenges.
Our AEs are skilled at navigating and sidestepping these issues:
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Expertise
Delivering custom material handling solutions requires effective collaboration across departments and external partners. Magnum’s AEs take every opportunity to collaborate with sales teams, design groups, suppliers, and even field service crews.
"We frequently rely on each other's strengths and experiences, and our collaborative environment is one of the reasons we succeed," Sam says, emphasizing how the AE team leans on one another's experiences and diverse industry backgrounds.
Our collective approach and collaborative spirit maximize Magnum's ability to seamlessly integrate third-party equipment—combining internal manufacturing lines like Smoot pneumatic conveying systems and Taylor Products packaging machines—is essential as a custom material handling systems integrator. Our AEs are adept at finding creative ways to merge existing and new equipment by working with suppliers while respecting customer budgets.
“If we can adapt existing solutions rather than start from scratch, it’s a win-win for us and the customer,” notes Ben. "We aim to balance tailored solutions with efficiency, ensuring the customer gets exactly what they need—without driving up costs unnecessarily."
The Test Lab Advantage
Custom solutions often require additional validation, and Magnum Systems’ in-house test lab offers an advantage for testing materials and processes upfront. Sam, who recently became Magnum’s test lab manager, describes its purpose as validating system performance before purchasing orders are finalized.
"Hands-on tests allow us to uncover nuances about materials and convey those findings back to our customers," he says.
For example, testing materials prone to degradation during transit can help fine-tune designs, ensuring optimal performance while reducing risks of quality loss.
The test lab can also help find and solve problems before delivering the system to the customer. Test results often reveal unforeseen challenges, allowing AEs to refine designs before final implementation.
"Sometimes, we can't exactly reproduce the customer's operational environment," Sam admits, "but we can mimic the principles to provide a clear idea of how things will work."
This proactive approach minimizes risks while optimizing system designs before full implementation.
Thinking Beyond the Sale: Ensuring Success
The application engineering process involves much more than design. AEs take a consultative role, analyzing customers’ needs and constraints from the outset. Whether crafting preliminary process flow diagrams or coordinating with suppliers to integrate third-party equipment, Magnum Systems’ AEs are deeply embedded at every critical stage of project development, including after-sales support.
Post-sale, they often act as a safety net, stepping in alongside Magnum's field service team to troubleshoot any unexpected challenges. This after-sales support ensures long-term customer satisfaction, a hallmark of Magnum Systems’ commitment.
“Our field service crew is second to none," Sam says, emphasizing their efforts to ensure every system functions as expected, even when unexpected complications arise.
Additionally, AEs may continue to assist in change management, helping develop cost-effective solutions when modifications are unavoidable.
"If you don’t have strong support after a sale, what good is it?” Sam states.
From troubleshooting onsite challenges to iterating on solutions when materials or parameters shift, the team remains engaged to ensure that systems meet customer expectations.
Why Magnum Systems Excels at Custom Solutions
"At the end of the day, it’s about making material handling as seamless, efficient, and reliable as possible for customers," Ben says. "We’re not just delivering equipment; we’re solving problems and building partnerships."
Magnum AEs continue to set the gold standard in bulk material handling solutions by combining technical expertise, adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
"Every requirement—whether it's electrical classifications, pressure tolerances, or environmental considerations—adds a new layer to the puzzle. It's like playing chess," Ben concludes.
Combining deep expertise with flexibility enables Magnum Systems’ AEs to craft solutions uniquely designed to meet each customer’s requirements.
From project conception to after-sales troubleshooting, Magnum Systems' AEs remain at the forefront of innovation in bulk material handling. Their commitment to customization for each customer ensures every system meets and exceeds expectations. Whether integrating pneumatic conveying solutions or developing customized packaging processes, Magnum Systems’ AEs continue to set a high bar for excellence. Please contact us today for more information about how we can help you begin your custom-integrated system.
Magnum Systems podcast series, AIM!
Why Choose Magnum Systems as Your Systems Integrator?
Maximizing ROI: The Benefits of Working with a Systems Integrator
Maximizing Plant Efficiency and Safety: Lessons from Ben Adwell’s Journey
Debunking Packaging Myths With Sam Anderson
Five Common Challenges and Solutions for Implementing an Integrated System
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