Skarnes’ approach to business is different. Many of our competitors are distributors focused on sale and installation of specific material handling equipment. This strategy is often driven by the distributor’s relationship with its key vendors rather than specific client needs. As a result, change orders are often needed during the installation and integration process, resulting in added costs and missed deadlines.  By contrast, Skarnes'​ “concept to completion” approach adds value through thoughtful up-front design work. This strategy largely eliminates change orders during the implementation phase. Skarnes’ engineers are a key component of this approach and have a depth of knowledge and extensive experience in developing material handling systems. This expertise is built on past work with customers and is virtually impossible to attain other than  on-the-job training. Because significant consideration is given to the overall solution during the design phase, the finished product is ultimately less expensive to implement and more operationally effective.  Our focus on custom solutions and system integration positions Skarnes advantageously versus its competitors.  We work cooperatively with customer facility management to learn about the specific material flow requirements of their industrial facilities and then design and implement a system built specifically to address those needs. By completing the design work up-front, costly change orders, which are commonplace in the industry, are avoided.  Skarnes targets and engages customer production managers, manufacturing engineers, warehouse managers, and senior operations personnel because these individuals understand the value of a comprehensive solutions-based approach. These individuals are also key decision-makers regarding the build-out of industrial facilities. Working with facilities and operations management increases the successful implementation of capital equipment and quick return on investment.