Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, there is a clear trend towards a sharp rise in the number of products and different packaging sizes. This compels manufacturers to expand their warehouses and gear them to increasing throughputs. A wide variety of requirements must be taken into account, such as the storage of hazardous goods or seasonal peaks in orders. Supply chain traceability must also be considered in the automation of warehousing and picking systems.

The supply of medical devices, especially to professional users, must always be punctual and precise. The delivery quantities are becoming smaller and smaller and the delivery frequency is increasing, as users can - and only wish - to store only small quantities. Often the delivery and therefore also the order picking is done for a specific purpose, e.g. a specific treatment, in order to minimise the logistics effort at the addressee. At the same time, large production batches need to be stored. This balancing act can only be mastered with a high-performance intralogistics solution.

Labour shortages in economically prosperous regions and nevertheless high demands on throughput in logistics often leave automation as the only option. In addition, customers' requirements with regard to product handling and regulatory provisions are increasing. Many manufacturers therefore decide to outsource logistics to specialist companies without reducing their stringent quality requirements. Logistics service providers best meet this challenge with a strong package of automation technology and software.

Medical technology is high-tech. Accordingly, the intralogistics must also handle the components with care and still supply production and service efficiently. Serialisation of components requires targeted management and control of the material flow. Integrated quality management processes are standard here. Ergonomic workplace concepts facilitate work and support error-free work in production and logistics.