Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
What Is Pharmaceutical Automation?
Pharmaceutical automation refers to the use of automated systems, software and intralogistics technologies to optimise storage, picking, packaging and distribution processes in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics.
Automated systems help pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device companies and healthcare distributors manage strict regulatory requirements, complex product ranges and high delivery expectations. From incoming goods to warehouse and distribution centre operations, automation supports precise material flow, full traceability and consistent process reliability.
Technologies such as conveyor systems, ASRS, picking systems and warehouse software help reduce errors, improve compliance and ensure accurate handling of sensitive healthcare and pharmaceutical goods.
Technologies Used in Pharmaceutical Automation
Automation solutions in healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics must support regulated processes, batch traceability and varying order profiles. With modular system design, these technologies can be adapted to production-related warehouses, distribution centres and contract logistics environments.
Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems enable controlled and reliable internal transport of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. They connect storage, picking, packaging and shipping areas, ensuring predictable material flow and minimising manual handling.
Conveyor technology supports the safe transport of containers, cartons and pallets while enabling controlled routing for regulated and sensitive goods.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), including shuttle, miniload and pallet solutions, provide high-density storage and fast access to pharmaceutical products and medical devices.
These systems support FIFO strategies, batch tracking and secure access control, making them well suited for regulated healthcare environments with high requirements for traceability and availability.
Integrated Picking Workstations
Integrated picking workstations support accurate and efficient order preparation for pharmaceutical and medical products. Goods are delivered directly to the workstation, reducing manual handling and the risk of picking errors.
Ergonomically designed workstations support complex picking tasks, such as prescription-related orders or purpose-specific kits, while maintaining high accuracy and repeatability.
Warehouse Management and Control Software (WMS)
Warehouse management and control software forms the digital backbone of healthcare intralogistics. Real-time data enables tracking of inventory, batches and order status across all process steps.
Warehouse software also supports Track & Trace, documentation of environmental conditions and integration with ERP and quality management systems, helping ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Case Study: Centralising Existing Logistics Areas at Dr. Willmar Schwabe
Dr Willmar Schwabe is recognised as a global leader in the research, development and production of herbal medicines. To remain future-ready with a flexible and high-performance logistics setup, GEBHARDT was appointed as general contractor for logistics, materials handling technology and IT infrastructure. The project focused on consolidating existing logistics areas through pharmaceutical warehouse automation, resulting in a powerful new finished goods warehouse with seamless integration into the existing plant, automated and highly efficient storage and retrieval processes, high picking performance, standardised workflows, short throughput times and high operational reliability.
Case Study: Fully Automated Distribution Centre for karldischinger
GEBHARDT establishes a new logistics centre for the South Baden-based logistics provider karldischinger GmbH with a total of 15,384 storage spaces in a high bay warehouse, 136.50 metres of installed conveyor technology and six storage and retrieval machines. This warehouse is used for pharmaceutical logistics and has been specially certified and audited for these needs.
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