Pharmaceutical Warehousing and Intralogistics
Stoecklin helps companies get maximum storage and efficiency with automated pharmaceutical warehousing and distribution
The needs of the pharmaceutical industry run the gambit. From the flexibility of seasonality like the retail market and sometimes the temperature-control requirement from food storage ;pharma is one of the most intricate parts of the intralogistics puzzle.
In addition there is the ever present need to get the best throughput and the most accurate way.
So it’s no surprise, that Stoecklin is particularly adept at creating solutions for automated distribution centers for the pharma industry.
However, no matter the industry it always starts with talking to the customer and discerning what is really important to them. What are the benefits that they want and how can Stoecklin help them get exactly what they want.
After discussions and a plan is formulated the benefit of Stoecklin’s product portfolio helps our customers in the pharma industry get the correct application no matter their needs. Stoecklin knows that one a one-size fits-all application doesn’t work in the pharmaceutical industry with so many different needs by different customers.
That’s why we offer a combination of solutions for our customers. Aisle changing pallet cranes are ideal for a high number of SKUs with relatively low throughput requirements. Deep lane automated pallet storage is ideal for a lower number of SKUs and moderate throughput. Double deep pallet storage offers the best of both worlds with higher throughput potential.
Stoecklin’s vast experience in the food industry and with frozen and temperature controlled areas translates easily into pharmaceutical applications. Often only a fraction of the products in a pharmaceutical application need to be temperature controlled so having a DC with a smaller temperature controlled area and a larger ambient air helps customers control the product and costs.
However the needed separation doesn’t end in temperature. For instance, Stoecklin created an automated distribution center for one of its clients that included solid and liquid material handling. The plant is divided into two sections: A fully automatic high-bay warehouse for solids, which is operated largely under regular conditions, and a liquid storage facility, which ensures proper storage and handling of the mostly highly flammable substances in accordance with ATEX guidelines.
“We selected Stoecklin Logistics because they have a proven track record in designing and deploying complex solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to building the high-bay warehouse and providing the stacker cranes and conveyors, they were able to integrate their controls system with SAP, which was a key consideration for us.”
-Tracy Hottovy, Plant manager, Fresenius-Kabi.
You know that no matter how sophisticated the components of the distribution center there has to be a conductor to lead the orchestra. The control of the material flow, including its up-to-date, needs-based, and continuous optimization, is the responsibility of the StöcklinWCS (WCS = warehouse control system), which is connected to and communicates with the warehouse management system.
In addition Stoecklin’s WCS plans, executes and documents the process every time in accordance with strict GMP (good manufacturing practice) requirements.
Despite all of the technology and automation in the systems, people still have to interact with the system. Stoecklin focuses on making that interaction as seamless and comfortable as possible. For instance, in the picking area (ergonomic workplaces with lifting platforms and height-adjustable handling areas as well as the optimal arrangement of the screen, keyboard, and printer ensure maximum working comfort.
Interested in how Stoecklin can help you with your pharmaceutical distribution and intralogistics?
