AM Logistic Solutions Sets Up Small Parts Warehouse for SK Pharma Logistics

Quickly ready for a new customer project – regardless of location: This was the task that AM Logistic Solutions faced when setting up the AutoStore small parts warehouse at SK Pharma Logistics GmbH. This special facility features extremely fast relay ports for a significantly higher number of container services per hour.

(Offenau/Bielefeld) As a specialized service provider, SK Pharma Logistics ships pharmaceutical and medical products worldwide. During the preparation phase for a new logistics building, the company had to prioritize a large customer order at short notice – a particular challenge. The Corona virus has also complicated some processes in this industry, making it impossible to expedite the building permit. Therefore, the only option left for implementing the commissioned AutoStore system was to change locations to be operational in time. A task that turned out to be quite specific. Particularly challenging was the ceiling height at the Bielefeld location, which was designed for the use of high racks. This increased the fire hazard, and retrofitting the necessary fire protection measures would not have been possible given the time constraints.

Innovative Fire Protection

To ensure a successful implementation, AM Logistic Solutions examined the available hall areas and fire sections. Ultimately, a compact fire protection device within the warehouse, used exclusively by AM Logistic Solutions, created the necessary conditions for setting up the fully automated small parts warehouse. For additional safety, the integrator also installed fire brigade walkways at the edge of the grid. In collaboration with the long-standing conveyor technology supplier of the pharmaceutical logistics provider, the market leader among AutoStore integrators installed the system, which is also equipped with the first relay ports installed in Germany for fast order picking. In addition to the other conveyor and carousel ports, these allow between 450 and 600 container services per workstation per hour. This prepares the facility optimally for daily and seasonal order peaks.

Proven Functionality: AutoStore Operates Smoothly at Up to +5 Degrees Celsius

While AM Logistic Solutions was examining various possible locations within the existing building, an unplanned part of the system was created, which was subsequently kept in operation at SK Pharma Logistics: In a temperature-controlled warehouse section, AutoStore specialists tested the possibility of operating the automatic small parts warehouse (AKL) at +5 degrees Celsius. The small facility with 1,000 bins has since proven its practicality for months. Up to this temperature, the system operates smoothly without risking condensation on the electronics of the robots.

Flexible AKL for High Efficiency

With two planned location changes of the system already ordered from the manufacturer, integrator AM Logistic Solutions and the AutoStore concept have demonstrated their high flexibility. The configuration of the system also allows for extremely fast order picking and distribution with same-day services. “We never expected that an automatic warehouse could be so flexible. With AutoStore, we can now respond even more specifically to the wishes of our clients,” explains Stephan Krone, founder and managing director of SK Pharma Logistics. Innovative Fire Protection To ensure a successful implementation, AM Logistic Solutions examined the available hall areas and fire sections. Ultimately, a compact fire protection device within the warehouse, used exclusively by AM Logistic Solutions, created the necessary conditions for setting up the fully automated small parts warehouse. For additional safety, the integrator also installed fire brigade walkways at the edge of the grid. In collaboration with the long-standing conveyor technology supplier of the pharmaceutical logistics provider, the market leader among AutoStore integrators installed the system, which is also equipped with the first relay ports installed in Germany for fast order picking. In addition to the other conveyor and carousel ports, these allow between 450 and 600 container services per workstation per hour. This prepares the facility optimally for daily and seasonal order peaks.
Photo: © SK Pharma Logistics