Swiss Post Takes Action for Public Health

The canton aims for widespread testing, companies and schools want to order PCR tests, and the Swiss Post can handle complex shipments and deliver them promptly: The example of Graubünden shows how the Post contributes during the Corona crisis and leverages its strengths in health logistics. And this is just the beginning.

(Bern/Villmergen) Villmergen, Canton Aargau, logistics center on Allmendstrasse: In a large room, Post employees work quietly and focused at their desks. They open Covid test kits for the PCR saliva test, label the test tubes with a barcode, and assemble them in units of ten. More and more are packaged and ready for shipment. The destination addresses: companies and schools in Graubünden. The cantonal government offers them the saliva tests because the authorities want to test for Corona across the board – as quickly as possible.

High logistical challenge

The time pressure is high, and the logistical challenge is significant, with conditions changing constantly. “That’s why this task is so exciting,” says Daniel Vögeli. Vögeli is the head of the Business Unit Industry Solutions at the Post. They actively support the canton of Graubünden by leveraging their strengths: The Post processes reliably and transports safely from A to B. This ensures that the tubes arrive in perfect quality at the customers’ locations. Additionally, the leading logistics provider in Switzerland contributes to containing the pandemic for the benefit of the population. Martin Bühler, head of the Cantonal Command Staff Graubünden, says: “We are glad that we can count on the collaboration with the Post.”

Interface Ensures Clarity

But which companies and schools want how many tests? And which recipient needs how many tubes? Here, a sophisticated interface helps, which was built into the order system of the canton of Graubünden within a few days. This way, Post employees always know exactly who has ordered what quantities online and guarantee timely shipping.The order for the canton of Graubünden should not remain an isolated case. The Post aims to position itself even more strongly in the healthcare sector with its core competencies in the future. It has a unique distribution structure nationwide, handling complex shipments promptly and in large quantities. “We optimize information, goods, and value flows, and thus can jointly overcome the challenges in healthcare with our customers,” says Business Unit Manager Daniel Vögeli. “And we are very pleased about that.”

Why Villmergen?

• The Post operates a fully automated facility for pharmaceutical small goods and medical products in Villmergen.
• Therefore, the logistics center is the ideal location for picking and distribution work.
• The hygiene requirements in the building are correspondingly strict. This ensures that the PCR tests arrive in perfect quality at the schools and companies in the canton of Graubünden – as this is of utmost priority.

Photo: © Swiss Post / Image caption: Prepared and ready for shipment: Covid test kits for the PCR saliva testwww.post.ch