To be quickly ready for a new customer project – no matter at which location: this was the task that AM Logistic Solutions had to master when setting up the AutoStore small parts warehouse at SK Pharma Logistics GmbH. This particular facility has extremely fast relay ports for a significantly higher number of bin presentations per hour.
As a special service provider, SK Pharma Logistics ships pharmaceutical and medical products in particular worldwide. During the preparation phase for a new logistics building, the company had to bring forward a major customer order at short notice – a special challenge. In this area as well, the Corona virus has complicated some processes, which is why it was not possible to obtain the building permit in an accelerated manner. This left only the change of location for the implementation of the commissioned AutoStore system in order to be able to perform in time. A task that turned out to be extremely special. The ceiling height in the Bielfeld location, which was designed for the use of high racks, was particularly challenging. Because this increased the fire hazard and retrofitting the fire protection measures required there would no longer have been possible given the given time frame.
Innovative fire protection
In order to still be able to guarantee a successful implementation, AM Logistic Solutions checked the available hall areas and fire compartments. Finally, a compact fire protection device within the warehouse, which is only used by AM Logistic Solutions in this way, created the necessary conditions for setting up the fully automatic small parts warehouse. For additional safety, the integrator has also installed fire bridges at the edge of the grid. In cooperation with the pharmaceutical logistics company’s long-standing conveyor technology supplier, 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 totes to be handled per hour per workstation. This means that the plant is optimally prepared for daily and seasonal order peaks.
Proven functionality: AutoStore runs smoothly at up to + 5 degrees Celsius
While AM Logistic Solutions was still examining various possible locations within the existing building, an unplanned section of the facility was also created, which was subsequently kept in operation at SK Pharma Logistics: In a temperature-controlled warehouse section, the AutoStore specialists tested the possibility of operating the automatic small parts warehouse (AS/RS) at +5 degrees Celsius. The small system with 1,500 bins has meanwhile proven its practicality there for months. The system runs smoothly up to this temperature without risking condensation on the robots’ electronic components.
Flexible miniload for high efficiency
Integrator AM Logistic Solutions and the AutoStore concept have proven their high flexibility with two planning location changes of the facility already ordered from the manufacturer. The configuration of the system also enables extremely fast picking and distribution with same-day services. “We never expected that an automated warehouse could be so flexible. Thanks to the AutoStore, we can now respond even more specifically to our clients’ wishes,” explains Stephan Krone, founder and managing director of SK Pharma Logistics.
The AutoStore systems from SK Pharma Logistics at a glance
Main system
- 707 m² Footprint
- 40 Robots
- 2 Carousel Ports
- 3 Relay Ports
- 34.400 Bins
Test system in the temperature-controlled range
- 34 m² Footprint
- 3 Robots
- 2 Conveyor Ports
- 1.500 Bins
Temperature: + 5 Grad Celsius
