The Customer
Dr.Max is the largest pharmacy network in Central and Eastern Europe, renowned for its expansive catalog of health and wellness products, including medication, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. With nearly 3,000 outlets and robust e-commerce capabilities, Dr.Max has become a trusted name for consumers seeking reliable and fast access to essential goods. Their new facility in Telgate, Italy is dedicated to e-commerce fulfillment, further extending their ability to deliver products to customers efficiently via home delivery or click-and-collect services.
The Challenge
Operating in a highly competitive and regulated industry, Dr.Max faced a series of escalating challenges:
- Rapid E-Commerce Growth: A 55% increase in online revenue in 2023 placed immense pressure on logistics operations.
- Expanding Product Portfolio: Handling a wide range of goods, including pharmaceutical items and cosmetics, required sophisticated inventory management.
- Faster Delivery Expectations: Meeting customer demands for quick home delivery and pharmacy pickups demanded operational agility.
- Scalability Needs: The growing number of orders required a solution that could adapt to increasing volumes seamlessly.
Our Solution
To address these challenges, Geek+ and SSI Schaefer implemented an advanced Tote-to-Person solution tailored to Dr.Max’s specific requirements. The key components of the solution included:
- 8-Meter-High Shuttle Robot: Facilitating vertical storage and maximizing warehouse space to accommodate a broad product portfolio.
- Fulfillment Robots: Supporting fast and accurate picking of items for efficient order processing.
- Integration with SSI Schaefer Components: Combining robotics with robust logistical infrastructure for a seamless and scalable system.
- Ergonomic Workstations and Intuitive Software: Creating an operator-friendly solution that enhances productivity while reducing physical strain on employees.
- Automated Processes: Including order picking, carton sealing, and shipment preparation for streamlined operations.
The Geekplus impact
The implementation of Geek+ Tote-to-Person technology provided Dr.Max with several measurable benefits:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Automation significantly reduced order processing time, ensuring rapid fulfillment.
- Space Optimization: The vertical storage system improved warehouse capacity without requiring additional physical space.
- Scalability: The flexible system allows for quick adjustments to meet seasonal peaks and growing e-commerce demands.
- Improved Employee Experience: Ergonomic and user-friendly design eased workloads and improved operational accuracy.
- Industry Leadership: The integration positioned Dr.Max as a front-runner in adopting cutting-edge logistics technologies within the pharmaceutical industry.
“Geek+’s mobile robots ensure quick and efficient order processing while providing ergonomic solutions for our employees. This implementation is a game-changer for us as we continue to grow.”
— Miguel Martins da Silva, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, Dr.Max
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