Dusseldorf, June 27, 2024 – Geekplus, the global leader in mobile robot and smart logistics solutions, in collaboration with SSI Schaefer has implemented its Tote-to-Person solution in Italy for Dr. Max, one of Europe’s leading pharmaceutical chains. This is the first Tote-to-Person deployment in Italy.
The solution, part of the Geekplus Goods-to-Person solution suite, combines an 8-meter-high shuttle robot for vertical storage with a fulfillment robot for fast picking. SSI Schaefer and Geekplus have already implemented similar smart logistics solutions in several of the pharmaceutical chain’s European sites.
“Geekplus’ mobile robots ensure quick and efficient replenishment of our broad product portfolio and thus optimize our order processing. Furthermore, the ergonomic workstations and intuitive software take a noticeable load off our employees – thus benefiting us twice over,” said Dr. Max’s Miguel Martins da Silva, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer.
Dr. Max sells medication along with an enormous selection of health and cosmetic products. This extensive portfolio poses major challenges for logistics. A 55-percent, year-over-year, increase in e-commerce revenue in 2023, put pressure on Dr. Max’s aim to ensure the fastest possible delivery to end customers throughout Italy – either via home delivery or via click and collect pickup in pharmacies.
The new Dr. Max facility in Telgate is focused on pharmaceutical and cosmetics e-commerce fulfillment. This not only ensures efficient processes and a seamless supply chain, but also paves the way for future growth; the new warehouse will gradually handle pharmacy deliveries in addition to e-commerce orders.
“The combination of our robots with SSI Schaefer’s components offers Dr. Max a variety of possibilities. Should the requirements change, the system can be customized at any time,” said Wayne Tai, channel partner manager for EMEA, Geekplus. “Plus, the replication of Geekplus solutions throughout Dr. Max facilities is proof that warehouse automation with mobile robots is a winning strategy.”
From automatic order start and picking directly into cartons to automated shipping preparation, including volume reduction and carton sealing, the e-commerce fulfillment center integrates a range of warehouse automation.
“It is important to us to flexibly tailor our solutions to the requirements of our customers. Thanks to the cooperation with Geekplus, we were able to implement a sustainable concept for Dr. Max that sets industry-wide standards and can be flexibly implemented at other sites,” said SSI Schaefer project manager Oleg Rak.
About Geek+
Geekplus is a global leader in mobile robotics technologies. We develop innovative robotics solutions for order fulfilment. More than 1,000 global industry leaders use our solutions to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient automation for warehouses and supply chain management.
About SSI Schaefer Group
The SSI Schaefer Group is a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. With innovative technologies and software, the company empowers customers to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their storage, picking, and transport processes. SSI Schaefer offers small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as large companies, cost-effective material handling solutions with industry expertise from a single source. From fully automated warehouses with tailored service and maintenance packages, to robotics and automated guided vehicles, to manual and semi-automatic systems such as workstations, racks, and containers, the company offers a complete solution. SSI Schaefer has also become one of the largest vendors of software for internal material flow. Its comprehensive software portfolio handles everything from warehouse management to material flow control. With state-of-the-art real-time analysis, intelligent data processing and optimization algorithms, it offers every possible option for integrated, sustainable resource management.
SSI Schaefer employs around 10,000 people at its international headquarters in Neunkirchen (Germany) and globally in more than 70 operating companies and seven production facilities on six continents.
For years, the SSI Schaefer Group has relied on trusted partners, including the robotics specialists at RO-BER and the SAP specialists at SWAN, as well as DS Automation, a company with expertise in robotics and AGVs that has been a full member of the SSI Schaefer Group since March 1, 2023.
About Dr. Max Group
As the largest pharmacy network in Central and Eastern Europe and the second-largest in all of Europe, Dr. Max Group is one of Europe's strongest players in pharmacy management. With almost 3,000 physical outlets, more than 20,000 employees, and pharmaceutical distribution in 17 European countries, Dr. Max is recognized for its extensive range of high-quality products available at affordable prices, all while prioritizing people and clients. The commitment of Dr. Max extends to its team of expert pharmacists and in-store health and beauty services, ensuring the well-being of customers. Additionally, Dr. Max operates as an online pharmacy, providing convenient access to over 300,000 products through swift and progressive delivery methods. For more information, please visit www.drmax.eu.
