As one of Europe’s largest pharmacy chains, Dr. Max is a household name with nearly 3,000 outlets and a presence across 17 countries. Known for its diverse range of products—from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and health items—Dr. Max has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a modern pharmacy can achieve. With growing customer expectations and a staggering 55% year-over-year growth in e-commerce revenue in 2023, the need for a smarter, more scalable logistics solution became clear.

Enter Geek+, the global leader in mobile robotics, in partnership with SSI Schaefer. Together, they’ve implemented cutting-edge automation at Dr. Max’s new Telgate facility in Italy, setting a new standard for warehouse efficiency and innovation.

The Challenge: Meeting E-commerce Demands Head-On

Managing an extensive product portfolio that includes pharmaceuticals and high-demand cosmetics presents significant logistical challenges. As online sales surged, Dr. Max needed a solution that could:

• • Handle rapid growth in e-commerce while maintaining fast and accurate deliveries.
• Support omnichannel services, including home delivery and click-and-collect options.
• Adapt to the complexities of managing diverse inventory for both retail and e-commerce.
• Pave the way for centralized fulfillment that could expand to include pharmacy deliveries.

The Telgate facility, spanning 14,000 sqm, was built to address these demands, focusing on pharmaceutical and cosmetics e-commerce fulfillment. To maximize its potential, Dr. Max turned to Geek+ and SSI Schaefer to implement state-of-the-art warehouse automation.

The Solution: Geekplus’s RoboShuttle, the Vertical Space Optimizer 🤖

Geek+ introduced its Tote-to-Person solution, part of its renowned Goods-to-Person suite, which combines:

• 8-meter-high RoboShuttle robots for efficient vertical storage and retrieval.
• P40 Fulfillment robots for rapid and accurate picking.

This solution is not only Geek+’s first Tote-to-Person deployment in Italy but also an industry milestone. By integrating seamlessly with Dr. Max’s existing systems, Geek+ and SSI Schaefer delivered a flexible and scalable setup that aligns with the company’s current and future needs.

Key features of the system include:

• Automated order initiation and picking directly into cartons.
• Fully automated shipping preparation, including volume reduction and carton sealing.
• Scalability to adapt to changing requirements or increased demand.

“Geekplus’ mobile robots ensure quick and efficient replenishment of our broad product portfolio and thus optimize our order processing,” said Miguel Martins da Silva, Dr. Max’s Group Chief Supply Chain Officer. “Furthermore, the ergonomic workstations and intuitive software take a noticeable load off our employees – thus benefiting us twice over.”

The Impact: A Winning Strategy for Dr. Max

The results of this deployment speak for themselves:

• 3–4x improvement in efficiency compared to manual operations.
• 99.99% accuracy in order fulfillment, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
• Implementation completed in just 3 months, demonstrating the system’s flexibility and ease of deployment.

This achievement not only supports Dr. Max’s current operations but also positions the company for future growth. As the Telgate facility gradually incorporates pharmacy deliveries alongside e-commerce, it becomes a hub of innovation and efficiency for the company.

“The replication of Geek+ solutions across Dr. Max facilities proves that warehouse automation with mobile robots is a winning strategy,” said Wayne Tai, Channel Partner Manager for EMEA at Geek+.

Strategic Collaboration with SSI Schaefer

The collaboration with SSI Schaefer was pivotal in bringing this vision to life. Known for its expertise in intralogistics, SSI Schaefer provided the logistical infrastructure needed to integrate Geek+’s robotics seamlessly. This partnership has set industry-wide standards for flexibility and scalability.

“Thanks to the cooperation with Geek+, we implemented a sustainable concept for Dr. Max that sets industry-wide standards,” said Oleg Rak, Project Manager at SSI Schaefer.

A Glimpse into the Future

The Telgate facility is not just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about preparing for tomorrow. By focusing on scalability and adaptability, Geek+ and SSI Schaefer have ensured that Dr. Max can handle evolving market demands with ease. This facility, which currently supports e-commerce and retail orders, will soon extend its capabilities to include centralized pharmacy deliveries, further solidifying Dr. Max’s leadership in the European pharmaceutical market.

The partnership between Geek+, SSI Schaefer, and Dr. Max demonstrates the transformative power of warehouse automation. By leveraging cutting-edge robotics, Dr. Max has not only addressed immediate logistical challenges but also laid the foundation for sustained growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Ready to Take Your Warehouse to the Next Level?

In an increasingly complex global supply chain, automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Geekplus’s RoboShuttle system is leading the way, offering warehouses the ability to scale, increase efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition. By maximizing vertical space, improving efficiency, and reducing costs, this solution is ready to transform your logistics operations.

Are you ready to future-proof your warehouse operations? Let’s talk automation! For more information, contact sales@geekplus.com or visit www.geekplus.com.

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