Scalable solution for omnichannel logistics in pharmaceutical distribution
Dr.Max Group, the biggest pharmaceutical chain in Eastern and Central Europe, commissioned SSI SCHAEFER to equip the new distribution center in Bucharest, Romania. The semi-automatic intralogistics solution to be implemented will supply B2B and B2C customers from only one warehouse and will reflect the strong growth as well as the future development plans of the company.
The Dr.Max Group has a network of over 2,000 pharmacies in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovakia and Romania. In Romania, A&D Pharma, part of Dr.Max Group, operates with two business lines: Mediplus and Sensiblu. The new distribution center in Bucharest will supply pharmacies and hospitals and will also replenish regional warehouses. In parallel, Dr.Max creates new logistics structures to significantly extend the e-commerce business and supply e-commerce customers from the same warehouse. “The aim is that all products in the warehouse are available for both business sectors and that high productivity is guaranteed by using all existing synergies,” explains Miguel Martins da Silva, Group Supply Chain Officer at Dr.Max.
In order to meet these requirements, SSI SCHAEFER implements a sustainable logistics solution to efficiently process the large number of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) with varying order structures for several channels – ensuring shortest cycle times for same day or next day delivery.
“SSI SCHAEFER has already implemented a similar system for Dr.Max in Prague and has convinced with an overall solution from a single source,” states Miguel Martins da Silva.“For this reason, we will continue the cooperation in Bucharest.” The scope of supply and services of the intralogistics expert includes the automation solution with state-of-the-art technology as well as the in-house logistics software WAMAS® to coordinate material flow movements.
The new distribution center has been designed for possible future extensions. Installation will start in the 4th quarter of 2021. The system will be commissioned by the end of 2022.
“Thanks to the new omnichannel warehouse, we are able to optimally meet the high quality requirements of both pharmaceutical wholesalers and e-commerce, in addition to fast order processing. Having SSI SCHAEFER as a partner we are prepared for a step-by-step automation and modernization of our distribution network throughout Europe,” states Miguel Martins da Silva.