AutoStore Delivers for SK Pharma Logistics’ Temperature-Controlled Storage Requirements

The company needed to quickly deploy a fully automated warehouse system, while also managing COVID-19 delays, facility changes, and strict pharmaceutical storage requirements. The solution had to handle both ambient and temperature-controlled environments, and needed to deliver speed and reliability for pharmaceutical clients with high expectations.

SK Pharma successfully implemented two separate AutoStore systems, empowered by AM Logistic Solutions, demonstrating AutoStore's versatility in meeting the demanding requirements of the pharmaceutical distribution industry.

The Challenge: Tight Deadlines and Complex Requirements

SK Pharma Logistics faced pressure from a major client to launch a fully automated warehouse ahead of schedule. At the same time, COVID-19 delays forced them to relocate their facility twice.

The company also needed to address fire safety risks caused by high ceilings, which made traditional racking unsuitable. In addition, the system had to support temperature-controlled environments for sensitive pharmaceutical products and handle extreme seasonal peaks with fast order picking.

The Solution: Specialized Systems for Pharma from AutoStore

AutoStore's flexibility ticked all the boxes for SK Pharma’s needs.The cube-based storage system easily adapted to changes in the facility layout and limited space, allowing for the installation of two separate systems tailored to different operational needs.

‍The main system features 40 Robots operating across 34,400 Bins, delivering them to RelayPorts. This was Germany's first implementation of this kind of automated warehouse solution. The RelayPorts deliver exceptional throughput of 450–600 Bins per hour per workstation, dramatically exceeding traditional picking speeds.

For temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products, AutoStore also introduced a specialized chilled system operating continuously at +5°C. This smaller-scale implementation with 3 Robots and 1,500 Bins serves as an operational solution and proof of concept. It demonstrates AutoStore's reliability in controlled environments where Robot performance is not affected by condensation.

Both systems address fire safety limitations while requiring minimal floor space, and significantly improve storage density through the cube storage design.

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Key Benefits: Rapid Fulfillment, Compact Footprint, Cold Storage Reliability

With two AutoStore systems in place, SK Pharma Logistics gained the flexibility to meet a wide range of customer needs – without compromising on speed, accuracy, or efficiency. The solution supports their commitment to high service levels across diverse operations.

High-speed throughput capabilities allow SK Pharma to stay on top of order fulfillment, with RelayPorts enabling 450–600 Bins per hour processing rates. This dramatic speed increase allows the company to meet same-day service commitments and handle seasonal demand spikes without performance degradation.

AutoStore’s efficient use of existing warehouse space is a key factor in SK Pharma’s success. The system’s compact footprint overcomes fire safety restrictions that prevented the use of traditional racking. By using vertical space effectively, the cube storage design ensures full compliance with the strict safety regulations essential in the pharmaceutical industry.

With a proven track record of 100% operational continuity at +5°C over several months, AutoStore enables SK Pharma to reliably store temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals together with products kept at ambient conditions – ensuring full compliance with their service portfolio.

Set Up to Scale

SK Pharma plans to leverage its successful AutoStore implementation as a foundation for expanding its distribution. The AutoStore systems position them to pursue additional pharmaceutical clients that require specialized storage, potentially scaling their operations significantly.

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Project Specifications

Main System

• Installation type: Brownfield
• Robots: 40 R5 Robots
• Workstations (Ports): 2 CarouselPorts; 3 RelayPorts
• Bins: 34,400 Bins
• WMS: Integrated with existing systems
• Integrated technology: Fire bridges, conveyors, RelayPorts
• Implementation partner: AM Logistic Solutions

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Temperature-Controlled System:

• Installation type: Brownfield
• Robots: 3 R5 Robots
• Workstations (Ports): 2 ConveyorPorts
• Bins: 1,500 Bins
• Implementation partner: AM Logistic Solutions

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