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Swiss Post integrates Autostore for hospital logistics using LogoS C/S
16.01.2017
For the optimization of their hospital logistics Swiss Post relies on a new logistics concept in their logistics center located in Villmergen, Switzerland, using a semi-automated Autostore system. The Autostore has been integrated into the already existing system landscape and is controlled via the warehouse management software LogoS C/S in the overall process.
Die Post is one of the major logistics service providers in the Swiss market. Within the framework of the TAUVIL project, the range of services in the health sector provided shall be strategically extended and a comprehensive solution in the logistics service sector shall be provided. Special focus is placed on storage, assembly, dispatch, outbound sorting processes and return management. Connecting the Autostore concept is included in the overall logistics strategy.
The first step in the realization of the project consisted in the modification of the logistics center in Villmergen, since the Autostore with a total height of about 5 meters including a vertical conveyor extends across multiple levels. The Autostore has 20,000 container bins in total, via which 12,000 containers shall be managed in the first step. A total of 17 robots guarantee the transport in the Autostore, lastly ensuring the provision of 9 workstations for the storage and removal.
At this stage of the process, LogoS as the leading system ensures besides the stock management in the Autostore its filling as well as the retrieval of the dispatch orders from it. The filling of the Autostore is carried out in the goods entry according to configurable regulations and threshold values regarding quantities, as well as the automated replenishment from the inventory to the Autostore.
The picking in the Autostore itself ensures a subsystem which is transferring the package information back to LogoS via an interface, where it is further processed after its staging. The packages from the Autostore area are brought together with packages from further manual zones via a conveyor on a sorter machine per loading and hospital.
The sorter itself is emptied using a Pick by Light system which is operated in combination with data RDT scanners. The finished packages are then packed in roller containers, whereby the additional challenge is to adhere to the defined fixed loading sequence.
The project was realized within a total of 15 months and went live in October 2016.