The pharmaceutical industry, recognized for its rigorous standards and intricate inventory management requirements, depends on cutting-edge storage and retrieval solutions. Automated storage systems, such as those offered by Kardex, have become indispensable in meeting the demands of this fast-paced sector. Southwest Solutions Group (SSG) provides a variety of Kardex products designed to boost efficiency, enhance security, and ensure accuracy in pharmaceutical storage operations.
In this blog, we’ll explore Kardex products, offered by SSG and how they work inthe pharmaceutical market. Additionally, we’ll highlight their applications in managing drug inventories, cold storage, and controlled substance security. We’ll also discuss the real-world benefits these systems provide, such as improved inventory accuracy, reduced labor costs, and maximized storage capacity.
Automated Storage in the Pharmaceutical Market
Automated storage systems are transforming the pharmaceutical industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and security in medication management. In a sector where precision is critical, these systems reduce human error and streamline operations, from inventory control to dispensing. As the demand for more efficient and secure pharmaceutical operations grows, automated storage solutions are becoming essential for staying competitive in this evolving market. Dive into our case study to see how we’ve tackled unique challenges with innovative storage and space solutions.
SSG provides a range of Kardex products such as vertical carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), horizontal carousels, and buffer storage machines. Let’s walk through each product and their features!
Vertical Carousels
Vertical carousels are automated storage systems with vertically rotating carriers that store medications in bins for pharmacies. With the press of a button, the carriers rotate like a Ferris wheel, bringing the desired tray to an ergonomic counter. Integrated with inventory management and pick-to-light software, these carousels ensure fast and accurate medication retrieval.
Features & Benefits:
- Saves up to 80% floor space compared to traditional shelving
- Ergonomic retrieval with no bending or reaching required
- Integrates with software for automated inventory management
- Reduces time spent searching for medication
- Increases pharmacy productivity
Pharmacy staff selects the medication, and the pick-to-light bar highlights the correct bin for easy access. The barcode scan verifies accurate fulfillment and records the transaction.
Vertical Lift Modules (VLM)
VLMs are enclosed systems with large, vertically arranged trays can that can store bulky items, small parts in bins, or nearly anything, with each tray supporting up to 2,000 lbs. Full tray extraction and integration with cranes and forklifts make handling easy. An, while an adjustable work counter ensures accessibility for employees and equipment.
Features & Benefits:
- Up to 85% floor space savings compared to traditional storage methods
- Automatic full tray extraction allows easier handling
- Pick-to-light software promotes quick and accurate retrieval
- Available with totes, bins, containers, partitions, dividers, holders, and specialty equipment made to fit the exact dimensions of the trays
- Automatic shutter doors close for security and dust protection
In the pharmaceutical industry, VLMs are particularly valuable for storing and retrieving essential materials. The ability to adjust tray heights and automate tray delivery accelerates retrieval times and enhances productivity, ensuring that crucial components are always easily accessible.
Horizontal Carousels
Horizontal carousels are ideal for processes that demand quick and precise picking. By automatically bringing rotating bins to workers, these systems eliminate the need for manual searching, enabling multiple orders to be processed simultaneously. Typically organized in pods of three to four units, one carousel can continuously rotate while the operator retrieves and distributes parts into bins. This setup enhances accuracy, speed, and space efficiency.
Features & Benefits:
- Wide variety of carriers in multiple widths, heights, & depths with 600 to 1,500 lbs. carrier capacity
- Shelves rotate at 85 fpm (feet per minute)
- Shelves are adjustable
- Units can be stacked for multilevel applications
- Optional doors are available for security
Horizontal carousels offer significant advantages for the pharmaceutical industry by enhancing efficiency and accuracy in inventory management and order fulfillment. With the ability to automatically deliver medications and supplies to operators, these systems reduce the time spent searching for products, minimizing errors and improving workflow.
Vertical Buffer Modules
Vertical buffer modules are bin-based automated storage systems designed for slow-moving items or buffer stock. Like vertical lift modules, they maximize vertical space and follow the goods-to-person principle, delivering items directly to an ergonomic picking station. However, vertical buffer modules provide greater flexibility with individual bins or trays for various small-volume goods. By restricting access to one bin at a time, they significantly reduce picking errors.
Features & Benefits:
- Parts are delivered directly to the operator, drastically reducing retrieval time
- High-density vertical design provides a higher storage capacity in a smaller footprint
- Parts are delivered using the shortest travel path, providing ultra-fast access for efficient picking
- Controlled access provides security and nearly eliminates picking errors
- Energy-efficient design consumes only a third of the energy used by comparable designs, with no energy recovery
Vertical buffer modules significantly benefit the pharmaceutical industry by optimizing space utilization and improving inventory management for slow-moving and buffer stock. Their goods-to-person design enhances picking accuracy and workflow efficiency, reducing errors and strain on employees.
Enhance Your Pharmaceutical Operations with SSG
Kardex automated storage systems deliver unparalleled advantages in efficiency, accuracy, and space optimization for pharmaceutical companies. Whether for inventory management, laboratory supplies, or medications, these systems offer dependable, scalable solutions that adhere to the industry's stringent standards. Contact us today at 866-447-3848 or complete our free quote form to discover how we can revolutionize your storage and retrieval processes.
