Controlled temperature storage – the role of automation
Pharmaceutical product storage requires the highest standards and places extreme demands on hygiene and process reliability. Quality assurance plays a central role because every mistake has a direct impact on a consumer’s health.
LOGISTICS COSTS are increasingly becoming a focus of corporate planning. Added to this are the increasing expectations of customers in regard to the ability to deliver.
Automation makes it possible to achieve error-free workflows and complete traceability back to the origin of every batch. Automated storage and order picking also ensures lower costs, maximum use of space, optimal climatic conditions, and absolute cleanliness.
Merck is committed to changing the world through science and technology. They develop and supply specialised products in the healthcare field. Their newly constructed research building required three zones to supply, prepare, manage, and store pharmaceutical research substances under special storage conditions. Laboratory staff required access to the refrigerated warehouse from a room temperature area, and a redundancy system was needed to secure the controlled storage condition and technology.
Kardex implemented a customised solution including three standard Vertical Lift Modules and a Shuttle XP, modified for chilled conditions. Metal sheets on the Kardex Shuttle trays create subdivisions. Laser pointers and position indicators show an item’s exact position and identify the correct product to pick. A refrigeration unit cools the Shuttle and as a back-up, in the event of a fault, a redundant colling unit with redundant sensors takes over. The air is dehumidified by a drying device to prevent humidity from condensing and icing in the Kardex Shuttle. It is now easier to access the stored goods and Shuttle is clad in insulating panels. This allows operators to access the air-conditioned units directly from a room temperature laboratory.
Quality control plays a central role in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must observe specific guidelines during production. Among other things, these aim to ensure compliance with specified hygiene, temperature, and climatic conditions. Kardex offers diverse storage solutions under controlled conditions.
To learn more contact us at www.kardex.com or visit us at Kardex | Intralogistics Solutions for Pharmaceuticals
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