State-of-the-art procedures (paperless scanner technology or pick-by-light, for example) are applied to the picking process. A customized logistics concept with optimized routes is developed based on the structural data and the requirements of the specific customer project.

Cutting-edge technology for optimal processes

Modern radio frequency scanners are used in each picking area to register batch-oriented orders and control replenishment. An IT interface module is used to link the RF scanners directly to the IT system.

The actual picking is a single-stage process based on the division of labor. Here again, the package predetermination is used to enable picking directly into the shipping carton. The system generates one picklist per package with information that includes the shipping materials, article number, batch, expiration date of the picked article, quantity and storage bin. The picklist data -customer address, package number of the freight carrier,
etc. - is generated directly from the IT system.

Final quality control for maximum security

The picked units are accumulated sector by sector until complete, given an address label and freight carrier ID code, sealed and finally moved via transport technology to the central pharma goods issue center. Since the batch numbers and expiration dates are recorded when the goods are received, the system can select the outbound articles based on the closest expiration dates.

The final quality control takes place at the package level. Each picked package is identified, checked for repeat shipments and weighed to compare the actual weight with the anticipated weight. If the weight tolerance is exceeded even slightly, the package contents are subjected to an additional, detailed check.

FEFO or FIFO principle

Like the replenishment control in the warehouse, picking and the posting of pharmaceutical goods issue is based on the FEFO principle (first expired, first out). The FIFO principle (first in, first out) is applied to other articles unless the customer requests otherwise.

Repackaging and relabeling for customer orders

arvato services healthcare’s production license allows the repackaging and relabeling of products for customer orders. Pharmaceutical goods are picked in a separate security zone that is protected against unauthorized access.