Dr. Max BDC s.r.o., which claims to be one of Europe’s largest pharmaceutical chains, offers medication and a wide selection of health and cosmetic products in its stores. This portfolio, along with a 55% year-over-year increase in e-commerce revenue in 2023, poses a major challenge for the company.
Prague-based Dr. Max said it remains committed to providing fast delivery to end customers, including via home delivery or click-and-collect pickup in pharmacies.
To keep this commitment, the chain turned to Geekplus Technology Co., a developer of mobile robots and smart logistics systems. In collaboration with integrator SSI Schaefer, Geek+ has implemented what it described as its first Tote-to-Person system in Italy.
“Geek+’s mobile robots ensure quick and efficient replenishment of our broad product portfolio and thus optimize our order processing,” stated Miguel Martins da Silva, group chief supply chain officer at Dr. Max. “Furthermore, the ergonomic workstations and intuitive software take a noticeable load off our employees – thus benefiting us twice over.”
Dr. Max uses SSI Schaefer, Geek+ tools at Telgate facility
The system deployed at Dr. Max in Telgate, Italy, is part of Geek+’s Goods-to-Person (G2P) suite. It combines an 8-m-high (26.25-ft.-high) shuttle robot for vertical storage with a fulfillment robot to enable fast picking.
SSI Schaefer and Geek+ have already implemented similar systems in several of the chain’s European sites.
“The combination of our robots with SSI Schaefer’s components offers Dr. Max a variety of possibilities,” said Wayne Tai, channel partner manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Geek+. “Should the requirements change, the system can be customized at any time.”
“Plus, the replication of Geek+ solutions throughout Dr. Max facilities is proof that warehouse automation with mobile robots is a winning strategy,” he added.
Beijing-based Geek+ has developed autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and software for order fulfillment. The company, which is a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award winner for its PopPick system, said it has more than 1,000 customers worldwide. Last month, Geek+ surpassed 5 million picks with its G2P systems.
Pharmaceuticals to join e-commerce fulfillment
The new Dr. Max facility is focused on pharmaceutical and cosmetics e-commerce fulfillment. The company said this ensures efficient processes and a seamless supply chain and paves the way for future growth. The new warehouse will gradually handle pharmacy deliveries in addition to e-commerce orders.
From automatic order start and picking directly into cartons to automated shipping preparation, including volume reduction and carton sealing, the e-commerce fulfillment center integrates a range of warehouse automation.
“It is important to us to flexibly tailor our solutions to the requirements of our customers,” said Oleg Rak, project manager at SSI Schaefer. “Thanks to the cooperation with Geek+, we were able to implement a sustainable concept for Dr. Max that sets industry-wide standards and can be flexibly implemented at other sites.”
