In pharmaceutical logistics—where handling sensitive products to ensure a high level of quality, efficiency, and flexibility is critical—each delivery must be right the first time. This vital function was top of mind for Swiss third-party logistics services provider (3PL) Alloga when company leaders set out to modernize operations in 2024. The 3PL specializes in delivering pharmaceutical products to pharmacies, hospitals, and medical professionals throughout Switzerland.
Alloga’s leaders teamed up with two long-time partners—systems integrator Flück Fördertechnik AG and material handling solutions provider Interroll—to expand the company’s distribution facility in Bern, Switzerland. The goal was to increase throughput within the facility’s limited space, expand storage and buffer capacity, and modernize its conveyor technology without stopping operations.
SMART AUTOMATION AT WORK
Partnering with Flück Fördertechnik AG and leveraging Interroll’s material handling technology, Alloga chose several solutions that included:
- Adding the Interroll Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP), which consists of preassembled modules for a quick and smooth implementation process;
- Incorporating zero-pressure-accumulation technology to enhance buffer capacity and optimize throughput;
- Designing custom loading towers that allow order pickers to load complete orders onto conveying lines, streamlining the shipping process;
- Automating intermediate buffers and ergonomic packing stations; and
- Extending the entire system using the same scalable platform.
Interroll’s MCP technology served as the foundation for the project, according to Stephan Loosli, sales director at Flück Fördertechnik.
“Interroll’s MCP [was] the ideal basis [for this modernization effort],” Loosli said in a case study describing the project. “It is flexible, scalable, [and built with] exceptional quality, which is exactly what we need for pharmaceutical logistics.”
The MCP’s preassembled modules for conveying, lifting, sorting, and storing—with its plug-and-play, zero-pressure accumulation and intelligent space utilization—made setup within Alloga’s facility fast and easy, Loosli also said.
ADDED VALUE
Alloga’s modernized conveyor technology quickly yielded solid results: The company doubled transport capacity to the shipping department, boosted throughput speed by 45%, increased storage capacity, improved ergonomics, reduced walking paths, and clocked more stable performance during peak periods—all of which improved the flow of goods throughout the building. Company leaders say the project also helped reduce the facility’s energy consumption and positions Alloga for future growth and expansion.
