MMH    Topics 

New DC technology stops the bleeding for hospital

In-hospital DC improves efficiency and speed with minimal interruption.


Recently, an Ottawa, Ontario, healthcare facility recognized potential efficiencies in its supply chain. With a mix of warehousing automation, integration and streamlined material flow, the facility increased the speed and accuracy of material deliveries to medical staff. The changes allowed staff to remain focused on helping patients instead of chasing supplies, while savings went toward improving patient health.

In late 2010, the facility commissioned a complete update of its paper-based picking and putaway system. Rebuilt horizontal carousel systems were used as the materials handling backbone for the in-hospital DC. Project planning in advance of physical implementation included systematic material slotting, optimized floor plan layouts and software integration.

The installation created minimal material flow disruption to the hospital floors. For instance, the installation of racking replacement and carousel were scheduled for a single weekend. Temporary material staging was designed using mobile cart systems, ensuring all product was tracked during the move.

When the system went live, any doubt or anxiety quickly diminished as associates realized the ease and simplicity of the carousel operation. The facility now enjoys faster order fulfillment, improved material accuracy and reduced costs.

AS/R Systems
847-955-0980
[url=http://www.asrsystems.com]http://www.asrsystems.com[/url]

More Storage coverage.

More from Modern’s 2012 Casebook


Article Topics

Features
Automated Storage
Automation
Casebook
Storage
   All topics

Latest in Materials Handling

Beckhoff USA opens new office in Austin, Texas
Manhattan Associates selects TeamViewer as partner for warehouse vision picking
ASME Foundation wins grant for technical workforce development
The (Not So) Secret Weapons: How Key Cabinets and Asset Management Lockers Are Changing Supply Chain Operations
MODEX C-Suite Interview with Harold Vanasse: The perfect blend of automation and sustainability
Consultant and industry leader John M. Hill passes on at age 86
Registration open for Pack Expo International 2024
More Materials Handling

About the Author

Josh Bond
Josh Bond was Senior Editor for Modern through July 2020, and was formerly Modern’s lift truck columnist and associate editor. He has a degree in Journalism from Keene State College and has studied business management at Franklin Pierce University.
Follow Modern Materials Handling on FaceBook

Subscribe to Materials Handling Magazine

Subscribe today!
Not a subscriber? Sign up today!
Subscribe today. It's FREE.
Find out what the world's most innovative companies are doing to improve productivity in their plants and distribution centers.
Start your FREE subscription today.

Latest Resources

Materials Handling Robotics: The new world of heterogeneous robotic integration
In this Special Digital Edition, the editorial staff of Modern curates the best robotics coverage over the past year to help track the evolution of this piping hot market.
Case study: Optimizing warehouse space, performance and sustainability
Optimize Parcel Packing to Reduce Costs
More resources

Latest Resources

2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
This research was conducted by Peerless Research Group on behalf of Modern Materials Handling to assess usage and purchase intentions forautomation systems...
How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
Discover how your storage practices could be affecting your pest control program and how to prevent pest infestations in your business. Join...

Warehousing Outlook 2023
Warehousing Outlook 2023
2023 is here, and so are new warehousing trends.
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Today’s robotic and data-driven automation systems can minimize disruptions and improve the life and productivity of warehouse operations.
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Download this white paper to learn more about how both systems compare.