Alliance Healthcare orders a complete system delivery from Element Logic. The project is the second largest of its kind in Norway. 

The delivery will consist of an AutoStore solution, a complete conveyor system with stacking robots and software from Element Logic.

“For us, it is essential to have a robust production to be able to provide a steady delivery to our customers,” says Rune Rørvik, Supply Chain & Operations Director at Alliance Healthcare.

Alliance Healthcare Norge (AHN) is the wholesaler for AHN Apotekdrift. They supply products to their 150 Boots pharmacies, hospitals and hospital pharmacies, as well as independent pharmacies in Apotekergruppen. AHN is one of five authorized wholesalers offering a full range of pharmaceuticals in Norway. 

We approached the biggest players in the industry for this project and Element Logic delivered the overall best solution

Rune Rørvik, Supply Chain & Operations Director at Alliance Healthcare

Solution approved for the pharmaceutical industry 

A great effort has been made to develop the best possible solution using standard technology, tailored to the customer’s exact needs. Together with partners Dynatec and Beston, Element Logic delivers a complete solution, not just a standalone AutoStore. 

“At Element Logic, we strive to be a trusted integrator and comprehensive solutions provider. We have worked very closely together, and both parties have been truly passionate about their profession. We are proud to deliver such a project for Alliance Healthcare,” says Niklas Poulsen, Head of Account Management at Element Logic. 

The new warehouse covers 15,000 square meters, and the AutoStore solution will keep track of most products. It includes 45,000 bins, 72 of AutoStore’s brand new robots with Lithium-Ion batteries and 24 ports. The lithium-ion batteries allow the AutoStore robots to run significantly longer working days without major charging breaks – up to 24/7 if necessary. 

“This is the first time the solution has been approved for the pharmaceutical industry in Norway. The industry imposes exceptionally strict standards for accuracy, particularly in picking and deliveries, so it’s gratifying to meet those expectations,” says Poulsen.

Interested in learning more about warehouse automation in the pharmaceutical industry? Read about how the online pharmacy Apotea uses AutoStore and automation from Element Logic. 

Challenging the standard 

Element Logic is also delivering its software portfolio. It will contribute to a unique automation system that allows the customer to operate optimally and efficiently. Everything is tailored to Alliance Healthcare’s needs. 

“We see great potential for AutoStore solutions in the pharmaceutical industry because it ensures efficiency, safety and accurate picking. Precise picking is essential for the safety required in this industry, as well as customized processes for different needs,” says Poulsen. 

The AutoStore system offers several key advantages; less maintenance, multiple storage units in a single solution, and more reliable than most other solutions. Additionaly, AutoStore requires less manual labor and has lower investment and operating costs than the traditional automation solution for the pharmaceutical industry. 

“We are really challenging the standard with great success,” says Poulsen. 

A door opener to other markets 

Alliance Healthcare is part of the American group Cencora. Globally, all their units are now transitioning to a new phase, focusing on adopting automation at an entirely new level 

“Our success in Norway will be of great importance. Hopefully, we’ll be able to use Element Logic’s solutions in the rest of Europe and the US. This can really be a door opener” says Rørvik. 

He wants to highlight the team at Element Logic and their dedication throughout the nearly three-year tender process 

“The team at Element Logic has simply been a pleasure to work with. They’ve been very forward-thinking, and solution orientated. We’re a little apprehensive, because there’s an incredible amount of work ahead of us, but most of all we’re looking forward to really getting started in the new year”.