Swiss multinational Roche has recently opened a new logistics centre in Spain to carry out the distribution of products from it In-vitro Diagnostics Systems Division (Roche Diagnostics) to both the Iberian Peninsula and southern Europe, as well as supply specific product lines to additional international markets. Considered as a strategic move by the company, the platform has been conceived in such a way that, should need be, the Spanish centre would be capable of taking over the workload of its main European distribution centre in Mannheim, Germany, for a given period of time.

All operations in the installation are controlled by a computer system called LVS. With 25 terminals connected to it, the systems is the result of combining the corporate system (SAP) used for financial and administration operations and the electrical part that makes feed elements work (PLCs). To handle the flow of material and stock, the LVS uses bar code readers and radio frequency technology. Among other functions, the system performs the following operations: it makes volume calculations to determine the number of boxes needed for each order; it assigns each box to a specific order by automatically placing a label on it; it handles restocking on the basis of FEFE and/or FIFO variables; it integrates information into the computer systems of carriers that work with Roche; it tracks and verifies the specific needs of hazardous products (ADR). The system also handles the traceability of returns, so that in case of stock-out, the returned products can be associated to a new order.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: 

Mini-Load Warehouse (at room temperature):

Shelving Length: 70,469mm
Shelving Width: 5125mm
Shelving Height: 10,682mm
Number of Modules (length): 126 (520.5mm)
Load Levels (height): 40/41/45 (162.5/225/325mm)
No of Aisles: 1
Unit Load: Euroboxes of 400mm x 600mm x 140/200/300mm)
Maximum Load: 30kg/box
Total Capacity: 12,828 boxes
Dynamic Picking Exits: 84

Mini-Load Warehouse (under refrigeration):

Shelving Length: 70,719mm
Shelving Width: 7280mm
Shelving Height: 10,682mm
Number of Modules (length): 126 (520.5mm)
Load Levels (height): 41/42/44/45 (162.5/225/325mm)
No of Aisles: 1
Unit Load: Euroboxes of 400mm x 600mm x 140/200/300mm)
Maximum Load: 30kg/box
Total Capacity: 14,466 boxes
Dynamic Picking Exits: 168