A pharmaceutical sorting system that integrates autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), a digital picking system, and a weight inspection system.
Hokuyaku Co., Ltd.
Introduction video of the case study.
A pharmaceutical sorting system combining autonomous transport robots and a digital picking system (DPS).
Maximizing accuracy and efficiency with a dual-check system utilizing digital displays and weight inspection.
- Background of the implementation
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Solutions to Address the "2024 Logistics Crisis"
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Physical strain caused by using 20kg picking carts.
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- Key Factors for Implementation Decisions
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Improved sorting speed compared to traditional systems without the need to alter the existing environment.
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Enables short-term implementation without halting logistics operations.
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- Impact after implementation
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Increase processing capacity by approximately 1.1 times without additional staffing.
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Reduce errors with dual verification through digital displays and weight inspection.
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Reducing worker strain through the use of picking carts.
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Background of the implementation
Solutions to Address the "2024 Logistics Crisis"
Although efforts were made to bring forward the collection time of trucks and order goods to be delivered on different days, a fundamental solution was not found.
Worker strain caused by the use of 20 kg picking carts.
Employees were required to walk while pushing carts weighing approximately 20 kg, which posed a significant physical strain.
Key Factors for Implementation Decisions
Improved sorting speed compared to traditional systems without the need to alter the existing environment.
Due to warehouse layout constraints, the system combining transport robots and DPS offers improved sorting speed compared to traditional systems.
Enables implementation in a short period without halting logistics operations.
As a critical hub that consolidates pharmaceuticals from manufacturers within and outside the region, sorts them by item and quantity, and delivers them to 20 branches across the prefecture, the ability to implement the system without halting logistics operations was a key factor.
Impact after implementation
Increase processing capacity by approximately 1.1 times without additional staffing.
Capable of handling future increases in workload with the current number of workers.
Reduce errors with dual verification through digital displays and weight inspection.
Eliminate system-based checks for picking operations handling up to 20,000 types and a total of 190,000 to 200,000 items per day.
Reducing worker strain through the use of picking carts.
Employees no longer need to push carts back and forth between shelves, significantly reducing walking distance.
