A tailor-made META-Lagertechnik Austria storage solution in Vienna has recently been handed over and successfully put into operation to its customer VIVISOL. The logistics centre for medical supplies is yet another example of the expertise and benefits that META offers its customers under the name META-ILS (Innovative Logistic Solutions).
VIVISOL is among the leading medical technology service providers in the field of homecare services, offering comprehensive nursing care and medical technology support both in the home environment and in specialised facilities. This includes core areas such as oxygen and sleep apnoea therapy, ventilation therapy and monitoring/diagnostics. Today, VIVISOL cares for more than 750,000 patients across Europe. So-called VIVISOL AtemCenters store and provide therapy equipment for homecare, e.g. in Vienna, where META-Lagertechnik Austria has now implemented a custom-designed storage solution.
Since as early as 1972, META-Lagertechnik Ges.m.b.H has been an expert partner for the Austrian market and has become a leading supplier of innovative storage solutions and state-of-the-art technology for efficient warehouse management and logistics.
Perfect combination
META offers customised solutions for complex tasks in the field of warehouse automation with conveyor technology under the name META-ILS. Customers worldwide benefit from the full package of efficient conveyor technology combined with premium warehouse technology. It is this very expertise and the perfect combination that took centre stage in the realisation at the VIVISOL AtemCenter in Vienna. META was awarded the contract for this project not least due to its many successful references in this field and its META-ILS expertise.
The result: considerably more efficient order picking
At the heart of the system are META MULTILINE order picking racks with integrated flow lanes, providing storage capacity for approx. 2,800 containers on the lower levels of several META MULTIPAL pallet racking rows. Comprehensive consulting and analysis has paved the way for significantly shorter and more efficient picking routes. The result of combining static racking technology and conveyor technology is indeed impressive: a significant time saving of 45% has been achieved, as measured and documented by the customer VIVISOL.
Using roller and vertical conveyors across all storage levels, automated goods/container transport is carried out with maximum efficiency, including the entire logistics chain from goods receipt to goods issue.
Separate area for returned goods
Another result of the process: returned goods are consistently separated from regular stock so that contaminated devices are stored strictly apart from non-contaminated goods.
A vertical conveyor now transports the returned devices to the first floor, where they are then thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. This area is located in a separate fire protection section, which required the integration of a fire-protection door. Here, the fire door has been connected and synchronised with the conveyor technology in operation – a real technical challenge that was successfully mastered.
Once the goods receipt and decontamination processes are complete, the devices are returned to the warehouse and put back into circulation by means of a second vertical conveyor.
Further storage areas and storage solutions
Additionally, further storage areas have been created involving the optimum use of META storage systems. META CLIP shelving and hazardous materials racks are used to create individually adaptable storage spaces for hazardous materials requiring special storage conditions. Further storage levels have been created using a steel platform equipped with an emergency ladder to ensure an escape route.
