The 250,000^m2 facility features temperature-controlled logistics and automated order fulfillment with state-of-the-art technologies and systems to help Nahdi ensure medical safety in accordance with the latest international standards and best practice regulations of the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA). The facility, powered by SSI Schaefer technology, was developed in collaboration with the Saudi Industrial Cities and Technology Zones Authority (MODON) as the first smart distribution center in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) retail sector.

200 million medical devices per year

The IMDAD is designed to process around 200 million medical products per year. This is an unprecedented performance made possible by the state-of-the-art SSI Schaefer shuttle system SSI Cuby in combination with pick-by-light picking and an intelligent system infrastructure. With the help of automation, the IMDAD can handle up to 600 shipping containers with more than 10,000 order lines per hour. SSI Schaefer's scope of supply and services covers a wide range of trades and processes, from goods receiving and repacking of products, goods-to-person picking with SSI Cuby, pick-by-light picking, conveyor technology, automatic container closing machine, labeling and strapping machine to sorting and preparation for shipping. The entire solution is controlled and managed by SSI Schaefer's Wamas logistics software.

In addition to the SSI Cuby goods-to-person and pick-by-light areas with 37,260 and 26,500 bin storage locations respectively to support picking of fast and slow-moving items, SSI Schaefer's scope of supply includes an extensive pallet warehouse for the storage and picking of medical devices, returns handling and other related processes. These storage areas include a special channel storage system with the automated SSI Orbiter with picking tunnels to increase performance, a racking system, a pallet live storage system, shelves, a multi-level racking system with high-quality steel construction and a live storage system for cartons.

"In a climate characterized by many uncertainties, modern and automated intralogistics solutions are becoming a trend and a future prospect for many companies. In the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, the benefits are reflected throughout the entire supply chain. Through understanding operations and processes, comprehensive data, performance analysis and design consultancy, the technologies and innovations provided by SSI Schaefer enable higher efficiency standards, accurate reporting and ensure quality customer service," said Ayman ALA'mar, GM at SSI Schaefer Saudi Arabia.

Integrity, productivity and performance efficiency

SSI Schaefer's Wamas warehouse management system provides the ability to track goods within the warehouse in real time. It not only fulfills Nahdi's vision of providing world-class services, but also enables the company to efficiently track and move its goods both by batch and according to the FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) principle. This ensures integrity, productivity and performance efficiency, as well as accurate documentation that ensures all goods are accounted for, preventing theft.

Yasser Joharji, CEO of Nahdi Medical Company, describes the successful collaboration: "IMDAD's vision stems from Nahdi's unwavering commitment to achieving 'Vision 2030' and the goals of the National Industrial Development Program, which is committed to creating and improving the performance of logistics centers across the Kingdom. SSI Schaefer has played an integral role in making this vision a reality. IMDAD has been equipped with the latest technologies that not only help us to deliver world class services, but also ensure higher standards of efficiency, accurate reporting and quality customer service. Many thanks to the SSI Schaefer team who have supported us tirelessly at all stages of this project. The launch of IMDAD marks a significant milestone in our journey to become our customers' favorite and most trusted partner - a milestone that reinforces our commitment to serving millions of customers across the UK as efficiently as possible."

Raed Monagel, CSCO of Nahdi Medical Company, adds: "IMDAD is the largest pharmaceutical distribution center in the Middle East, designed to ensure medical safety in line with the latest international systems and reflecting Nahdi's role as an effective partner in supporting 'Vision 2030'. With SSI Schaefer's extensive experience in the region, on-site engineering and after-sales services to provide complete solutions that add value to customers' specific needs, Nahdi Medical Company can make this great vision a reality."

This article appeared in materialfluss 10/22.