Case Study: Covance

System Summary

Covance provides “value-added” design, distribution, operations and analysis for medical diagnostic testing. At the company’s distribution centers, kits are assembled with appropriate vials and related medical diagnostic devices and shipped out to customers. Where what once existed was a predominantly manual system, utilizing relatively unsophisticated material handling technologies. Bastian Material Handling has created a state of the art, automated solution. The result is a dramatic increase in efficiency, putting Covance in an excellent position for continued growth including:

Increased capacity
100% quality control
Improved productivity through automation
Produced a robust process and audit record

Key Technologies

Batch Pick To Light (PTL) Work Cells
RF picking and put-away
Dynamic pack stations
Automated manifest Exacta™ Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Graphic Interface (HMI)
High speed bowl feeders for the top five (5) velocity SKU’s
Twelve (12) popular pick light directed picking workstations with IR task completion sensors.
Two (2) deep catalogue horizontal carousel workstations with integrated Pick to Light (PTL) shelving locations

Graphic Interface (HMI)

Results

2 Times increase line items per person hour
100% quality control
Improved productivity through automation
Solution produced a robust process and audit record
Ability to grow with new business