for Maria Middelares, a non-profit medical organization in Belgium, AutoStore system and Aalter in East Flanders, about 60 km west of Brussels.
Maria Middelares employs around 400 physicians and 2,500 staff members across its facilities. "The implementation of the AutoStore system represents a significant step in modernizing our logistics processes," says Isabel Verniers, project manager at Maria Middelares and reporting directly to management. "With this system, we expect to increase our operational efficiency by approximately 30 percent"At the same time, the high-density storage enables the management of larger inventories in a smaller footprint and supports the strategic goal of supplying additional hospitals in the future.
High-density storage
The solution impressed with its high scalability, an integrated risk mitigation concept with backup technology, low total cost of ownership, and a reliable service package. According to Maria Middelares' management, these factors were decisive in their decision. The centralization of warehouse processes, in which the integration of the AutoStore system plays a key role, will increase the efficiency of the facilities: Purchasing larger quantities will reduce the number of deliveries and decrease traffic congestion around the sites.
All images: Dematic
The new logistics center is located on a brownfield site in the De Prijkels industrial area in Nazareth, East Flanders, and combines the warehouse and pharmacy functions of the hospitals in Ghent and Deinze, as well as the ambulance services in Gentbrugge and Aalter.
The system consists of a 4.5 m high frame with space for up to six workstations and a capacity of over 12,000 storage containers. The first phase of expansion will include 6,000 containers, three by adding more containers and robots Storage and order picking capacity can be quickly and flexibly expanded in the future
Compactness is crucial
Thanks to its broad portfolio of automated storage and order picking solutions, Dematic was able to develop a customized concept that precisely meets the hospitals' requirements. Stijn Wouters, Senior Sales Manager at Dematic, explains: "After analyzing the specific product features and order patterns, it was clear that an AutoStore system was the best choice. (...) were crucial building proportions"The solution also impressed in terms of cost-efficiency, reliability, and energy-saving potential.
Dematic was selected through a comprehensive European tender process involving several AutoStore partners. The bids were evaluated based on predefined criteria. Verniers emphasizes: "Dematic achieved a near-perfect rating – both in terms of the technical solution and total cost of ownership, project approach, and service and after-sales support." Maria Middelares adds that reliability and continuity are particularly crucial for the Ghent and Deinze locations .
“For a hospital, it is essential that disruptions are resolved immediately, as the products picked in the AutoStore can be vital for our patients. Delivery delays must not occur,” adds Verniers.
Farly Orie, Head of the Benelux Market at Dematic, emphasizes: “This project goes far beyond mere technological progress. It is a strategic step towards more efficient and reliable hospital logistics, which directly contributes to the health and well-being of our society. At the same time, it demonstrates that through intelligent automation we can elevate healthcare to a new level – to the benefit of patients and medical staff alike.”
