As part of the modernisation strategy developed by NHS National Procurement to streamline the way supplies are ordered, stored and delivered to hospitals across Scotland, a brand new 100,000sqft. NDC was planned to operate as a computerised logistical hub incorporating the most modern storage and distribution systems. The warehouse can stock 12,000 items and has 10,000 pallet and 8,000 shelf locations.
Following a formal competitive tender process, Conveyor Systems was awarded the contract to supply a storage and handling system, which included a spiral conveyor belt to transfer products to and from a 2,000sq.m. mezzanine floor.
CSL had to present design proposals in accordance with stringent NHS supplier
specifications and Health & Safety policy, providing equipment specifications and detailed recommendations of how the installation would be Project Managed in conjunction with the main building construction.
The system had to maximise on storage areas, provided optimum workflow and efficiency in order picking and fulfilment to meet the demands of a site that will operate 24 hours a day from 2008 onwards. With similar project experience involving mezzanine floors and installation of over at least 30 spiral conveyors throughout various industrial sectors, CSL’s experience and competitive system designs provided the confidence and commitment for the National Procurement - NHS Distribution Centre to award the contract.
CSL’s proposals included for slower moving bulk products to be stored and picked on the mezzanine floor. Full plastic tote boxes are conveyed down a spiral belt conveyor for loading into a live storage system. The energy efficient spiral belt conveyor also provides the system with maximum handling flexibility, as it can safely convey products of various sizes and weights and can operate in reverse to transfer empty tote boxes or products back from ground floor up to the mezzanine level. The small foot print area of the spiral conveyor is also space saving in comparison to an inclined belt conveyor.
Below the mezzanine floor, orders are picked from tote bins that are located in an ergonomically designed live storage racking system, offering 120 picking locations and storage capacity for 480 tote bins.
“The whole project has been a great success as the entire building and fit out was completed on time and within budget. It was important that Conveyor Systems liaised closely with all parties involved in this major project and their experience in logistics and integrating of materials handling systems was certainly evident throughout this project. By streamlining NHS Scotland Logistics it is anticipated that savings of some £9M can be achieved each year and reinvested into patient care.”
Mr. Jack T McIntyre, the National Procurement Project Manager |
Material Handling Solutions