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Case studies
Industry expertise
Case study: Australian Pharmaceutical Industries
Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) is one of the largest pharmaceutical wholesalers in Australia with an annual turnover exceeding A$2 billion. The company manufactures and distributes a large range of pharmaceutical and healthcare products to pharmacies, medical centres and hospitals throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The challenge
API’s customers require prompt and precise fulfillment of orders (often within hours) making it essential that business operations continued as normal throughout the relocation with no interruption or degradation to customer service.
The project consisted of relocating 230 office staff, 18,000 inventory and 22,000 stock items, a high proportion of which required specialised handling, refrigeration and security measures.
API required a relocation specialist that could provide a total service, including business continuity planning, risk analysis, auditable ‘track and trace’ systems to confirm the accuracy of inventory pick/pack/put-away and specialised transportation to ensure compliance with government regulations and security requirements.
What made this a Smart Move
Atlantis’ experience relocating laboratories, health and pharmaceutical companies means we understand that API operates in a heavily regulated environment and needed to maintain continuing compliance and a high level of security at all times.
To ensure these stringent parameters were met, Atlantis appointed a dedicated Strategic Analyst and Senior Project Manager to work onsite for a three month period to meticulously plan each element of the relocation, down to a minuscule level of detail. Atlantis also contracted an independent stocktaking firm to provide specialised auditing expertise and processes.
Atlantis conducted an initial trial of 1500 product lines, in advance of the main move, to test the methodology and guarantee smooth execution of:
- Inventory controls
- Quarantine and transit areas
- Pick/pack and unpacking processes
- Security plans and procedures
- Staff, vehicle and travel route contingency plans
Results
Despite the enormity of the task, meticulous planning and execution of the relocation enabled API to be fully operational throughout the process, with minimal disruption to its clients and business operations. In addition, tight controls, implementation of proven processes and use of appropriate technologies ensured there were no security breaches and no lost or damaged product.
Project Summary |
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State: |
NSW |
Year: |
2003 |
Duration: |
3 months |
Industry: |
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testimonial
The successful relocation of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries' (API) inventory was a vital component of the design, construction and overall relocation project to move API’s main distribution centre.
The project was very complex due to the high number of product lines and because a high proportion of products are not in sealed containers, or require specialist handling.
Atlantis played an integral role and managed the planning, stock take and total relocation of the inventory, which was completed successfully and very efficiently.
Atlantis also managed and executed the relocation of the corporate office and 230 staff. The relocation was executed seamlessly, with minimal disruption to business operations.
Atlantis worked very well with API’s key operations and other management and was highly professional throughout. I have no hesitation in commending Atlantis on a complex job well done.
Joel Williams
Systems and Logistics
API