Optimizing Medical Warehousing with Kardex Automated Solutions

In the healthcare sector, time and accuracy are critical. Recognizing this, Karlstad Central Hospital (Sweden) partnered with Kardex Remstar, through system integrator ETEK Intralogistics, to modernize its medical supplies storage and distribution system. The project delivered outstanding results—from major space savings to improved quality of patient care.

Karlstad’s Challenge: Time Loss and Inefficient Storage Space

Karlstad is a leading regional hospital in Värmland County, serving over 350,000 patients annually, with a total area of 147,000 m², 3,200 staff, and 600 beds.

An internal survey revealed that nurses spent up to 4 hours per shift searching for and distributing supplies such as gloves, syringes, drapes, and more. In addition, excessive on-site inventory occupied valuable space that could otherwise be used for patient care.

Kardex Solution: Shuttle 500 – Space Optimization and Automated Picking

With support from Kardex experts and ETEK Intralogistics, Karlstad Hospital implemented the Kardex Shuttle 500, a 25-meter-high automated storage system installed at the center of the new building.

Outstanding system highlights:

• 5 access openings across 5 floors, integrated with Pick-to-Light LED guidance for fast and accurate picking
• 125 trays with stainless steel dividers, meeting strict medical hygiene standards
• 10 storage zones tailored to different item sizes and categories
• Full integration with the hospital’s existing ERP system, supported by two redundant servers to ensure 100% uptime

Learn more here: CaseStudy_EN_Karlstad.pdf

Impressive Results

• 75% reduction in time spent picking and distributing supplies
• 90% reduction in capital tied up in inventory
• 4–5 additional hospital beds per floor thanks to freed-up storage space
• Zero picking errors, significantly improving safety and accuracy

Kardex Shuttle 500 System Specifications at Karlstad

• Dimensions: 2,450 mm (W) × 813 mm (D) × 25,000 mm (H)
• Number of trays: 125
• Integration: Pick-to-Light LEDs, handheld devices, WMS software integrated with ERP
• Data security: Two redundant servers ensuring continuous operation

ETEK – Trusted Kardex Partner in Vietnam

From Karlstad Hospital to numerous healthcare and industrial projects, ETEK Intralogistics is proud to be a leading provider of advanced Kardex automated storage solutions in Vietnam. Beyond equipment supply, we offer end-to-end consulting, system design, and integration tailored to each customer’s operational needs.

Looking to optimize your medical supplies warehouse or internal hospital logistics?

Contact ETEK today for consultation and a live demo of the Kardex Shuttle system.