A solid partnership, solid logistics: SSI Schaefer builds a highly automated warehouse for CERP

• CERP and SSI Schaefer continue their collaboration with a new logistics center in Wissous, France.
• Tailor-made solution for maximum efficiency and delivery quality in pharmaceutical logistics
• Integration of dynamic storage with integrated shuttles, piece picking robots , ergonomic workstations, A-Frame automated picking systems , and intelligent logistics software

CERP is one of the leading pharmaceutical wholesalers in France . Its integration into a cooperative and fraternal structure provides a key competitive advantage: many of the pharmacies it supplies are also members or shareholders. This close relationship strengthens customer loyalty and makes the pharmaceutical distributor a long-term partner for many pharmacies. For many years, SSI Schaefer and CERP have maintained a trusted collaboration through several joint projects. CERP has proven to be a particularly innovative partner, exploring new avenues in collaboration with intralogistics experts, from pilot projects to the development of cutting-edge, customized solutions. Another innovative warehouse, equipped with a high-performance solution from SSI Schaefer, is currently under construction in Wissous.

The new logistics center is being developed on a greenfield site with a high degree of automation and will seamlessly integrate the processes of the former Plessis-Robinson site. Spanning 15,000 m², the Wissous facility will handle approximately 30,000 different product references. The goal is to increase throughput and efficiently process larger volumes. By optimizing all processes, CERP will be able to respond even more quickly and flexibly to the growing demands of its customers and market trends.

This innovative solution includes storage and order picking systems, storage bins, conveyor technologies, a push sorter conveyor for smooth shipment processing, and intelligent software. At the heart of the new warehouse is dynamic storage with integrated shuttles, offering over 90,000 storage locations for maximum capacity and short access times. Two SSI Piece Picking robots , three one- level Advanced Pick Stations , and a fully automated A-Frame system with over 2,900 product channels ensure fast and ergonomic order picking based on the " goods - to-person " principle.

The entire installation is controlled by the WAMAS Warehouse Control System (WCS), which coordinates all processes in real time, significantly increasing efficiency, productivity, and process safety. The integrated WAMAS Control Center serves as a central platform for monitoring and providing information on all processes, ensuring maximum transparency.

This concept is complemented by the comprehensive services offered by SSI Schaefer: technical support, targeted training, structured spare parts management, and the WAMAS Maintenance Center, a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for efficient management of maintenance activities. All these elements make this a complete and sustainable solution for pharmaceutical logistics.

“With this new facility, we are resolutely pursuing our strategic objective of sustainably strengthening our position as an essential partner for pharmacists in their drug supply,” explains Jérôme Ibar (Technical Director of CERP). “The logistics center is perfectly suited to our needs and allows us to continue our automation and future growth.”

This shared vision unites CERP and SSI Schaefer. Based on the trust they have built, the new facility in Wissous is expected to open in October 2026. The challenges are significant: a tight schedule and the need for parallel coordination between different trades for a commissioning planned for late 2027/early 2028. However, thanks to the close collaboration of a well-established team, both partners are confident that this project will also be a resounding success.