"Pharmaceuticals is one of our most important markets," says Paul Hermsen, CEO of Inther Group. "The order profile is fundamentally different from e-commerce. While the average online retail order consists of barely more than one or two items, pharmacies and hospitals often have dozens. Moreover, punctuality and reliability are crucial."

To meet these demands, Inther Group offers advanced solutions such as the A-Frame for automated order picking. This technology is ideally suited for pharmaceutical products and boxes. An order is assembled and automatically packed within seconds. "This is not only lightning fast, but also extremely error-free," says Hermsen.

^{The Inther A-Frame for automated order picking}

Central Filling and FMD: convenience and security

Central Filling is gaining popularity for repeat prescriptions and home medication: orders are shipped directly from a central warehouse to the customer, without the intervention of the pharmacy. "Reliability is paramount here," emphasizes Hermsen. "After all, the customer receives the medication immediately, without the checks of a traditional pharmacist."

Inther also developed its own FMD solution, a system that automatically checks medicines against the European Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD). "This verifies that every medicine is authentic and not counterfeit," explains Hermsen.

Automation pays off in complex situations

According to Inther, the pharmaceutical sector is ideally suited for extensive automation. Not only because of the reliability requirements, but also because of staff shortages and rising labor costs. "We focus on distribution centers with at least twenty to thirty employees. There's real potential to benefit from our technology there," says Hermsen. "It can result in a productivity increase of up to 50 percent."

From advice to service

Inther not only offers the technology but also guides clients from analysis and business case to implementation and long-term service. "We start with consultancy: understanding the problem and what's needed," says Hermsen. A solution is then developed, built, and implemented. Even after delivery, Inther remains involved with long-term service contracts. "Some clients have been working with us for over twenty years."

Within Inther Group, the pharmaceutical sector has become a spearhead. With references in pharmacy chains and surgical equipment suppliers, among others, the company positions itself as a specialist. "It's a manageable market with high demands," says Hermsen. "But that's precisely why we can make a difference."