Dematic Automation Solution Drives Precision and Productivity for Bio-Rad Singapore
Germaine Chang, Dematic Project Manager“Every step – picking, packing, sorting – had to be extremely precise to avoid errors. During testing and commissioning, our team worked closely with Bio-Rad to make minor adjustments and optimise each piece of equipment.”
Bio-Rad Laboratories is a global leader in life science and clinical diagnostics, supplying critical equipment and products to hospitals, laboratories, and research facilities across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. To keep up with surging demand and maintain the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, Bio-Rad needed to modernise its distribution centre in Singapore. Seeking support from the global leader in supply chain automation, Dematic, they implemented a purpose-built modular conveyor system (MCS), transforming warehouse operations through intelligent automation.
Reducing complexity through automation
The distribution centre in Singapore sits at the heart of Bio-Rad’s APAC operations, supporting both manufacturing and logistics for dozens of countries. This central role brings enormous complexity. Bio-Rad’s supply chain handles an extensive array of products, varying in size, weight, and packaging material, and many shipments require strict temperature controls. The margin for error is close to zero.
“Bio-Rad needed a solution that would remove manual decision-making and potential for error from the packing and shipping process,” says Terence Chan, Senior Sales Manager, Dematic Asia. “With such a diverse product range and so many stock keeping units (SKUs), it wasn’t enough to automate just one part of the operation. We had to reimagine the whole workflow.”
End-to-end conveyor automation
Dematic designed and delivered a fully automated conveyor system tailored to Bio-Rad’s requirements. The system includes intelligent sortation and cloud-based controls, all engineered to remove bottlenecks and manual decision points from the process.
“Once items are picked and placed on the conveyor, everything is managed automatically,” Chan explains. “The system diverts each product to the correct packing station, using the appropriate packing materials based on real-time data. From there, finished cartons are routed to the correct shipping lane for outbound processing.”
A key innovation in this project was the introduction of powered right-angle transfer (RAT) technology, which eliminated the need for compressed air systems. This not only reduces capital expenditure but also lowers ongoing maintenance requirements, making the solution more sustainable and cost-effective for Bio-Rad.
Cloud-based controls provide the flexibility to manage the system remotely. “With Dematic’s system architecture, authorised users can access diagnostics and make adjustments from anywhere with an internet connection,” adds Chan. “This capability proved invaluable during the commissioning phase and remains a huge advantage for ongoing support.”
Project execution: navigating challenges together
Dematic’s team, led by Project Manager Germaine Chang, navigated a highly complex rollout that required careful coordination across a broad mix of materials moving through the warehouse. The diverse nature of Bio-Rad’s inventory demanded a highly tailored approach to system design and implementation.
“There’s a huge variety in the products Bio-Rad handles, from very small vials to bulky diagnostic equipment,” says Chang. “Every step – picking, packing, sorting – had to be extremely precise to avoid errors. During testing and commissioning, our team worked closely with Bio-Rad to make minor adjustments and optimise each piece of equipment.”
Constant communication between Dematic and Bio-Rad was crucial to success. “Setting realistic goals and timelines was important, as well as keeping Bio-Rad informed of our progress every step of the way,” Chang explains. “We focused on continuous monitoring and improvement, ensuring the system delivered exactly what was needed.”
Delivering results: efficiency, accuracy, and peace of mind
Since going live, the automated conveyor system has brought measurable improvements to Bio-Rad’s distribution operations. Packing times have dropped, accuracy rates have climbed, and the cold chain process is now faster and more controlled.
The biggest impact of the system has been its ability to streamline and simplify processes at Bio-Rad. With the technology now handling all sorting and packing decisions, errors have been eliminated and workflows have become significantly smoother. The team is able to focus more on quality and efficiency, and new staff can be trained on the system within just a few hours, which is a significant outcome for such a large operation. Remote access to the cloud-based control system enables both the Dematic and Bio-Rad teams to quickly identify and resolve any issues, minimising downtime. Troubleshooting can be handled remotely, saving valuable time and ensuring the operation continues to run smoothly.
Supporting critical cold chain requirements
A particular focus for Bio-Rad was maintaining temperature integrity for cold chain shipments. The new conveyor system allows products to move from storage to packing stations rapidly, minimising time outside the controlled environment.
For Bio-Rad, cold chain logistics presented a unique set of challenges due to the temperature sensitivity of many of its products. Even minor delays between storage, packing, and shipping could compromise product quality and regulatory compliance. Ensuring speed and precision throughout this process was critical to maintaining both standards and customer trust.
Dematic’s solution addressed these challenges by enabling products to reach the packing station quickly, be packed using the correct materials, and dispatched without delay. This level of control and efficiency has proven essential in supporting Bio-Rad’s operational compliance and safeguarding its reputation in the market.
A foundation for future growth
With the new automation system in place, Bio-Rad’s Singapore facility is better equipped to meet growing regional demand and adapt to new business requirements. Dematic’s solution was designed with scalability in mind, ensuring that Bio-Rad can add capacity or adjust as needed without major disruptions.
“At the heart of every efficient supply chain is a seamless blend of technology, automation, and expertise,” reflects Chang. “We’re proud to have helped Bio-Rad set a new standard for distribution in the life sciences sector and look forward to supporting their continued success,” she concludes.