Efficient medtech logistics for Dräger: How FIEGE optimises global distribution
When technology saves lives, every detail counts. For decades, Dräger has been synonymous with solutions that perform reliably in critical moments. Ensuring these are available worldwide requires a logistics system that operates with the same precision. Together with FIEGE, Dräger combines technological excellence with efficient supply chain processes – thereby laying the foundation for supply security of the highest standard.
Highlights at a glance
- The global supply of Medical and safety technology requires the utmost precision: From its International Distribution Centre in Zülpich, FIEGE manages logistics for Dräger to over 150 countries – often under time-critical conditions, right down to the intensive care unit.
- Since 2021, Dräger and FIEGE have relied on a close partnership to manage complex logistics efficiently. Together, they ensure that equipment and spare parts arrive reliably where they are urgently needed.
- Continuous improvement as a shared principle: through lean management and structured processes, both companies are constantly optimising their operations – from the digitalisation of customs clearance to further automation.
When Steve Jobs was first shown the iPad prototype, the Apple founder is said to have complained that the device was too big. According to the story, when an engineer pointed out that it couldn’t be made any smaller, Jobs promptly submerged the tablet in an aquarium and said: “I can see air bubbles, so there’s still room. Make it smaller!” The bubbling iPad is a vivid illustration of a key principle of lean thinking: avoiding waste of any kind.
At FIEGE in Zülpich, René Böhmer, Director of Operations & Operational Excellence in FIEGE’s Healthcare division, and the site team drive the lean philosophy forward on a daily basis. Böhmer says: “Due to the many regulations, healthcare logistics is pretty much the most demanding sector the industry has to offer. Every operation has its own challenges.” The ramp-up for Dräger, which began in December 2021 with the storage of the first lorry load, was also very complex, explains Böhmer. “Our client placed their trust in us and gave us the time we needed to prepare for the project. We were, and remain, very grateful for that.”
Worldwide delivery right to your bedside
Today, some four years on, everything is running smoothly; the processes are running seamlessly and very reliably. From the IDC in Zülpich, FIEGE ships medical and safety equipment on behalf of Dräger to healthcare facilities and industrial customers in 156 countries. Sebastian Krause, Director of Market Fulfilment & Global Distribution at Dräger, explains the range: “For example, we have a wide variety of safety equipment for the fire service, ambulance services and similar organisations in our range. However, we also stock spare parts in Zülpich, such as for ventilators and anaesthesia machines, which are needed at short notice in intensive care units when repairs are required. That really is a matter of life and death.”
The task requires a high degree of care and precision – and Dräger and FIEGE are still managing to optimise their processes just that little bit further. The reason for this, says Krause, is the partnership-based relationship – and the drive for improvement that unites the two companies. “At Dräger, we place great importance on the continuous lean transformation of our company in order to steadily increase reliability, efficiency and service performance. This applies to production, but of course just as much to our logistics.”
Step by step towards greater efficiency
In fact, operational excellence and lean management also play a key role at FIEGE in generating the greatest possible value for customers. Böhmer describes the secret to the success of the partnership with Dräger as follows:
To support the continuous improvement process (CIP), Dräger and FIEGE have established a joint methodology and regular meetings. “At the weekly CIP meetings and in the quarterly business reviews, we discuss, evaluate and prioritise the levers we can pull,” explains Böhmer. The concept has already proved successful in many areas: “Customs clearance, for example, used to be very paper-intensive due to production requirements. We have optimised this significantly, enabling us to work in a more digital, faster and more effective way.”
A shared vision, a unified approach
The successes are measurable, says Böhmer: “We improved by 41 per cent on the FIEGE Lean Activity Index last year. With an overall score of 94 per cent, we are among the top sites within the FIEGE group.” And the next projects are already in the pipeline: for example, the warehouse and process area is to be adapted to Dräger’s current needs through space-optimising layout planning – a result of the regular dialogue between the two teams.
Our healthcare campus in Zülpich, which has been awarded a Platinum medal by EcoVadis, features two multi-user centres offering over 100,000 square metres of logistics space.
Dräger and FIEGE also have joint automation concepts on their agenda, for example in the field of packaging. Sebastian Krause explains: “Ultimately, the lean journey never ends, because there is always potential for further improvements. Especially when you work as closely together as we do.” Whether it’s quality, speed, efficiency or safety: all these topics are on the table. “We identify strongly with the partnership and have therefore developed a co-branding strategy to demonstrate this unity to the outside world,” says Krause – there is hardly a better way to make our joint progress visible.
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