RD Saúde
Viana ES Distribution Center
62,000+
Double-Deep Atorage Locations
1,140 totes/hour
Designed System Throughput Across Inbound & Outbound
99%+
Order Picking Accuracy
RD Saúde
Raia Drogasil (RD Saúde) is Brazil’s leading pharma and healthcare retail group, operating one of the largest drugstore networks in Latin America and supporting nationwide pharmacy replenishment operations.
The Viana ES Distribution Center marks the first and largest HaiPick System 3 deployment for pharmaceutical retail in Latin America, setting a new benchmark for automated fulfillment in the region.
Designed as a state-of-the-art distribution center, the facility plays a critical role in supplying RD’s extensive retail network, handling high volumes and a broad SKU range under strict accuracy and traceability requirements — both essential in pharmaceutical retail.
Key operational challenges included:
- High inventory turnover, requiring stable and predictable replenishment flows to stores nationwide
- Complex SKU profiles, demanding high picking accuracy and full traceability
- Space optimization requirements, with the need to maximize storage density within the existing facility footprint
- Operational consistency, in an environment affected by workforce turnover
RD set out to deploy a future-ready automation solution capable of delivering high throughput, dense storage, and reliable daily operations, while providing the flexibility and scalability needed to support long-term business growth.
The Solution
The automation was delivered in partnership with a leading local systems integrator, combining Hai Robotics’ high-bay ACR technology with local implementation expertise to ensure seamless deployment and commissioning.
HaiPick System 3 was selected as the core automation platform, which combines two types of warehouse robots, HaiPick ACRs (Automated Case‑handling Mobile Robots) and Fast-Transit Companion AMRs, to accelerate automated storage and retrieval.
The solution also incorporates automated replenishment for A-mover SKUs, with HaiPick ACRs supplying flow rack locations supporting 800 A-mover SKUs, while approximately 6,000 SKUs are handled via goods-to-person workstations in the main rack.
Robotics Fleet — 85 units
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27 × HaiPick A42TD-G-E1 high-bay ACR robots (up to 12 m, double-deep capable)
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58 × HaiK50H-E1 fast-transit AMRs
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16 charging stations
Storage Infrastructure
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Double-deep racking with 62,000+ storage locations
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Flow racks: 2,400 locations supporting 800 A-mover SKUs, automatically replenished by HaiPick ACRs
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Tote type: 600 × 400 × 300 mm folding totes
Workstations
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Inbound: 2 infeed stations for non-conveyable receiving
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Outbound: 10 picking stations connected to 20 put-to-wall rack modules
Software & Integration
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Driven by the HaiQ software suite (ESS + Traffic Manager)
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Connected to RD’s WMS via Grey Box integration mode
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Handles robot scheduling, traffic optimization, and real-time workload balancing
Results & Impact
The deployment of HaiPick System 3 transformed RD’s Viana ES Distribution Center into a high-density, high-throughput fulfillment hub supporting national-scale store replenishment operations.
The system delivers the accuracy, reliability, and scalability required for Brazil’s leading pharma and healthcare retail network, while providing a future-ready automation foundation for long-term growth.
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Maximized use of 12 m vertical space, unlocking 62,000+ dense storage locations
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1,140 totes/hour designed throughput, ensuring stable performance during peak demand
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Faster and more predictable order processing for promotions and daily store replenishment
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High accuracy and full traceability, essential for pharmaceutical and healthcare SKUs
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Improved operational consistency and resilience in a high-turnover environment
We handle our goods far fewer times, and this technology brings a level of flexibility and adaptability that is essential in a world changing as fast as it is today. As our customers’ needs evolve, we can adapt quickly and continue delivering real value. This project is, without a doubt, a major milestone for us.
We handle our goods far fewer times, and this technology brings a level of flexibility and adaptability that is essential in a world changing as fast as it is today. As our customers’ needs evolve, we can adapt quickly and continue delivering real value. This project is, without a doubt, a major milestone for us.
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