How a Pharma Manufacturer Found the Right Automation Partner in Vanguard

by Nicolas Hardy. Last updated on Feb 13, 2025
Posted on Feb 13, 2025 in Automation
2 min read time

In the world of pharmaceutical manufacturing, efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about maintaining quality, ensuring safety, and meeting strict regulatory demands. One global pharma company recently faced a challenge at the end of their production line. They needed a reliable, flexible, and scalable automation solution for palletizing, but their initial choice didn’t deliver the results they expected. That’s when they turned to Vanguard, a seasoned integration partner, to get the job done right.

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Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

The Challenge: High Mix, High Stakes

Pharmaceutical production is complex. This particular company runs a 24/7 operation, producing hundreds of different products and managing thousands of SKUs. Their automation goals were clear:

Reduce costs and improve efficiency
Increase safety and provide a better work environment
Accelerate time to market

They initially invested in a cobot palletizer from a competing integrator, but soon ran into issues. Frequent error messages, a lack of integration between controllers, and difficulties handling SKU variations made the system unreliable. Every stoppage at the end of the line created costly delays, adding stress to an already high-pressure environment.

Enter Vanguard: Turning Problems into Opportunities

Vanguard, a trusted automation integrator, stepped in to solve the problem. Leveraging their expertise and our robust palletizing solution, they replaced the failing system with one that worked seamlessly. The results were immediate:

Improved reliability: No more unexpected stops or controller conflicts.
Faster changeovers: Adaptability across multiple SKUs.
Scalability: A solution that could grow with the company’s needs

With the new system in place, the manufacturer saw clear benefits, leading them to name Vanguard as an official global vendor and integrator. The success of the first installation led to a second, then a third—building a strong, long-term partnership.

Lessons for Pharma Manufacturers

Pharmaceutical companies looking to automate their end-of-line processes should keep a few key lessons in mind:

Don’t just focus on upfront cost – A cheaper solution that underperforms will cost far more in downtime and inefficiencies.
Work with proven experts – Vanguard’s deep knowledge of automation ensured the right fit for this complex application.
Prioritize reliability and flexibility – A fully integrated system that handles variations, and minimizes disruptions is crucial for high-mix production environments.

The Right Partner Makes All the Difference

This story highlights a truth we see often in automation: not all solutions are created equal. Some companies learn this the hard way. But with the right partner—one that understands the intricacies of manufacturing and automation—businesses can avoid costly missteps and build systems that truly work.

With Vanguard’s expertise and our palletizing technology, this pharma manufacturer not only solved their initial problem but also positioned themselves for long-term success. And with a fourth system already on the horizon, this partnership is only getting stronger.

Are you looking for the right partner to help you automate the end of your production line? We can help!