A Study on the Application of Logistics Automation in the Healthcare Industry: Exploratory Qualitative Research
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The healthcare industry faces mounting pressure to enhance efficiency and accuracy in logistics operations. Despite its critical role, the sector demonstrates a low adoption rate of logistics automation, with the investment ratio at 14.9%, significantly lower than the industrial average of 18%. This study explores the current state and strategic application of logistics automation in healthcare through 20 in-depth interviews with stakeholders across manufacturers, wholesalers, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in South Korea. Analysis revealed that automation adoption is largely contingent on two key factors: annual order volumes and inventory complexity. Companies handling over 100,000 order lines annually and managing over 1000 SKUs were more likely to have adopted or planned automation systems such as AS/RSs, AMRs, or Cube-based AS/RS. The research culminates in a directional map that aligns automation strategies with operational scale and product characteristics. This study contributes novel empirical insights into the fragmented healthcare logistics sector, offering actionable guidance for phased automation implementation based on contextual constraints and stakeholder typologies.

키워드

logistics automationhealthcare industryqualitative exploratory researchinterviewslogistics automation direction mapsupply chain managementhealthcare logisticsSTORAGE
제목
A Study on the Application of Logistics Automation in the Healthcare Industry: Exploratory Qualitative Research
저자
Kwak, HannaKim, Thai-YoungLee, Dong-Hyeok
DOI
10.3390/eng6090205
발행일
2025-08
유형
Article
저널명
ENG
6
9

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