Between conveyor belts and barcode scanners: a self-­experiment in the logistics centre

And then it begins: I’m given a handheld scanner. With this device on my forearm, I feel pretty important and am reminded of my days as a science fiction film fan. Responsible for one section of shelves, I will be filling order boxes from doctors’ surgeries, pharmacies or care homes with products from “my” shelves. Companies can have products delivered up to twice a day. As soon as I scan the barcode on the box using my index finger scanner – my lightsabre, so to speak – the screen on my wrist shows me which product from my sector should be placed in the box and where I can find it. The box then continues its journey to other sectors until it is filled with all the ordered products, sealed and shipped.

At first, my job is like a full-on product treasure hunt, but I soon get into a routine and know that: Perskindol is down there in box C12, Algifor is behind me in cartons, and the baby food is right next to it. “I know where every product is – no wonder after almost five years in the logistics centre”, says Rabije Nebiji. And you can tell, because she just glances briefly at the device on her wrist and is already heading off in the right direction. I’m fascinated. Our eyes meet time and again with a smile, especially when she realises that I’m walking towards the wrong rack again.

It feels good to be here, helping out with order picking. Every box I fill serves a good purpose, every product I place inside contributes to the well-being of people anywhere in Switzerland. And I feel very well looked after by the employees, and not just by Rabije, who is very supportive when – once again – I accidentally send out a box too early or block the conveyor belt. And that’s the big challenge: maximum concentration is required. The system on my forearm alerts me to errors immediately. But the more mistakes I make and thus the more time I lose, the more boxes pile up on the conveyor belt in my sector. So it pays to stay focused.

And it’s already just before 9 p.m., when my shift comes to an end. Time absolutely flies when you’re order picking, at least as a beginner when everything is new and exciting. As a seasoned employee, Rabije sees things a little differently: “Sometimes the time almost doesn't pass, but as we're always working in different sectors, there's variety. And we always have something to laugh about during the breaks.”

Finally, I’m given a short guided tour. One sector that particularly impresses me is the one handling narcotics or expensive products such as perfumes. Only a few authorised individuals have access to this specially monitored area. By law, every movement of products must be precisely documented and tracked. This ensures that no misuse can occur.

As soon as I’m back on the train, I feel my tired legs and heavy eyelids. The four hours were exhausting, but a valuable experience – right at the heart of Switzerland’s secure medication supply chain.