
Story 2025/05/28
Between conveyor belts and barcode scanners: a self-experiment in the logistics centre
What happens when an office worker dives into the world of logistics? A communications employee put it to the test and spent an evening in the Galexis logistics centre, surrounded by buzzing forklifts and countless blue boxes.
It’s just after 4 p.m., the practically empty regional train from Langenthal stops punctually “on request” at the Niederbipp Industrie stop. I’m curious to see what awaits me tonight, my assignment: a shift at the Galexis logistics centre, order picking. As a “pen-pusher”, an entirely new experience. Just a quarter of an hour later, I’m already in the huge Galexis logistics centre. There’s a constant buzz, hum, beep, rattle and clatter. I see forklifts buzzing around, people working on very long conveyor belts and countless blue boxes, more or less filled with lots of products.
A touch of science fiction – and lots of boxes

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.
The big challenge: monotony versus concentration
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.

Special handling of narcotics
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 time barely flies. Fortunately, we always find something to laugh about during breaks or get the chance to work in a different sector, which brings variety into our daily routine.”
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.
Galexis facts and figures
- Establishment: Galexis was founded in 1927 and is now a leading provider of healthcare services.
- Distribution centres: Galexis operates two large distribution centres in Niederbipp and Lausanne-Ecublens.
- Customers: More than 8,000 customers, including pharmacies, drugstores, medical practices, hospitals and care homes, are supplied nationwide.
- Orders: Galexis can process up to 150,000 order items a day.
- Product variety: The product range on site comprises around 50,000 products from the pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical sectors, as well as medical technology and cosmetics. Approx. 100,000 products can be ordered in total.