VARGO® Addresses Pharma Serialization
DUBLIN, Ohio (October 22, 2025) — VARGO®, a leading provider of automated material handling systems integration, warehouse execution software, and equipment solutions for major fulfillment and distribution centers, continues to pioneer the industry with expert pull-based methodologies and advanced automation technologies.
Serialization for a Leading Pharmaceutical Distributor
VARGO® developed a label parsing algorithm for a pharmaceutical distributor to meet the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). Under the DSCSA, distributors are required to capture and trace the serial number and other unique identification numbers for each item shipped from distribution facilities. VARGO® engineers created the algorithm to extract the National Drug Code, unique serial number, lot number, and expiration date from manufacturer 2D barcodes. This algorithm was integrated into various Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine (COFE®) processes where item scans occur.
The VARGO® team applied its inventory tracking expertise to help a pharmaceutical client comply with DSCSA supply chain standards. Now, the client can monitor key data from manufacturer labels throughout the supply chain. The FDA’s DSCSA requires identifying and tracing products to protect consumers from counterfeit or unsafe medications.
COFE® Express Announcement
COFE® is VARGO®’s Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine. It is the first and remains the industry’s most advanced and scalable WES (Warehouse Execution System) for small and large-scale, high-volume fulfillment centers. By sequencing and synchronizing workflows, it organizes and optimizes order fulfillment, ensuring peak efficiency across all resources. VARGO®’s COFE® Express is a scalable version of its flagship platform designed for small- to mid-size businesses with lower order volumes. COFE® Express uses distributed architecture and microservices, so it can be scaled up or down to handle different order volumes. COFE® Express uses on-premise or VARGO® cloud facilities with a message-driven architecture to manage and optimize warehouse workflows. This message-based design facilitates efficient “waveless” processing, which pulls orders in a continuous, efficient flow rather than in large, batch-like “waves.” From picking to shipping, messaging allows for real-time decision-making and ensures continuous flow and efficiency. It is available for brownfield applications, as well as greenfield applications, with pre-integrated hardware automation and necessary material handling equipment (MHE). Watch this video to learn more about COFE®.
Geek+ Partnership
VARGO® recently partnered with Geekplus, a leader in scalable automation solutions, to bring the innovative robotics solutions of Geekplus to VARGO® customers across multiple industries. Renowned for its highly flexible and reliable automation technology, Geekplus solutions are trusted by some of the world’s largest brands, including UPS, Walmart, and Adidas. Together with the VARGO® approach to waveless and continuous order processing, Geekplus goods-to-person and mobile sortation systems offer a unique order fulfillment solution for VARGO® customers. With multiple projects at various stages of planning, concepting, and designing, both industry leaders look forward to showcasing how their joint solutions will add flexibility and increased capacity across the health and beauty, food and beverage, sporting goods, and high-fashion retail industries.
Retailers Roundtable
VARGO® hosted the first annual Retailers Roundtable in Columbus, Ohio on September 16 and 17. The VARGO® team created the invite-only event for retailers and third-party logistics providers to spark high-level insights and foster ongoing empowerment of the fulfillment industry. Keynote speakers and panelists included Tom Andersson, Co-Founder of STIQ, Ltd and Christian Dow, EVP of MHI. Attendees toured a Gap Inc. facility and attended an industry insights presentation by Kevin Kuntz, SVP of Global Logistics, Gap Inc. VARGO® plans to host the event annually.
“In today’s rapidly evolving fulfillment landscape, no single solution can solve every challenge broadly for everyone,” said Bart Cera, President and CEO of VARGO®. “Real progress happens when industry leaders connect, collaborate, and share their strengths and Systems Integrators like VARGO® listen and shape conversations using their expertise to unlock smarter solutions, faster innovation, and a stronger supply chain for everyone.”
About VARGO®
VARGO® is a proven integrator to enable what’s possible by empowering automation and people. VARGO® combines the newest and smartest automation technologies with the intelligent design of COFE® (Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine), the first intelligent WES (Warehouse Execution System) to orchestrate game-changing fulfillment solutions across all work resources: people, processes, and automation technologies. The VARGO® team of mechanical and software engineers has more than five decades of experience and has helped manufacturers, distributors, leading retailers, e-commerce providers, and 3PLs improve their fulfillment and material handling systems, increase processing capacities, and reduce order cycle times.
Learn more about VARGO® at vargosolutions.com.