Twenty years ago, this month (June 2005), Willach installed its first generation of channel robots in Australia.
Early adopters of dispensing robots were “Friendly Societies” and pharmacies in the regional and rural settings, they were pioneers and could see a new way of approaching dispensing. They saw the immediate benefits of patient safety, efficiency in the dispensing process including the ability to spend more time with patients and understood the Return on Space metrics.
It is surprising therefore that adoption of robotic technology within retail pharmacy is estimated to be only around the 20% of all pharmacies across Australia. So, what’s stopping the rest from making the investment into automation?
Let’s explore the top 7 benefits to adding robots into a dispensary.
1. Increased Efficiency
Robotic automation dispense medications faster than manual methods which also reduce wait times for patients and frees up staff time (which can be put into expanding your scope of practice).
2. Improved Accuracy
Automation can reduce the risk of human error, ensuring patients receive the correct medication and dosage (robotics will never replace the mandatory checks).
3. Enhanced Patient Safety
By minimising human intervention, robotic automation contributes to greater patient safety and can reduce dispensing errors.
4. Optimised Inventory Management
The back end reporting assists with monitoring inventory levels and automated ordering which assists with waste reduction. This ensures you are not tying up too much cash in inventory.
5. Space Optimisation
Robotics store more medications in less space compared to traditional melamine shelving systems, proven solutions can be installed which take up 4m2.
6. Cost Reductions
By optimising inventory and reducing wastage, robotic automation can help pharmacies reduce overall costs.
7. Improved Customer Satisfaction
By directing your efforts into patient care and counselling, you will be positioning your pharmacy as a health destination, and you will also be able to increase your companion selling.
If you are a pharmacy who hasn’t yet taken the plunge into robotic ownership, we can help.
With over 20 years of selling and servicing pharmacy robotics in Australia, Willach have the proven knowledge, expertise, and range of products to find a solution which works for your business. To find out how we can help, please call us on 03-9429-8222.
