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Is Your Pharmacy Ready for the Next Stage of Growth?

by MegBrideson

Community pharmacy is evolving rapidly. Rising prescription volumes, workforce shortages, expanding scope of practice, and increasing patient expectations are creating new challenges for pharmacy owners.

Many pharmacies recognise the need to improve efficiency, but knowing where to start can be difficult. With thousands of articles, webinars and opinions available, the challenge is no longer finding information—it’s turning that information into meaningful action.

One of the most significant opportunities lies within the dispensary itself.

High-performing pharmacies are increasingly taking a broader view of workflow, looking beyond individual tasks and considering how people, stock, technology and space work together. The goal isn’t simply to dispense prescriptions faster. It’s about creating capacity for pharmacists to spend more time where they deliver the greatest value—supporting patients, providing professional services, and building stronger customer relationships.

Dispensing automation is playing an important role in helping pharmacies achieve this balance. However, successful automation is about much more than installing a robot. It requires careful consideration of workflow design, stock management, business objectives, patient experience, and future growth plans.

The most successful pharmacies view automation as a strategic business decision rather than simply a technology purchase. When implemented correctly, it can help create a safer, more efficient and more sustainable pharmacy operation while supporting future growth.

Download the Free White Paper

Our latest white paper, From Information to Implementation: How Dispensing Robots Unlock Efficiency, Growth, and Pharmacist-Led Care in Community Pharmacy, explores:

  • The key signs that your current workflow may be limiting growth
  • Why efficiency and effectiveness must work together
  • The relationship between workflow design, storage strategy and automation
  • Real-world examples of pharmacies that have transformed operations
  • Practical considerations when evaluating automation solutions
  • How to move from insight to implementation with confidence

Whether you’re planning a refit, exploring automation for the first time, or looking for ways to future-proof your pharmacy, this guide provides a practical framework to help inform your next steps.

Download the full white paper here 

CategoriesPharmacy Efficiency,  Robotic Dispensing

When is the right time to upgrade your existing pharmacy robot?

by WillachAustralia

A guide for existing CONSIS robotic users

For pharmacies already using a Willach CONSIS robot, automation isn’t a future ambition — it’s already an essential part of your daily dispensary workflow. But even the most precisely engineered systems reach a point where upgrading becomes less about improvement and more about protecting workflow efficiency, reliability, and long term return on investment. 

Below are the clearest signs it may be time to move from your current CONSIS model to the next generation of Willach automation.

1. Your robot is reliable — but the technology has moved forward

CONSIS C Willach Pharmacy Automation

Many first–generation CONSIS A robots have exceeded 17 years of operation, a testament to their engineering longevity. But even with continued reliability, the surrounding technology has advanced significantly. 

Newer systems provide major advantages, including: 

  • Software integrations that continue to be supported and upgraded — older A series models may no longer receive updates and can present security or compatibility risks 
  • Faster motors and more robust picking arms 
  • Improved energy efficiency 
  • Better integration with dispense software providers 
  • Smarter, integrated stock management tools 
  • Automated reporting and ordering functions 

If the rest of your pharmacy is modernising, your robot should evolve with it to ensure your entire ecosystem remains efficient and secure. 

2. You want to modernise your dispensary layout

As pharmacy services expand, workflows naturally change. If your dispensary is evolving, upgrading your robot can unlock entirely new design possibilities. 

You may be ready to upgrade if you’re planning to: 

  • Add one or more consult rooms — we can now design robot exit points that deliver medications directly into these spaces, enhancing dispensing flow and the patient experience 
  • Integrate the robot more closely with compounding activities, cannabis supply, or DAA packing 

A robot upgrade is often the catalyst for reclaiming premium floor space and designing a dispensary that supports both current operations and future clinical services. 

3. Your CONSIS is performing perfectly, your pharmacy has outgrown it

Your CONSIS robot was originally sized based on your business at the time. As pharmacies grow and change across script volume, trading hours, service mix, and consultation load, automation needs shift too. 

Common indicators you’ve outgrown your current robot: 

  • Scripts queue during peak periods 
  • Staff manually pick to keep up, despite having automation 
  • Workflows now require more speed or multi-station integration 
  • More frequent ordering/manual filling which is overly time consuming  

The newest CONSIS models offer faster picking speed, improved algorithms, and expanded capacity options purpose-built for high growth community pharmacies. 

4. You're noticing more maintenance or downtime, parts are becoming scarce

CONSIS robots are exceptionally durable, but ageing mechanical components inevitably experience wear. 

Consider upgrading if: 

  • You rely heavily on the robot and want to minimise operational risk, especially if a breakdown could result in extended downtime 
  • Spare parts are becoming harder to source — true for all A series machines, now more than 10 years old, where some component suppliers no longer guarantee replacements 
  • Downtime is impacting service quality during peak customer periods 

A new CONSIS removes uncertainty, offering reliability and performance certainty for the next decade. 

Is It Time to Upgrade Your CONSIS Robot?

Use these questions to help identify whether your robot is still right for your pharmacy — or whether an upgrade could strengthen your workflow, reliability, and long term business performance. 

Technology & Compatibility

  • Is your robot still receiving software updates and security support?
  • Are you finding that newer integrations (PMS, stock systems, etc.) are no longer compatible with your current robot?
  • Has your robot been in service for 10+ years and now struggles to keep pace with modern technology?

Workflow & Layout

  • Is your dispensary layout becoming cramped or outdated as services expand?
  • Would adding consult rooms, compounding workflows, cannabis supply or DAA packing benefit from new robot exit point options?
  • Could redesigning your dispensary improve patient experience or staff movement?

Capacity & Performance

  • Are scripts queuing at busy times because the robot can’t keep up with demand?
  • Do staff sometimes pick manually even though you have automation?
  • Has your script volume or service offering grown significantly since your CONSIS was first installed?

Reliability & Maintenance

  • Are you experiencing more frequent maintenance or unexpected downtime?
  • Are any spare parts for your robot becoming harder to source, discontinued, or subject to long lead times?
  • Would a robot breakdown significantly impact your business due to heavy reliance on automation?

Did you answer YES to four or more questions?

If you answered yes to four or more of these questions – you are in the upgrade window

Future Proofing

  • Is your pharmacy expanding services that require greater speed, precision, or integration?
  • Would a more modern robot better support your dispensary for the next 10 years?
  • Are you planning a renovation, workflow redesign, or business growth phase?

Proactive upgrades keep you in control and in doing so:  

  • Preserves you and your teams efficiency and morale in the event of a breakdown and the time it takes to make a decision about a replacement, ordering and the new machine being installed
  • Keeps control over costs and planning by budgeting ahead and taking advantage of finance options  
  • Can align the upgrade with a planned renovation or workflow redesign  
  • Avoid unnecessary downtime
  • Keeps your business futureready 

If you believe you are in the upgrade window, please contact your Regional Manager to talk with you about your options.  

CategoriesRobotic Dispensing

Redefining the Future of Pharmacy: Why Robotics Is No Longer a Luxury

by WillachAustralia

In recent years, the pharmacy landscape has shifted more rapidly than at any other point in its modern history. Rising prescription volumes, workforce shortages, mounting compliance pressures, and shifting patient expectations have placed unprecedented demands on pharmacy teams. Amid these challenges, one message is becoming clear: pharmacies that thrive will be embrace intelligent and thoughtful workflows. Automation is no longer a novelty, it is becoming a strategic imperative. 

At Willach, we’ve seen this transformation firsthand. As pharmacies focus on improved workflows including integrated robotics, the impact is undeniable: improvements in stock management and subsequent cash flows, higher output, more sustainable workloads, all whilst delivering changes with the expansion in scope of practice.  

A Changing Workforce Needs New Tools

Across Australia and globally, pharmacy teams are dealing with sustained workforce pressure. Pharmacists are being asked to deliver more services, provide deeper clinical support, and take on greater responsibility in areas like vaccinations, medication reviews, and chronic disease management. 

Yet the core dispensing workload has not eased. In this environment, robotics steps in as a workforce multiplier. By automating repetitive, time consuming tasks like stock management, picking, and storage, robots give pharmacists and technicians the one resource they cannot manufacture themselves: time. 

That reclaimed time fuels better patient conversations, clinical service expansion, and staff wellbeing—outcomes that benefit both the pharmacy and the broader health system. 

Precision, Safety and Accountability—Built In

Medication safety is nonnegotiable. Even the most experienced teams can face fatigue, distractions, and variable workflow intensity. Robotics introduces a level of accuracy and reliability that is difficult to achieve manually at scale. 

Automated dispensing: 

  • Reduces the risk of picking errors 
  • Standardises workflows 
  • Enhances traceability and auditability 
  • Supports consistent compliance with safety protocols 

For pharmacies seeking to reduce risk while improving quality, robotics is not just an upgrade—it is an evolution. 

Space Is the New Currency

Pharmacies today are under pressure to do more within the same four walls. Consult rooms, dispensary operations, frontofshop experiences and store rooms all compete for valuable space. 

Modern robotic dispensing systems address this challenge by: 

  • Compacting stock into highly efficient storage 
  • Replacing bulky manual shelving 
  • Enabling streamlined workflows 
  • Freeing up space for revenue generating services 

Robotics is not only about improving workflow but also reimagining the physical layout of the pharmacy to support contemporary expectations. 

The Shift From Transactional to Clinical

Pharmacy’s transition from a predominantly dispensing based model to a more clinical, service driven model is well underway. For that shift to be sustainable, dispensing must become as frictionless, reliable, and automated as possible. 

Robotics enables this transition by shifting the workload balance. When a robot manages stock, picks medications, and feeds dispensing stations, pharmacists are empowered to lead the clinical front through patient engagement: 

  • Management of health conditions  
  • Prescribing (in line with each State’s guidelines) 
  • Diagnostic and monitoring testing  
  • Longterm condition support 
  • Preventative care services 

Robotics is not replacing the pharmacist. It is elevating them.

DataDriven Decisions for a DataDriven Future

Robotic dispensing systems generate valuable insights into stock movement, demand patterns, and workflow efficiency. With data at the centre, pharmacies can make smarter decisions about: 

  • Inventory levels 
  • Ordering patterns 
  • Workforce allocation 
  • Service demand 
  • Space utilisation 

For a sector increasingly driven by precision and accountability, this level of visibility is no longer a luxury, it’s a competitive advantage. 

Why Willach?

For decades, Willach has led the way in pharmacy workflow innovation, bringing German engineering, intelligent design, and practical functionality to pharmacies across Australia. Our commitment is not simply to sell automation technology, it is to partner with pharmacies as they transform for the future. 

From the CONSIS robotic dispensing range to our FAMA modular storage systems, our solutions are engineered to support pharmacies in becoming: 

  • More efficient 
  • More profitable
  • More accurate 
  • More patient centric  

The future of pharmacy isn’t about replacing people. It’s about empowering them with technology that elevates their role, protects their time, and strengthens the connection with the communities they serve. 

CategoriesPharmacy Efficiency

Privacy and personalisation in modern pharmacy design

by WillachAustralia

Today’s pharmacy is no longer defined by rows of shelving and a busy counter. Patients now view their local pharmacy as an essential part of their healthcare team — and their expectations reflect this shift. Accuracy, privacy, and personalisation are at the forefront, particularly when it comes to sensitive health conversations and timely access to medication.

Rather than a transactional retail environment, patients expect the same level of discretion and care that they would receive at their GP clinic. To meet these needs, pharmacy design must go beyond efficiency and aesthetics. It must enable confidential discussions, support a wide range of clinical services, and provide a welcoming, professional setting.

At Willach, we support pharmacies in achieving this through evidence-based workflow solutions that streamline dispensing, reduce errors, and free up pharmacists to focus on what matters most: patient care.

Here are some of the key design elements to consider when designing a modern pharmacy:

1. Soundproof consulting rooms

A pharmacy consultation is often deeply personal. From vaccinations to medication management, patients should feel confident that their conversations remain private. Soundproofing ensures that discussions with pharmacists or health professionals are confidential, reducing patient hesitation and strengthening trust.

2. Space for carers and family members

Healthcare decisions are rarely made alone. Designing consultation rooms large enough to accommodate a carer or family member helps create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable, understood, and not rushed.

3. Clinical flexibility

Pharmacies are delivering an expanding scope of services—everything from vaccinations and blood pressure checks to wound care and minor examinations. Incorporating a consulting room that includes an examination couch, or a bariatric-friendly option, ensures the space is versatile and accessible for a wide range of patients.

4. Built-in hygiene measures

A professional health setting must reflect high standards of cleanliness. Incorporating sinks, infection-control flooring, and additional hygiene measures not only safeguards patient wellbeing but also reinforces the perception of your pharmacy as a genuine healthcare destination.

5. Discreet waiting areas

Patients may feel vulnerable while waiting for a consultation. A discreet, thoughtfully designed waiting space offers comfort, privacy, and reassurance, setting the tone for a professional experience.

6. Convenience Matters

While there are many advantages to visiting a pharmacy offering an expanded scope of practice, patient convenience stands out. Imagine a consult room where you are delivering clinical services and dispense your medication without the customer needing to wait at the counter.

Final thought

Meeting patient expectations of privacy and personalisation is not optional—it is essential. By investing in systems and workflows that embody these values, you can enhance the patient experience, strengthen trust, and grow your professional service offering.

At Willach, we specialise in helping pharmacies achieve exactly this. Our CONSIS automation systems and evidence-based workflow solutions combine precision engineering, compliance, and efficiency — all with the goal of helping you deliver safer, faster, and more personalised patient care.

CategoriesRobotic Dispensing

What is a service and maintenance contract and why have one?

by WillachAustralia

A service and maintenance contract is a formal agreement between a service provider and a customer that outlines the terms under which ongoing support, maintenance, and repairs will be provided for a product, system, or piece of equipment. These contracts are very common in industries like IT, manufacturing, construction, automotive, and facilities management.

What does it typically include:

  • Scope of Services: What’s covered e.g., preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, software updates.
  • Service Levels: Response times, hours and days of support and performance standards.
  • Duration: The period of time covered under a contract.
  • Cost: Fixed fees, hourly rates, or tiered pricing.
  • Exclusions: What’s not covered (e.g., damage due to misuse, upgrades).
  • Terms and Conditions: Legal obligations, cancellation policies, liability clauses.

Six reasons why service contracts are considered important:

  1. Predictable Costs: You avoid surprise expenses by locking in service rates and coverage.
  2. Minimised downtime: Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and ensures quick fixes when issues arise.
  3. Extended equipment life: Proper upkeep can significantly prolong the life of machinery or systems.
  4. Compliance and safety: Ensures systems meet regulatory standards and safety requirements.
  5. Peace of mind: You know who to call and what to expect when something goes wrong.
  6. Priority Support: Contract holders often get faster response times and priority service.
To determine whether a pharmacy automation service and maintenance contract suits your business, you need to make a judgement call on how well it aligns with your operational needs, risk tolerance, and budget. If you decide not to take out a service contract, consider setting aside an amount of money which you will need to find when the equipment will need to be repaired, parts replaced or your IT hardware upgraded.

What robotic service and maintenance contracts are available with Willach?

CONSIS B and CONSIS C machine sales typically involve the purchase of a service and maintenance contract which is referred to as the CONSIS Customer Care Program (CCCP).

With 20 years of experience supporting robotic systems in Australia, Willach has earned a consistent 5-star rating from customers. The CCCP includes:

  • An annual preventative maintenance for your robot
  • Unlimited emergency breakdown support
  • All travel, parts and labour
  • 365 days per year, 12 hours daily remote phone and diagnostic support from our technicians (the same ones who install your machine and undertake your service and any repairs)
  • Ongoing training resources and 1-1 coaching for you and your team
  • Access to the latest technology support including ongoing software upgrades to maintain compatibility with the latest dispense platforms (such as Fred Dispense Plus and MINFOS), plus optional hardware upgrades that extend the lifespan and efficiency of your system.

What makes the Willach service and maintenance program unique?

Whilst most robotic companies offer service contracts, Willach sets the gold standard and that’s by design.

Superior technicians

All technicians are employed directly by Willach and selected through a rigorous recruitment process to ensure that they:

  • Have the highest mechatronic capability;
  • Can engage and effectively communicate with busy pharmacists and staff;
  • Demonstrate empathy and understanding and the critical role of the equipment inside your dispensary;
  • Work around your operations, not disrupt them
  • Take pride in their work and want to help customers
As someone who respects a high work ethic, it's been fantastic, Mark and Steve have been on top of any issues we've had, always available to help when needed. Coming out on public holidays and flying from Melbourne to come help diagnose an issue the same day we reported it.
Dylan Bywater
Dispense Technician Menai Wholelife

Outstanding training

Technicians receive hands-on training from our senior staff in Australia on all facets of the equipment. They also receive training from our German engineers, the very people who design and manufacture the robots;

Service driven culture

Calls to our 1800 number are answered by experienced technicians, not intermediaries. Where possible, issues are resolved remotely the same day. If onsite attendance is required, our Melbourne-based team is mobilised immediately to ensure the fastest possible response — including after-hours, weekends and public holidays when critical issues arise. Service isn’t just a sales pitch, it is embedded into our organisational structure. All technicians report to our Managing Director, ensuring:

  • Immediate attention to issues
  • No delays, no passing the buck
  • A company-wide alert system when a machine goes down, getting you dispensing again is our highest priorit
Willach has always been available for support, in my experience a technician has always been available on the 1800 number at any time, no matter how big or small the issue. If there is any kind of issue, they are more then happy to help over the phone or attend site ASAP if required
Madalyn Brett
Pharmacy Manager Terry White Chemmart Mackay

Proven product reliability

Our robots are built to last. The quality of the product is second-to-none using the highest quality materials and componentry and superior design. This combined with the fatigue testing and a regular schedule of servicing and parts replacement is why Willach has sustained 99.99% uptime across the robotic fleet.

Smart monitoring and redundancy

Each CONSIS system includes intelligent sensors and diagnostic tools that help identify irregularities before they impact workflow. Built-in redundancy measures ensure that in the rare event of a component fault, the system continues operating smoothly while our technicians are alerted and ready to act.

More than a contract—a commitment to care

A service and maintenance contract isn’t just a line item in a purchase—it’s a commitment to keeping your operations running smoothly, reliably, and safely. The CONSIS Customer Care Program is designed to deliver not just technical support, but peace of mind. It’s in the moments that matter, when something goes wrong, when time is critical, when your team needs help, that the true value of the program shines.

Every CONSIS Customer Care Program is delivered directly by Willach — with no third-party contractors and no hidden service fees. You deal directly with the people who built, installed and maintain your machine.

At Willach, we don’t just maintain machines—we support the people who rely on them. That’s why our customers trust us, year after year.

CategoriesRobotic Dispensing

Investing in Pharmacy Automation: Financing Options for Robotics

by WillachAustralia

As pharmacies across Australia face increasing pressures to improve efficiency, reduce errors, deliver enhanced patient care through expanded scope of practice, increased costs of compliance all whilst manage staffing shortages, automation is emerging as a transformative solution. 

What was once considered a futuristic luxury is now a practical necessity. With price tags ranging from $75,000 to $250,000 financing becomes an important consideration.

Scott Woodhouse, from S3F Group has shared the options and considerations for owners with some generalised advice:

  1. Pay cash from your working capital where you can claim depreciation and GST credits through your tax. 
  2. Enter into a Chattel Mortgage where you may finance 100% of the cost, with a loan term of up to 7 years with a balloon payment option at the end which can reduce your monthly payments
  3. Borrow against the equity in your property and redraw advance payments if sufficient funds with no application required
  4. Traditional business loan – advance payments made to redraw funds

Scott shares the pro’s and con’s below:  

Pros Cons
Cash
  • Own the robot  
  • No ongoing repayments 
  • Claim depreciation 
  • Limit cash flow
Chattel Mortgage
  • Own the robot
  • Manage cash flow with agreed monthly repayment
  • Claim depreciation & interest
  • Flexible repayment structures
  • Loan terms 5-7 years
  • Fixed interest
Property Equity
  • Own the robot
  • Structure repayment over longer terms
  • Flexibility to make extra repayments
  • If sufficient existing advance payments, no application required
  • Ties up equity that could be used for property purchases
  • Is the loan term longer than the useful life of the robot
Business Loan equity
  • Own the robot
  • Access redraw of extra payments made
  • No loan application required
  • Loan term unchanged
  • No change to existing repayment arrangement
  • Utilising equity that could be used for another business purchase
  • Is the loan term longer than the useful life of the robot

Investing in a pharmacy robot is a strategic move that can transform your operations, improve patient outcomes, and future-proof your business. With flexible financing options and strong ROI potential automation is becoming more accessible than ever.

Scott Woodhouse concludes his advice “Of course, how you elect to finance your purchase is entirely dependent upon your personal situation and business objectives. Consulting with a professional early on in your decision making process is important.”

We would encourage pharmacy owners who are considering adding a robot to their business to contact Scott who can explore the option that is right for you. Please visit the S3F website here: Your Finance Brokerage Experts – S3F Group Pty Ltd or contact him direct on 0433 183 286 or email scott@s3f.com.au for expert financial guidance tailored to your situation.

CONSIS C Robotic Pharmacy Automation with autoloader
CategoriesRobotic Dispensing

What’s Scripts Got to Do with It? 3 Other Reasons to Consider a Dispensing Robot

by WillachAustralia

When most pharmacists think about investing in a dispensing robot, the conversation quickly turns to script volumes — the magic number that makes automation financially viable. And yes, scripts matter. But they’re far from the only factor worth considering. 

Over the past two decades, Willach has seen dispensing robots evolve from “nice-to-have” innovations into powerful business tools. Once the domain of early adopters and forward-thinking pharmacy owners, automation is now becoming part of the standard conversation about efficiency, accuracy, and service quality. Yet many pharmacies still overlook some of the less obvious — but equally important — reasons for making the leap. 

Whether you’re just starting your research or rethinking your current workflow, here are three other factors to keep in mind before you decide. 

1. Staff retention and attraction

Around 12–15% of Australian pharmacies now use automated dispensing robots. That means an increasing number of pharmacists and technicians have already experienced working with one — and may expect the same in their next role. A dispensing robot can help future-proof your ability to attract and retain great staff, giving them the tools and environment they prefer to work in.

2. Scope of practice expansion

As pharmacists take on a broader scope of practice, the benefits of reducing repetitive, manual tasks are amplified. Dispensing robots streamline stock management and free up your team to focus on what matters most — providing safe, effective, and accessible health care for your patients.

3. Design possibilities

Expanded services mean pharmacy design is evolving too, shifting towards patient-centred layouts. Dispensing robots unlock options that might otherwise be impossible — like dispensing directly into consultation rooms, enabling bulk dispensing, or feeding medications straight into dose administration aid preparation areas.

A dispensing robot isn’t just about handling scripts. It’s about creating the right environment for staff, unlocking new design possibilities, and positioning your pharmacy for the future of patient care. 

If you’d like to explore how automation could work in your pharmacy — beyond just script volumes — get in touch with the Willach team today. We’ll help you map the possibilities and see what’s achievable for your space, staff, and patients. 

CONSIS DAA
CategoriesPharmacy Efficiency,  Robotic Dispensing

Considerations for adding sachet packing robotics into your pharmacy

by WillachAustralia

The most common circumstance for us to receive enquiry about our automated sachet packaging machine is when pharmacy is already supplying sachets via 3rd party and starts to wonder if it would make sense to start producing sachets in-house. This may be prompted due to growth in volume or perhaps exploring the ability to respond to medication changes quickly.  

The following 5 factors are worth considering in this circumstance (in no particular order):

1. Volume and growth potential

From financial perspective, the number of patients will determine whether in-house or 3rd party is more economical. The breakeven point may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, but will typically be somewhere in the 200 to 300 patients range. Once automation is implemented at this point, every incremental patient will be significantly more economical to pack in-house, up to approximately 2,000 patients per machine.

2. Available space in the pharmacy

Packing in-house requires more space in the pharmacy. Although the requirements are not large, space will need to be provisioned for the machine, medication stock, deblistering space along with some bench space for various production tasks.

3. Staff requirements

In house medication packing will require technician(s) to operate the machine, deblister medications etc. Starting with initial low volumes, this may mean additional or existing staff for one day per week to produce all patient rolls.

4. Control over pouch labels/information

In-house medication packing allows for easy modification of pouch label graphics and information – which can be setup to vary from home to home and for community patients. This may present opportunities for feedback on displayed information from residential aged care facilities to be implemented and tested quickly.

5. Speed with which medication changes can be produced

In-house medication packing allows for medication changes to be implemented as soon as they are received.

If your pharmacy is thinking about adding sachet packing in-house, here are some options for your consideration

Janek Pendrakowski is the resident Willach expert in sachet and checking robotics having assisted numerous pharmacy businesses and Government Health Department across Australia gain scale and efficiencies in their business operations. in on 0418-385-788 who can assist you in determining if this option is right for your business

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CategoriesPharmacy Efficiency,  Robotic Dispensing

Automated dispensing robots: twenty year perspective

by WillachAustralia

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?

The traditional discount pharmacy model accounts for around 13% of sites, who are unlikely to include robotics in their pharmacy, it doesn’t suit their strategy of increased FOS sales. It is estimated that around 20% of pharmacies do not have a critical mass of script number to justify the return on investment. A further 20% of pharmacies are working with shopfitters or builders who are proposing melamine shelving solutions in their re-fit, because this is where they generate their profits from. The balance is made of pharmacist owners who researching options but haven’t yet made a commitment to purchase.Robotics, in general are seeing younger tech savvy pharmacists entering ownership and who have an expectation of the role it plays in creating efficiencies. Owners are often surprised that the smaller channel robots starting price is $110k and a refurbished unit can be picked up for as low as $70k. Of course, the more sophisticated random chaotic machines with an autoloader are upwards of $220k.There are also more funding options and funders available now than there were in the early years and they look upon robotics as a favourable investment.

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.  

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CategoriesPharmacy Efficiency,  Robotic Dispensing

Pharmacy Automation: Does size matter?

by WillachAustralia

Ok, we used the cheap headline to get your attention….

However on a serious note, one of the first questions we get asked is ‘What size robot do I need?’

At Willach we talk about the ‘Science of Storage’ which examines the interactions and levers involved in the inputs into storage considerations.

Storage capacity (size requirements) are a function of and the interplay between each of the following practical considerations:

 

1. Stock breadth– refers to the number of different SKU’s.

Depending on the state of current out of stocks and how vigilant you are managing generic brands, the typical retail pharmacy has a SKU breadth of 1,600 – 2,200 (the average is around 1,900 different SKU’s).

2. Stock depth – takes into account the dispense frequency to determine the appropriate stock holding and ‘spaces’ needed in a storage set-up.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle, (suggests that roughly 80% of outcomes are derived from 20% of causes).

When we analyse dispensing history, we roughly see that of your 1,900 SKU’s, 390 of these equate to 80% of what you dispense in any given week. At a more granular level, the analysis of your dispensary data will typically show that around 105 SKU’s account for around 50% of what you dispense in a given week; that’s 5.5% of your dispensary SKU’s are responsible for 50% of dispensed medications – these are your fast movers and the products you don’t want to run low on! Applied to your pharmacy, this means that there will be many SKU’s which we would consider slow movers or dispensed less than once per week. The trick here is to make sure you are not overstocked on the slow moving lines.

3. Stock management practices – ordering frequency to calculate stock holding, size of storage and resources needed to restock.

Here we want to know your current ordering practices to help to determine how many total ‘slots’ you need to cater for at your ‘most full’ state. Here we are looking at the trade-off between a machine which might be too big which has an opportunity cost attached to it or too small, which requires more frequent loading.

4. Space available – physical area available and the cost per sqm (ROS).

If money is no object and you believe you will have excellent growth, go for the big refit and the biggest machine you can afford. More usual, however, is the request to fit a machine in between existing walls, work around strangely placed pillars, and to come up with a design which minimises refit costs. It is important to understand space restraints early on so that you are able to make decision and other trade-offs which may be required. You can use the size of machine and dispense history to calculate your return on space and compare this to the other space you have in the dispensary operations or in a retail area to help make decisions here.

5. Financial approach – this includes the initial outlay on assets and the ongoing working capital investment in stock.

Also included in this may be the way you are choosing to fund the asset purchase. Simply, what is your budget to make the capital investment, how are you going to fund it, what period of time are you looking to depreciate it and what pay back are you looking for? On an ongoing basis, what is your budget for ongoing investment into your stock.

CONSIS C Willach Pharmacy Automation

As a 135-year-old family business, with a broad range of dispensary storage options, we are not wedded to selling you what’s in stock and with multiple robotic options we are not tied to one type of technology.

Our team will work with you and undertake a quantitative analysis and look at your business needs and future operational plans. During the process, we present you with information and options so that you are informed to make decisions which best suit your business.

With hundreds of robotic projects delivered 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.

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+61 3 9429 8222

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info@willach.com.au

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1800 94 55 22

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Open 8am to 8pm AEST

About Willach

Willach is the Australian Market Leader in Pharmacy Dispensing solutions.

Willach is a family owned business that spans 4 generations and more than 130 years of history.

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