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CategoriesPharmacy Efficiency,  Robotic Dispensing

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.  

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.

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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CategoriesPharmacy Efficiency,  Robotic Dispensing

Automate ordering, increase efficiency, improve your cash flow

by WillachAustralia

CONSIS Advanced Inventory Management Software

Save time. Save money.

“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.” – Bill Gates

Adding robotics to your pharmacy doesn’t automatically mean that your inventory becomes ‘Managed.’ The concept that you just put it all into the box and it takes care of itself is a furphy. You’ve all heard of the saying “Give a man a shed….”

Often, an inexperienced staff member or an intern pharmacist is tasked with ordering dispensary SKU’s and for fear of running out, they inadvertently over-order. A busy shopping centre pharmacy in NSW was haemorrhaging cash and we were asked to assist with a dispensary review. It was easy to see what was going on when we walked into the dispensary. The image here is $80k of overstocked SKU’s because the intern was warned not to run out of anything! Emotional decisions were increasing stock levels and costing the business. We quickly identified the concept of stock-turns, tying up cash in unsold stock and went through the process of managing stock.

When adding a robot into the dispensary, it is often viewed as the automation of tedious manual tasks within the dispensary. Lessor recognised, are the efficiencies gained with robotics in inventory management.

The quote from Bill Gates reminds us of the importance of efficiency within inventory management. The balance between having too much stock and not enough is a fine one, stock management refers to the activity of keeping a supply of the right stock at the right time. We get it, owners can’t be everywhere and over every detail of their business so the team at Willach set about creating smart software which helps your team to keep their robot and stock in check.

This new Advanced Inventory Management Software for CONSIS simplifies your ordering process, integrates with PharmX and marks the stock off invoice as it scans into the machine (dependent on your Dispense Software’s capability).

The algorithm in the software analyses the dispensed drugs over the previous 3 months and calculates a suggested order for either 7, 10 or 14 days of stockholding. Pharmacies on the trial program identified that they were holding $8-$10k less stock per week as an ongoing basis. More importantly their staff were more efficient with their time and felt less stressed in checking stock levels and making decision on what to re-order. They were no longer torn between rushes or their team just to meet cut-off times. Overall staff satisfaction was seen to improve and they were able to put their energies into service.

In addition to the ordering efficiencies, CONSIS A.I.M.S. aggregates all the standard management reports into a single summary page. It serves as a dashboard where you can filter the Advisories to view the required actions to optimise your robot. Pharmacies have reported much greater efficiencies within their machine and feel that the guess work has been taken out of stock and cash management.

If you are interested in adding the Advanced Management software to your CONSIS, please contact the office on 03-9429-8222 or your Regional Manager to arrange a 60 day free trial.

Mark Brown 0438 225 022
Mel Guise 0400 467 887
Janek Pendrakowski 0418 385 788

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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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