Investing in Pharmacy Automation: Financing Options for Robotics

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
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