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
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.
