Interview with Dr. Sandra Dittmann, Drei-Linden-Apotheke, Karlsruhe
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Interview with Dr. Sandra Dittmann, Drei-Linden-Apotheke, Karlsruhe
What approach have you adopted for your pharmacy?
We are a traditional local pharmacy offering a very wide range of services to our customers and patients, alongside our core mission of delivering the best possible care and advice on medicines and medical devices.
Beyond our day-to-day dispensing activities, a key focus of our work includes supplying care homes and providing patient-specific blister packaging. Our service offering also encompasses administering vaccinations – both in the pharmacy and on-site at companies and clubs (currently for flu and COVID-19).
In addition, we routinely conduct a range of health checks, including vitamin D testing, long-term blood glucose monitoring (HbA1c), and detailed cholesterol analysis. These services are complemented by personalised pharmaceutical care, such as medication counselling, ensuring holistic support for our patients’ health and wellbeing.
What challenges did you face in your pharmacy?
After taking over the Drei-Linden-Apotheke in 2016 and I had always envisioned the automation of the warehouse. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we made the decision to move quickly. Our goal was clear: increase capacity, improve organisation, and gain full control over stock management.
Why did you choose BD Rowa in particular?
Before making a decision, I explored BD Rowa’s dispensing robots alongside those of their competitors at Expopharm. What ultimately convinced me to choose BD Rowa was their extensive experience, the breadth of their portfolio, the expertise of their sales team, and the positive feedback from my colleagues already working with their solutions.
I am particularly impressed by the wide range of solutions and the seamless integration between all products and the inventory management system. BD Rowa™’s EasyLoad, in particular, has proven to be a valuable support, helping us eliminate potential sources of error right from the moment stock is placed on the belt.
With the self-collection pick up integrated into the dispensing robot, we now offer a 24/7 collection point that operates independently of pharmacy opening hours. This has been especially appreciated by our customers – whether in case of emergencies or for those managing busy schedules.
What was your experience with the delivery, installation and project management from BD Rowa?
The installation and commissioning went smoothly. The subsequent initial user training was also excellent. It was genuinely impressive to see how efficiently the system performed in practice and how quickly it began to make a difference in our daily operations.
What are your expectations for the future, and how do you see things progressing?
It’s important to have a clear vision and to think outside the box from time to time. My investment in automation gives us confidence and security for the future. We actively explore new opportunities, for example by adopting innovations such as the new BD Rowa™ Label Printer. We’ve also diversified our operations, which I believe is essential for long-term success in an evolving pharmacy landscape.
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