Many community pharmacies across the UK and Ireland are already taking advantage of automation to free up the space, time and resources needed to become more customer facing, handle additional services and grow the business. So is a BD Rowa dispensing robot right for your pharmacy?

This overview of the key benefits will help you visualise how the technology can support your operation and also perhaps dispel some common myths!

There are dispensing robots suitable for every pharmacy, irrespective of size, space and volume of prescriptions. BD Rowa models all feature the same tried and tested technology and by standardising production, entry level equipment starts from GBP 56,990. Hire purchase and leasing are also available.

By eliminating human error, dispensing robots elevate the standard of service which, in turn, reassures patients and generates loyalty to the pharmacy.  With the software connecting to the right medications via bar-code scanning technology, there is a dramatic reduction in general picking and LASA mistakes.

Automated dispensing frees the resources needed to introduce new services such as flu, travel (and potentially COVID-19) vaccinations; smoking cessation clinics and MDS compliance. Pharmacists can become more customer facing and spend more time with patients. The arduous job of storing deliveries can take a matter of minutes. Overall, productivity is greatly improved.

The stockroom becomes highly organised and efficient and therefore stock holding is reduced. Levels and usage can be monitored in real-time to support ordering decisions and ensure excellent availability for patients.  Different size containers from multiple suppliers are handled with ease by the robot.

Wastage is minimised as the robot reads data matrix 2D codes for exact expiry dates, providing instant access to information on which products will soon go out of date. All manufacturers are ‘linked’ and prioritised by the shortest expiry date when picked; and where possible, part packs are also selected first.

A highly organised, automated stock room stores medications far more densely than traditional shelving. This makes the best use of any available floor space (as little as 2.7 metres is needed) and provides new space to accommodate additional services.

The automated pick speed and turnaround is much quicker which reduces waiting times, delivers a better customer experience and minimises walk-aways. It also provides the capacity to handle more prescriptions without increasing head count. Holidays, illness and staff shortages are much less challenging with a robot to carry the load.

BD Rowa technology is extremely reliable and its dispensing robots have been proven to typically operate at 99.9% uptime. The company also offers predictive and preventative maintenance programmes to further ensure minimal downtime and the best possible service for your staff and patients.

When pharmacists first see automated dispensing in action, they are often struck by the atmosphere in the pharmacy – despite the volume of prescriptions being fulfilled. Medications are delivered direct to staff who no longer need to rush around, resulting in a more pleasant environment for all. The chaos is replaced with calm.