Impact of Robotic Dispensing Machines in German Pharmacies on Business Performance Indicators

F Ruhle; R Braun; H Ostermann

doi:10.4176/090731

Article Details

Impact of Robotic Dispensing Machines in German Pharmacies on Business Performance Indicators

Authors:

F Ruhle | R Braun | H Ostermann

Publisher:

Libyan Journal of Medicine

Journal:

Libyan Journal of Medicine Vol.4 Issue 4, pp.0-0

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2009

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001392535

pISSN:

1819-6357

DOI:

10.4176/090731

Abstract:

 To assess the impact of robotic dispensing machines in community pharmacies on staff efficiency and sales of over-the-counter drugs. Setting: The study was done on 253 community pharmacies in Germany that use a robotic dispensing machine manufactured by ROWA during 2008. Method: Data concerning the financial and economic impact of using a robotic dispensing machine in community pharmacies was gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed in terms of its financial implications. Key findings: The response rate was 29%. In most pharmacies (79%) the robotic dispensing machine was retrofitted. In 59% of the pharmacies additional space was gained for self-service and behind-the-counter display. As a result of using a robotic dispensing machine, personnel costs were reduced by an average of 4.6% during the first 12 months after start-up. Over-the-counter sales increased in the same period by an average of 6.8%. Despite average initial costs of 118,000 euros, total costs within the first 12 months fell in 50% of cases and at least remained the same in 44%. Conclusions: On average, robotic dispensing machines lead to modest savings in personnel costs and slight increases in sales of over-the-counter drugs. Substantial savings can be achieved only if the staffing level is adapted to the changed personnel requirements.Key words: Community pharmacy, Germany, Robotic dispensing machine, Robot.

Article Details

Impact of Robotic Dispensing Machines in German Pharmacies on Business Performance Indicators

Authors: F Ruhle | R Braun | H Ostermann

Publisher: Libyan Journal of Medicine

Journal: Libyan Journal of Medicine Vol.4 Issue 4, pp.0-0

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2009

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001392535

pISSN: 1819-6357

DOI: 10.4176/090731

Issues

Authors:

F Ruhle | R Braun | H Ostermann

Publisher:

Libyan Journal of Medicine

Journal:

Libyan Journal of Medicine Vol.4 Issue 4, pp.0-0

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2009

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001392535

pISSN:

1819-6357

DOI:

10.4176/090731