Efficiency is incredibly important in the pharmacy world, and there are a number of factors that can affect it – customer service, inventory, personnel, and prices, to name a few. One of the most important aspects regarding pharmacy efficiency is pharmacy design. The way a pharmacy is physically designed and structured can have a major impact on pharmacy efficiency as it relates to pharmacy workflow.
Taking the Time to Establish Processes
With so much work that needs to be done on a daily basis in a pharmacy, most people simply attempt to get the work done however they can. However, by taking the time to determine what is done on a daily basis and then set an order to those steps is time well invested, as it can result in improved pharmacy productivity and accuracy through good pharmacy design.
In order to establish the most efficient processes that should be replicated, go through each work assignment step-by-step to evaluate the best way to complete the tasks and to determine the amount of time, space, and supplies needed. Consistently enforce these processes until they become the new routine.
Streamlining Pharmacy Workplace Movement
Establishing the best procedures for doing work involves discovering ways to help streamline pharmacy workplace movement. A simple goal, such as reducing the number of steps needed to complete pharmacy work tasks, can increase pharmacy efficiency significantly and reduce the amount of time needed to complete tasks.
To accomplish this, consider the layout of your counter space and shelving. If it is necessary to rearrange or even remodel your pharmacy to reduce the number of steps between tasks, consider the possibilities and make the best decision that will improve your long term results.
Improving Pharmacy Inventory Practices
Inventory is a vital part of pharmacy operations, and it plays a key role in efficiency as well. There is an ideal level of inventory for your pharmacy, although it varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, and it is important to reach and maintain this amount. Too much inventory can crowd shelf space and hurt cash flow, but too little inventory can result in lost sales. Moreover, either too little or too much inventory can negatively affect the pharmacy staff because valuable time is lost dealing with customer complaints, stock and storage issues, and other related matters.
Be strategic when determining what your ideal inventory level is. Take into consideration the amount of storage space you have available and your ability to maintain the security of high demand narcotics.
Reviewing Pharmacy Workflow Processes Regularly
Pharmacy design and workflow have a major impact on pharmacy efficiency and should both be consistently analyzed and addressed. Based on business growth, customer and community needs, and ever-evolving technological resources, what worked two years ago may not still be the best way available now. This is why it is very important to review all pharmacy processes on a regular basis.
When processes, shelving, workflows, or spaces are no longer working at an optimal level, the time and effort should be taken to evaluate, address, and improve them.
