Importance of Advanced Inventory Management in Hospitals and Pharmacy Industry
Indeed, automated dispensing cabinets are the integrated element of the medication dispensing system in hospitals and pharmacies across the United States. It offers various advantages including charge capture, the satisfaction of the staff of the hospital and pharmacies and first-dose turnaround time. Though there are numerous benefits, inventory management in automated dispensing cabinets can pose challenges.
How Do the Experts Stock ADCs?
The experts install the standard inventory values in the ADCs in hospitals and pharmacies based on a few factors including the desired stock period and the average dispenses per day. In most cases, the maximum stock is adjusted six days a week but the periodic replacement is set after every three days.
This system generally makes sure that there are zero chances of stockouts because most ACDs are stocked every day. But in a few cases, the medication usage may cross the trends of average utilization and as a result, the experts may notice stockouts. Keep in mind that the stockout can impact patient care negatively and impede the workflow of the nursing staff and the pharmacy technicians.
How Can You Address the Challenge?
You can overcome these challenges by adopting various paths. For example, you can implement advanced inventory management in ADCs. Two types of inventory management systems can be easily implemented including low inventory alert systems and dynamic inventory standards.
What is the Low Inventory Alert System?
This system alerts the staff of the pharmacy when the inventory in the ADCs falls below the specific percentage of the PAR value. This is extremely effective for the hospitals and the pharmacies because the technicians can restock the ADCs before emptying the inventory and it also prevents stockouts.
According to the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, both low inventory alert systems and dynamic inventory standards reduce stockouts significantly across 62 ADCs. The research has also shown that these systems did not enhance the inventory turns.
Contact Us
There is nothing much to say. Now, you can understand the importance of inventory management in the medication dispensing system. If you want to get the benefits of this system, then contact us at PD-RX Pharmaceuticals.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.