Retail pharmacies are typically characterized by a small point-of-sale checkout environment with 1-3 checkout counters. With limited space, it is important for the bar code scanning solution to have a small footprint in order to maximize the pharmacy's retail space on the counter. Customers typically have relatively few items in their transaction; therefore, the scanning solution should be targeted for low volume translations. Features like imaging technology enable the pharmacist to scan small, hard-to-read codes with better performance. It is important for the scanning solution to be able to read 2D codes, as these are becoming the most common symbologies for prescription labeling.

Electronic Ordering

Both retail and hospital pharmacies can use scanners to fill prescription orders faster and with more accuracy than ever before. When used in a hospital setting, bar code readers can automatically notify the pharmacy of a new order once the patient's EMR (Electonic Medical Record) is updated. This occurs after the medication label is scanned and the data is immediately uploaded into the IT system accessible in the pharmacy. Data captured from bar code readers at the hospital can also be sent to a retail pharmacy upon doctor's approval, improving prescription ordering efficiency and error-proofs the entire ordering process.

Drug Identification

When filling an order, it is critical for the pharmacist to not only reference the correct order, but to validate that the order itself is correct. This guarantees the patient will receive the correct medication and dosage. Although this process can be time consuming when completed manually, pharmacist can automatically collect data from the medication using a traditional ‘pick' and ‘pack' process. The pharmacist can also leverage ‘Perfect Match' to validate that the prescription order matches with the person for enhanced patient safety. This process can also be used to manage counterfeit or expired medications.

Inventory Management

Pharmacies can create a cost-saving inventory management system by using data collection equipment to track prescription medications. By scanning the order "pick list" during prescription filling, pharmacies can manage a reliable and accurate database for complete and partial inventory levels of these medications. The collected data can be uploaded to a central computer system in regular intervals batches or in real time. This allows for better forecasting, reducing the chance of stock-outs, overstocks, and emergency shipments while enhancing patient care. This is especially helpful for smaller pharmacies that cannot carry large quantities of every drug. With real-time inventory updates, pharmacies can also track recalled or expired medications quickly to ensure patient safety.