Page 10 - V4_Phoenix_pharmaca_automation_guide

PLANNING GROWTH LIKE A CITY

Are your stores ready for automation?

Asking the Expert – EUR >2M Net Turnover and a high Rx share. The mated solution with conveyor belt loading should

Interview with An Marin, Retail Director BENU BE ROI is achieved after around 4 years, but they are be considered obligatory, as it is essential for long-

running more than 20 years. Now, every store that term efficiency and return on investment.”

is planned to be refitted is undergoing a robot sui- Any advice for decision-makers along the journey
Why is automation of strategic importance for tability assessment. Alternatively, robots can be
BENU BELGIUM? of automation?
installed as part of a modernizing “facelift” with no
“Automation is strategically important for us because they reconstruction and minimal disruption during ins- “The technology has proven to deliver ROI. A clear

save around 2.5 hours of work per day, freeing up time for tallation. Up to now we installed 2-3 robots a year.” upfront understanding of operational needs ensu-
patient care, cross-selling and service programs that are What do you think is important to consider when res the automation solution aligns with business

a top priority in Belgium. With high wages and legal inde- installing dispensing robots? objectives and achieves maximum efficiency, fully

xation, automation helps control costs and addresses the supported by our LEAN transformation focused on

growing difficulty of recruiting pharmacists by reducing de- “Get third party guidance from providers on the simplifying processes and eliminating waste. We
pendency on scarce resources. In addition, robots ensure ideal model and installation to achieve the best recommend starting with one or two pilots, closely

operational continuity as they are always available and de- operational savings. They can consider store indi- tracking workflow changes, employee satisfaction,

„Dispensing robots are not just a cost – crease back-office workload like stock handling process and vidual pain points like a lack of storage, workflow and key operational and financial KPIs. Based on

they are a strategic enabler for growth, manual inventory counting.” inefficiencies or increased front of shop space these insights, investments can then be selectively
resilience, and better pharmacy care. How many stores are equipped with Dispensing Robots and needs and will consult you on the best model, work- scaled to the right stores.”

What would your pharmacy teams do do you gain ROI? flow and size. We will always ask offers from diffe-
rent providers to put them into competition. For us,
with 3 extra hours per day?“ “By 2026 we will have equipped 15% of our pharmacy esta- the installation nearby the OTC counter is the best

10 te. We prioritized high performing and growing stores with location to ensure speed of operation. A fully auto- 11