So, you’ve chosen the right pharmacy software. What comes next?
To supplement any software, you should have several pieces of hardware in your pharmacy.
Hardware works hand-in-hand with software, making day-to-day operations smoother and allowing your pharmacy to run like a well-oiled machine.
Depending on the software you use, you may even be able to integrate key pieces of hardware into your system — improving interoperability and increasing your efficiency.
In any case, hardware is essential to your operations, and you need to know the right kind to have on hand.
Here are just a few you should consider:
1. Printer
One of the most basic — but necessary — pieces of equipment in your pharmacy is the printer.
You’ll use printers for everything from prescription labels to patient forms and receipts.
While a laser printer can handle most of these tasks, adding a thermal printer into the mix can be beneficial.
Thermal printers are great for label printing because they don’t require ink, they have fewer moving parts (which means less maintenance), and they’re much faster at printing high volumes of labels.
Laser printers, on the other hand, are ideal for larger, multi-purpose print jobs, such as patient education packets or intake forms.
Having both types on hand enables you to print anything and everything you need.
2. Barcode Scanner
Barcode scanners are a useful tool for streamlining point-of-sale operations, inventory management, and checking in-stock medications.
Many pharmacies use 1D scanners (one-dimensional scanners), which read traditional linear barcodes and store simple information like product names, prices, or inventory codes.
However, you may benefit from buying a 2D scanner.
A 2D scanner can read both traditional 1D barcodes and more complex 2D barcodes (like QR codes).
2D barcodes can hold much more information than 1D barcodes, including product details, expiration dates, and batch numbers.
This is helpful if you need to track a wide range of data for prescriptions, medications, and inventory.
The 2D scanner can also read barcodes from any angle and even scan digital codes from smartphones, making it ideal for reading the curved surfaces of pill bottles.
3. Mobile Tablets
Pharmacies are becoming more mobile, and using iPads or tablets can give your staff the flexibility to work from anywhere in the store.
Tablets give you the tools to provide patient consultations, manage inventory, and even complete transactions without being confined to the counter.
Many pharmacy software vendors offer apps that integrate with tablets, so you can synchronize tasks like deliveries, inventory checks, and sales back to your main software system.
Ask your vendor for more information on integration — and if you find that yours doesn’t integrate, it may be time to consider switching to a new software.
4. Fingerprint Scanners
Maintaining patient data security is essential in any pharmacy.
A fingerprint scanner provides a more secure method of managing employee access to your system than traditional password protection.
Unlike passwords, which can be forgotten, shared, or compromised, fingerprint scanning ensures that only the individual whose fingerprint is registered can log in.
This prevents unauthorized access to your pharmacy software and reduces the chances of internal security breaches.
Biometric authentication in fingerprint scanners also enhances accountability.
Each action within the system can be directly tied to a specific employee, creating a clear audit trail.
This can improve the accuracy of record-keeping, ensuring that your pharmacy complies with regulatory standards.
Finally, fingerprint scanners save employees from repeatedly entering passwords.
This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the potential for password fatigue, which can lead to security shortcuts.
5. POS System
An efficient point-of-sale (POS) system is essential for providing a fast and seamless checkout experience for patients.
A complete POS setup includes several pieces of equipment, such as a touchscreen monitor for quicker input, a receipt printer for customer receipts, and a cash drawer for secure cash handling.
While you’re at it, consider getting a credit card processor that accepts both contactless payments and chip cards to keep up with modern payment methods.
To learn more, read our blog, “What to Look for in a Pharmacy POS System.”
6. Signature Pads
Signature capture is a necessary part of prescription pick-up and processing.
Many modern credit card processors come with integrated signature pads, but if yours doesn’t, consider investing in a standalone signature pad.
A signature pad allows patients to sign electronically for prescriptions and other pharmacy services, speeding up transactions and reducing paper use.
7. High-Volume Scanners
Even though many aspects of pharmacy practice are going digital, there are still plenty of paper documents you need to manage.
A high-volume scanner is a must for turning paper prescriptions, insurance cards, and patient information into digital files that can be easily stored in your pharmacy’s software system.
A high-volume scanner that processes both sides of a page simultaneously will ensure that you don’t lose time or slow down your workflow doing routine scans.
8. Backup Internet Solutions
Like any business, a pharmacy needs a reliable internet connection.
However, interruptions happen — whether they be from power outages, weather conditions, or simple glitches in the system.
To avoid disruptions in service, especially during emergencies, consider investing in a hotspot or backup internet connection.
This will allow you to keep your systems online and continue filling prescriptions, even if your primary internet service goes down.
9. Label Dispensers
An often-overlooked — but incredibly useful— tool for pharmacies is a label dispenser.
If your pharmacy uses a thermal printer for labels, a label dispenser can streamline the labeling process by automatically peeling and dispensing each label as it’s printed.
This eliminates the need for manual peeling, which can be surprisingly time-consuming during busy periods when dozens or even hundreds of prescriptions need to be labeled in a short amount of time.
By automating this step, a label dispenser not only speeds up the labeling process but also helps prevent errors, like labels sticking together or tearing.
This can be especially beneficial in high-volume environments, where every second counts, and interruptions to the workflow can slow down the entire operation.
10. Security Camera System
A security camera system is a valuable addition to any pharmacy, not just for safety, but for compliance and operational efficiency.
Pharmacies handle sensitive medications and personal information, so maintaining a secure environment is of the utmost importance.
A security camera system allows you to monitor various areas of your pharmacy, including the front counter, storage areas, and controlled substances sections.
Security cameras can act as a deterrent for theft and misconduct, both from external threats and internal risks.
Modern security cameras are usually equipped with high-definition video, night vision, and motion detection.
Many systems also offer remote access via smartphone apps, allowing you to check in on your pharmacy even when you’re not there.
As a bonus, some systems integrate with POS systems to help verify cash transactions or track when specific medications are dispensed.
Conclusion
While your pharmacy software is the backbone of your operations, the right hardware is what makes your workflow seamless and efficient.
By choosing the right hardware for your pharmacy, you can improve productivity, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance both staff and customer experiences.
Before purchasing any hardware, consult with your software vendor to ensure everything will integrate smoothly with your system.
And remember: the right combination of software and hardware makes all the difference in your operations.
