I have been a pharmacist for 30 years, and let me tell you, things have changed. When I first started, there were no computers in sight, no automation systems to assist us—just manual processes, handwritten records, and an ever-growing line of patients waiting to get their prescriptions filled. Our day-to-day work was time-consuming and left little room for anything beyond filling bottles and ringing up customers. Fast forward to today, pharmacy automation has transformed the landscape, helping us work more efficiently and giving us time to focus on what really matters: patient care and growing our businesses.
Where PMS and Pill Counting Started
In the early days of pharmacy, everything was done by hand. The introduction of Pharmacy Management Systems (PMS) in the late 1980s and early 1990s was a game changer. These systems helped pharmacists manage patient data, process prescriptions faster, and organize inventory more efficiently. Alongside these systems, the arrival of pill counters automated one of the most repetitive and time-consuming tasks in the pharmacy—counting tablets and capsules. These devices began as simple machines that helped speed up the counting process, but still required a lot of manual oversight. However, they laid the groundwork for what was to come.
Advancements in the Industry
Over the years, automation has become far more sophisticated. PMS platforms are now comprehensive software solutions that integrate inventory management, patient records, billing, and even compliance reporting. Some systems can communicate directly with prescribers and insurance companies, streamlining the entire prescription process from start to finish.
Automated pill counters have also seen significant improvements. Modern machines can count thousands of pills per minute with extreme accuracy, reducing the risk of human error. Some counters, like Outcomes PillCount, even have integrated barcode scanning for inventory tracking and patient safety checks, further reducing manual work. These advancements not only save time but also reduce the stress of managing a high-volume pharmacy, allowing pharmacists to shift their focus to more meaningful activities like patient counseling and clinical services.
Where the Industry is Lacking
While we've made huge strides in automation, there are still gaps in the technology that need to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of integration between different systems. Most automated pill counters and PMS solutions are made by separate companies and getting them to work together seamlessly can be a nightmare. This disconnect often results in duplicated efforts, wasted time, and increased frustration for pharmacy staff. At Outcomes, we are able to overcome this obstacle with our integrations of our PMS and PillCount products.
Another issue is the size and complexity of modern pill counters. While they’ve become more advanced, they’re often bulky, expensive, and require complex calibrations that can take hours. Manual updates to hardware are still common, which adds another layer of hassle to the process. Again, another obstacle Outcomes has been able to tackle. We use iPads to provide small footprint devices, and our cloud-based technology allows for easy updates to the software.
In short, while automation has come a long way, there’s still room for improvement, especially when it comes to making these systems more user-friendly and integrated.
How Outcomes is Tackling These Problems
At Outcomes, we understand these pain points because we have pharmacists like you on our teams who have been in the trenches. We’re committed to creating solutions that are practical, intuitive, and designed with your workflow in mind. From seamless integrations to reducing manual updates, we’re working to ensure that automation doesn’t just make your job easier—it frees up your time to focus on what really matters: delivering top-notch patient care and driving revenue-generating activities for your pharmacy.
Learn more about how we can make your work life easier, helping pharmacists reclaim their time and maximize their efficiency.
