We spoke with automation experts Dean Knipfel (Sr. Manager, Retail Sales), Philippe Ducharme (Inside Sales Representative), and Steve Fontaine (Senior Engineer, Strategic Projects), who each shared helpful tips on planning for automation in pharmacy renovations.

Their insights can help pharmacy owners understand how to effectively integrate automation into their renovation plans and improve business operations.

"What are the critical factors pharmacy owners should consider when determining the scale and type of automation solutions during a renovation?"

Dean – "Renovations are expensive and intrusive, so it’s important to think long-term. What will the pharmacy need in 5, 10, or 15 years? You only get one chance to design the space right. For example, a pharmacy is preparing for future automation (pouch packing), even though they aren’t ready to use it yet."

Phil – "When we meet with pharmacies for consultations, we want to understand their customer base, look at how many prescriptions they fill and what kind of packaging they use. We want to also envision their 5-year plan. That way, the renovation supports future growth, like adding larger robots and using technicians more efficiently."

Steve – "We always start with a consultation to figure out the pharmacy’s needs. It’s not just about what machines you buy, but also where they go and how they will fit into the workflow. Just like you wouldn’t put the dishwasher in the living room!"

"What are common challenges pharmacy owners face when adding automation into renovation projects, and how can they overcome them?"

Dean – "A common challenge is running into delays and going over budget. Always plan for the worst-case scenario and add about 10% to your cost estimate. Delays in adding automation can slow down business growth, so it’s always important to budget carefully."

Phil – "Sometimes pharmacies think they need a big machine, but a different–simpler solution may work better. It helps to know exactly what equipment and specifications you want ahead of time and work closely with the renovation team."

Steve – "Planning ahead for space is key. Pharmacy owners may not realize that there are creative ways to meet their needs without compromising on safety and efficiency. For example, if you want a large machine that’s hard to fit, you can opt for several smaller machines which will do the job just as well."

"What advice would you give to pharmacy owners who are hesitant about adopting automation in their renovation plans?"

Dean – "If you don’t end up integrating automation now, you might need to renovate again later which will end up costing more. Even if you’re renovating to sell the pharmacy, leaving room for future automation will increase its value. Everything is moving toward being automated and digital, so you need to adapt now to stay competitive and relevant."

Phil – "Look at your data–an analysis of your top 500. How much time is spent on counting pills, printing labels, and handling prescriptions? A deep dive into your numbers can reveal how much time and money you could save with automation. It also helps reduce human error."

Steve – "There’s no reason to hesitate on automation. We have automation solutions for every pharmacy. Even one CountAssist will handle 30% of all your tasks."

Integrating automation into pharmacy renovations isn’t just about upgrading technology but also setting up your pharmacy for long-term success. Whether you are tight on budget, need to improve efficiency or planning for the long-term, there are many solutions to meet every need. With the right planning and expert guidance, pharmacy owners can benefit from improvements in workflow, cost savings and patient care.