Introduction to Inventory

PharmaClik Rx offers an Inventory Control module that allows inventory to be monitored for drugs in the regular drug file. The main components of the Inventory module are:

• The Inventory tab in the Drug folder
• The Supplier folder
• The Order Pad
• Purchase Orders

The Inventory module supports direct on-line ordering to suppliers such as McKesson and Khol & Frisch, as well as allowing users to fax purchase orders to suppliers.

For many of the drugs in the Drug file, PharmaClik Rx provides the most frequently used pack sizes, along with McKesson listed as the supplier and the corresponding McKesson supplier price.

Once the decision has been made to use Inventory Control, the first step is to set up the inventory data for the products that are to be monitored. The can be done for all drugs, specific suppliers, or selected drugs only.

To assist with the transition into using Inventory Control, PharmaClik Rx suggests that the drugs for only one or two suppliers be set up first, or start with a specific category of products such as narcotics or oral contraceptives. By limiting the initial number of drugs monitored in Inventory, pharmacists and dispensary staff will be eased into the process of using Inventory. It is also easier to perform physical counts for one supplier or category at a time. As dispensary personnel become increasingly comfortable with using Inventory, all drugs can be put into Inventory for a complete tracking system.

Inventory Control Tips

Have one person dedicated to maintaining Inventory. It requires daily attention.

Start small. Set up a small supplier or a small category of drugs. As you become accustomed to using Inventory, gradually expand the number of products that are monitored.

To assist in getting Inventory set up, run the Re-Order Analysis Report to obtain suggested re-order points and re-order quantities.