Is Will-Call Automation the Next Big Thing?

Enhanced marketing on the benefits of pick-to-light will-call systems and automated, 24/7 prescription pickup kiosks are a reason for pharmacy owners to give this enhancer another look.

By Bruce Kneeland

I saw my first pharmacy computer in 1979.

At that time the two “killer applications” were typing labels with no crossovers and being able to cross-reference a prescription number to a patient. That meant scripts could be refilled without the need for the patient to bring in their vial. Since then, pharmacy management systems have progressed to become the essential pharmacy tool. This is a big deal.

Next came the robots. I saw my first robot in 1996. It was a ScriptPro being assembled in the garage of a house the company rented in a residential neighborhood. What robots have done for pharmacy is beyond remarkable. They have made it possible for pharmacists to find the time to dramatically expand the services they provide.