How FLOWRx InStore Differs From a Traditional PMR System

A PMR(Patient Medication Record) system is the core software used by pharmacies to manage patient prescriptions, clinical checks, dispensing workflows, stockcontrol, patient records and regulatory compliance. It’s the central system pharmacists use every day to process and finalise prescriptions. So how does FLOWRx InStore differ?

1. What is FLOWRx InStore?

FLOWRx InStore is specialised pharmacy software designed exclusively for hub and spoke to enhance a PMR. It connects individual pharmacy branches (spokes) with a central original pack dispensing hub to streamline the receipt and handling of bagged prescriptions and to guide in-store processing of any items the hub did not supply. In some PMR systems, FLOWRx is already integrated within the same system.

2. How does FLOWRx InStore differ from a PMR in purpose?

• PMR systems manage the core dispensing process, patient records, stock and prescription data within the pharmacy.
• FLOWRx InStore enhances this by adding:
  • complete visibility across the hub and spoke workflow,
  • guided processing for hub-fulfilled prescriptions,
  • exception handling for local stock, and
  • real-time order status tracking.

3. Does FLOWRx InStore replace a PMR system?

No. It works alongside your existing PMR. You keep your PMR for core tasks like clinical checks, dispensing, record keeping, EPS handling, while FLOWRx InStore adds hub integration and workflow automation. Your existing PMR infrastructure is maintained, and the two systems integrate together. FLOWRx will integrate with any PMR.

4. What additional visibility does FLOWRx InStore provide?

FLOWRx InStore shows the full lifecycle of prescriptions flowing between a hub and the store, including what’s been packed, what’s in transit, and what needs local action. This reduces guesswork and missed items. It also means that items can be recalled from the hub at any stage in the dispensing process.

5. How does FLOWRx guided dispensing work?

Unlike a PMR where staff manage picks from local shelves manually, FLOWRx InStore guides pharmacy staff through picking, labelling and packing of any items not supplied by the hub (e.g., controlled or fridge items). These guided workflows help improve accuracy and reduce errors.

6. What does FLOWRx InStore offer in terms of real-time updates?

If the hub can’t supply an item for a prescription, it will be rejected back to FLOWRx InStore immediately after the order is sent to the hub and will display as a local pick so it can be processed straight away by staff in branch. This is something that PMRs typically don’t do without manual checks.

7. How does stock and order tracking differ?

• A PMR tracks stock levels and prescription fulfilment locally.
• FLOWRx InStore shows:
  • where prescriptions are in the hub/spoke process,
  • what’s arrived in a tote,
  • local exceptions that need picking,
  • and complete order visibility.

This supports better planning and reduces errors.

8. What about safety features and audit trails?

FLOWRx InStore maintains a comprehensive audit trail of dispensing activity, including which user handled each step. This adds an extra layer of tracking beyond the PMR’s own logs, helping with safety, accountability and recalls.

9. Does FLOWRx InStore improve workflow efficiency?

Yes. By connecting your PMR with hub-based dispensing and guiding staff in-store, the solution:

• reduces manual, repetitive tasks,
• streamlines receiving and topping-up of medicines,
• decreases workload,
• and allows staff more time with patients — all while reducing errors and improving traceability.

10. Can pharmacies use FLOWRx InStore without a hub?

FLOWRx InStore is designed to work with a hub-and-spoke model. Its main value comes from linking the pharmacy to a central hub for dispensing repeat prescriptions.It still enhances workflow even if partial hub use is involved, but its benefits are greatest in integrated models.