1. What is a traditional robotic dispensing system?
A robotic dispensing system (RDS) is mechanical automation that stores, retrieves and dispenses medication packs within a pharmacy or hub. These systems typically:
- Automatically sort and load stock from wholesaler deliveries.
- Pick individual medication packs using robotic arms or picking heads.
- Integrate with the pharmacy’s PMR so prescriptions can be automatically sent for picking.
2. What is FLOWRx?
FLOWRx is an integrated pharmacy workflow and automation platform that supports hub and spoke dispensing and enhances the entire original pack dispensing process. It includes software and semi-automated hardware that connects pharmacy stores to central hubs, guides workflows and automates labelling, sorting and bagging.
3. Does FLOWRx replace robotic dispensing systems?
No, FLOWRx is not simply a robot. It is a full hub and spoke workflow solution that can work with or without robotic storage/dispensing hardware (RDS). You can integrate a robotic dispensing solution with FLOWRx, but FLOWRx itself is focused on managing and optimising the complete dispensing workflow from store to hub.
4. What core function differentiates FLOWRx from robotic dispensers?
a) Medication storage & automated retrieval: An RDS physically stores and picks original pack medication. FLOWRx is not a storage/picking robot. It uses software to drive workflow and can integrate with an RDS if appropriate.
b) Workflow management from store to hub: This is extremely limited with an RDS and is usually only possible when integrated with a PMR. Neither PMRs orRDS were designed specifically for hub and spoke. FLOWRx was designed purely for hub and spoke and offers end to end workflow control.
c) Labelling and sorting: An RDS will only pick original packs, the rest of the dispensing process is done manually. FLOWRx can automate your original pack labelling process and label up to 1500 packs per hour with a single line. In addition, FLOWRx will automate the sorting and bagging process.
d) Full visibility and tracking: This is only available via the PMR that the RDS is integrates with and even then visibility and functionality is lacking. However, FLOWRx offers full end to end status and an audit trail.
e) Hub and spoke automation: An RDS was never designed for hub and spoke. FLOWRx was designed specifically for hub and spoke in the UK.
5. How do they differ in automation scope?
RDS primarily automate the physical picking and dispensing of original pack items from stock.
FLOWRx automates the entire original pack dispensing process: not just picking, but also order batching, labelling,RFID-guided sorting, bagging, tote creation and integration with the pharmacy software and hub processes.
6. What about integration with pharmacy software (PMR)?
Robotic dispensing systems generally integrate with the PMR to receive prescription orders and update picking status. FLOWRx integrates with PMRs plus RDS suppliers, cascade systems, warehouse management systems or wholesaler systems, providing full visibility of prescriptions, status tracking, audit data and workflow guidance across hub and spokes.
7. Can FLOWRx work alongside robots?
Yes. You can integrate an RDS with the FLOWRx platform. The software orchestrates overall workflow, while the robot handles specific picking tasks.
8. Where is each technology typically used?
Robotic dispensing systems can be used in a single pharmacy or central hub and are often chosen to automate stock handling and picking where space and budget allow. FLOWRx is designed for hub and spoke models where repeat prescriptions are centrally assembled and then distributed to multiple pharmacies, with workflow solutions scaled for different group sizes.
9. How do they impact pharmacy workflow?
An RDS speeds up medication picking and reduces manual handling. FLOWRx streamlines the entire original pack dispensing journey, from clinical checking in branch,through central hub labelling and sorting, back to in-store exception handling, enabling efficiencies across the whole organisation.
10. Which is better for hub and spoke dispensing?
Robotic dispensing systems are valuable for organisations wanting to automate stock picking. FLOWRx is specifically built for hub and spoke workflows, providing end-to-end management and automation, including labelling, sorting and bagging, beyond just robotic picking. This makes it a more complete solution for centralised repeat prescription dispensing teams.
11. Which is the most scalable solution – an RDS or FLOWRx?
To fit the hub and spoke model, many traditional picking robotic dispensing systems require:
- multiple PMR terminals
- one member of staff for each workstation or dispensing chute at the hub
- higher staffing levels at the hub as volume grows
Their scalability is linear, not exponential - volume goes up, staffing goes up.
FLOWRx has been purpose-built for the modern hub-and-spoke dispensing model. Instead of relying on multiple packing terminals tied to a PMR system, each one requiring a staff member to drive it, FLOWRx uses a fully integrated automated line designed to absorb increasing dispensing volumes without increasing operational staffing. Whether you're dispensing 5,000 items per week or scaling toward 50,000, the FLOWRx system continues to handle labelling, assembly and accuracy checks using a core staffing model.
