The retail pharmacy sector is undergoing a transformative shift. Pressures from growing prescription volumes, workforce shortages and rising patient expectations are pushing pharmacies to find smarter, faster and safer ways to operate. At the heart of this evolution lies automation.
Community pharmacies across the UK are embracing technologies once thought too complex or expensive for high street businesses. From automated monitored dosage systems (MDS) to remote collection lockers and robotic blister pack production, automation is redefining how independent pharmacies work, compete and serve their communities.
One standout example is Pearl Chemist Group, which adopted Omnicell’s VBM 200F solution to centralise and automate MDS production across its pharmacy network. The results were profound: improved accuracy, increased efficiency and thousands of staff hours returned to patient-facing care.
This article explores the current and emerging trends in community pharmacy automation, using real-world case studies and industry insights to show how pharmacy owners can stay ahead of the curve and why automation is becoming not just a competitive advantage, but a necessity.
The Changing Face of Community Pharmacy
Community pharmacies have long served as the front door to healthcare, but today’s pharmacy landscape is more complex than ever. Increased demand for prescription fulfilment, a rise in polypharmacy and expectations around patient-centred services are testing the limits of traditional workflows.
Manual dispensing, time-intensive MDS filling and unpredictable staffing are common pain points. These inefficiencies not only drain valuable time and heighten the chance of mistakes, but also stand in the way of pharmacy teams connecting with patients through meaningful clinical conversations
At the same time, the competitive landscape is shifting. Large chains and online providers are investing in scalable automation infrastructure and, and patients are seeking convenience, faster service and, and access to pharmacists without the wait.
To remain resilient, independent pharmacies are turning to smart technology, not just to keep up, but to lead.
What Does Pharmacy Automation Look Like in 2025?
Modern pharmacy automation is modular, scalable and designed for real-world pharmacy settings. Key technologies gaining traction include:
- Automated MDS Systems
Technologies like Omnicell's VBM 200F automate the preparation of monitored dosage systems, greatly reducing the risk of manual errors. These systems handle blister card production with barcode verification, integrated labelling and inventory tracking. - Centralised Production Hubs
Groups of pharmacies are moving MDS production to a central hub, equipped with robotics and managed by a single team. This frees up capacity and space in branch locations, enabling staff to focus on services and patient care1. - Patient Collection Lockers
Automated solutions for 24/7 medicine collection, helping pharmacies manage prescription volume, extend hours without staffing increases and improve the patient experience. - Barcode-Driven Inventory
Automation platforms now integrate inventory control, reducing waste and ensuring high-cost items are tracked and reordered precisely. - Telepharmacy and Digital Counselling
Integrated platforms can link robotic dispensing with digital consultations, expanding access while protecting pharmacist time.
These technologies are no longer aspirational. They are currently being implemented by leading independent operators, with proven returns.
Case Study: Pearl Chemist Group – Automating for Growth, Accuracy and Resilience
Pearl Chemist Group (PCG) is a network of 20 community pharmacies located throughout South London. Known for its focus on both efficiency and patient care, the group dispenses thousands of MDS trays each month to patients with long-term conditions. While demand for these services was increasing steadily, the manual preparation process had become a limiting factor. It was time-consuming, labour-intensive and prone to bottlenecks.
Each pharmacy in the group was managing MDS assembly locally, which required hours of technician time, substantial space for storage and sorting andand and manual checking processes. The business impact was significant: inconsistencies in workflow, duplicated effort across sites andand and rising staffing costs. Most importantly, it pulled team members away from face-to-face patient care, particularly in the mornings when the pharmacy floor was at its busiest.
Recognising the need for a centralised and automated solution, PCG adopted the Omnicell VBM 200F — a high-speed, high-accuracy machine specifically designed to automate blister pack preparation for community pharmacy. The VBM was installed at a dedicated MDS hub serving the entire group, creating a single point of coordination for all monitored dosage packaging.
The benefits were immediate and wide-ranging. First and foremost, automation significantly improved the accuracy of MDS tray preparation. Using barcode verification, integrated medication labelling and guided workflows, the VBM 200F eliminated common manual errors. This had direct implications for patient safety, particularly for elderly and vulnerable patients who rely on the correct sequence and timing of medications.
Secondly, the new system allowed PCG to scale capacity without increasing front-line staffing. The hub now processes more trays per day than any individual branch could previously manage. Each tray is produced, sealed, labelled and tracked by the system, freeing pharmacy staff at the branch level to focus on checking, clinical services and patient interaction.
Operationally, the MDS hub streamlined stock control and storage. Instead of each pharmacy maintaining its own large backroom stock of compliance aids and medications, the hub could be centrally stocked, managed and replenished based on real-time usage. This reduced stock duplication and expired medicines, generating procurement savings across the network.
Omnicell UK provided a full support service, including initial workflow consultancy, training for hub technicians andand and, and ongoing optimisation after installation. PCG worked closely with Omnicell’s team to ensure the solution fit not just the technology requirements but the business’s operational and service goals.
Importantly, the transformation has had a positive impact on staff morale and retention. Technicians at branch level now report feeling more engaged and focused, with fewer hours spent on repetitive tasks and more time available for skill development. The company has also seen an increase in patient satisfaction, as staff are more available for counselling, queries and service delivery.
The PCG operations team described the transition to automation as a turning point. “We didn’t just solve a capacity problem: we evolved our business model,” they noted. “The VBM system has given us the flexibility to grow without compromise. We’re delivering more, with greater safety and reclaiming valuable staff time.”
By investing in automation, Pearl Chemist Group has not only increased efficiency but laid the groundwork for sustainable growth, clinical service delivery and future innovation.
Strategic Benefits of Automation for Community Pharmacy
Automation in community pharmacy is no longer simply about efficiency: it has become a strategic lever for growth, compliance and, and patient engagement. Independent pharmacies face mounting pressures, from increasing dispensing volume to expanded NHS service delivery and automation offers a scalable solution that enhances core pharmacy functions.
One of the most tangible benefits is time savings. With automated MDS systems like the Omnicell VBM 200F, pharmacy teams can reclaim hours otherwise spent on labour-intensive tray preparation. For high-volume pharmacies, this translates into hundreds of hours annually that can be redirected toward clinical services, patient engagement, or even business development.
Error reduction is another key advantage. Manual MDS filling is inherently prone to mistakes, especially when performed under time pressure or by less experienced staff. Barcode verification, integrated scanning and guided workflows ensure blister trays are packed and labelled accurately, which is essential for safeguarding high-risk or elderly patients.
From a regulatory standpoint, automation provides full auditability. Omnicell systems automatically record each step of the dispensing process, supporting real-time traceability. This strengthens pharmacy compliance during GPhC inspections and reinforces patient safety governance protocols.
Automation also supports clinical service expansion. By streamlining core dispensing, staff can be redeployed to offer NHS-supported services like flu vaccinations, hypertension case finding and, and structured medication reviews, all of which are incentivised under the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF).
Finally, automation boosts recruitment and retention. Staff who no longer spend hours on repetitive tasks tend to report higher satisfaction and a stronger sense of professional value. This can help reduce turnover, a growing concern in an already stretched pharmacy workforce.
In short, automation allows pharmacies to operate smarter delivering safer, faster and, and more sustainable care to the communities they serve.
Preparing for the Automation Transition
Implementing automation in a community pharmacy environment may seem like a significant undertaking, but with proper planning and the right partner, the process is achievable, scalable and ultimately transformative.
Cost is often cited as the most significant barrier to entry. However, forward-looking pharmacies increasingly view automation as a capital investment in resilience and service capability. Omnicell UK provides ROI modelling that takes into account labour savings, reduced error costs and, and increased capacity. Many pharmacies report achieving full return on investment within 12 to 18 months.
Physical space is another frequent concern. Fortunately, systems like the VBM 200F are designed to accommodate the footprint constraints of UK pharmacy layouts. Pharmacies with multiple sites can centralise MDS production to a single hub, reducing spatial pressure at the individual branch level while creating economies of scale.
Staff engagement is also a critical consideration. Automation may initially be viewed as a threat to established workflows. However, with proper consultation and training, staff often become strong advocates. Many appreciate the reduced manual load and the opportunity to shift their focus to patient care, accuracy checking, or clinical services.
Integration is rarely a problem. Omnicell solutions are built to integrate with most major UK PMR systems and dispensing software. Implementation teams work directly with pharmacy staff to map workflows, identify risk points and build a seamless transition plan with minimal service interruption.
Most importantly, automation should be introduced with a clear objective. Whether the goal is to increase throughput, improve safety, or unlock capacity for services, a well-articulated strategy ensures that automation delivers targeted outcomes, not just general improvements.
Pharmacies that approach automation as a journey, rather than a single event, are best positioned to scale up gradually, optimise their investment and, and future-proof their services.
A Smarter Future for Community Pharmacy
Community pharmacies across the UK are at a pivotal moment. Rising clinical demands, workforce shortages and, and increasing patient expectations are placing enormous pressure on traditional models of care. In this context, automation isn’t just a tool, it’s a lifeline for sustainable service delivery.
As the experience of Pearl Chemist Group clearly demonstrates, adopting technology like the Omnicell VBM 200F transforms more than just the back office. It unlocks clinical time, reduces risk and, and modernises operations. Automation helps staff focus on what matters most: patient safety, personalised care and, and high-quality interactions.
By embracing smart systems, independent pharmacies can enhance their competitiveness, meet regulatory expectations and, and expand their role within the NHS primary care ecosystem. Far from replacing the pharmacist, automation empowers them, allowing their expertise to be used where it’s most needed.
The future of community pharmacy belongs to those who evolve. And automation is a cornerstone of that evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is pharmacy automation only for big chain pharmacies?
No. Modular systems like Omnicell’s VBM 200F are designed specifically for independent pharmacies and small groups. They offer scalable options, centralised hub models and installation support for businesses of all sizes. - How long does it take to see ROI from automation?
Most community pharmacies report return on investment within 12–18 months due to reductions in staff labour, error correction and, and increased service capacity. - What types of errors does automation help reduce?
Barcode-driven workflows prevent mislabelling, omitted doses, packing inconsistencies and, and missed items, particularly valuable for vulnerable or polypharmacy patients. - Can automation improve our GPhC inspection outcomes?
Yes. Digital audit trails enhance traceability, documentation and, and accountability, simplifying evidence gathering for regulatory reviews. - Will automation reduce staff–patient interaction?
Quite the opposite. Automation frees up staff to deliver more clinical services and engage directly with patients, increasing job satisfaction and service value. - Does Omnicell UK provide implementation support?
Yes. Omnicell offers full ROI planning, workflow mapping, integration with PMR systems, training and, and ongoing optimisation.
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