PRWeb reported that Swisslog has released its next generation of Inventory Management Software (IMS) for the hospital pharmacy. The software controls inventory costs, improves workflow efficiency and enhances patient safety.

The software optimizes pharmacy inventory and provides a "perpetual inventory" approach specifically designed for hospital medication flow. Swisslog's IMS will automate reordering of drugs directly with the hospital's pharmaceutical wholesaler. All inventory movements from the warehouse to dispensing, stock levels, remote inventory, and replenishment orders are recorded and tracked.

"Ineffective inventory management often leads to excess stock and high waste due to expiring drugs and, as a result, cost hospital pharmacies millions of dollars each year," says Ben Hinnen, Business Unit Manager for Swisslog Automated Drug Management Systems. "Our inventory management software can reduce inventory costs significantly, while improving workflow efficiency and ultimately the quality of patient care."

Swisslog IMS features several modules including inventory ordering/receiving, satellite pharmacies/departments, and central pharmacy and reporting. It also provides full reporting capability and is designed to be linked to the Hospital Information System/ADT. Hardware requirements include a mobile workstation and a handheld scanner.