Original Article Implementation of Advanced Inventory Management Functionality in Automated Dispensing Cabinets

Background: Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) are an integral component of distribution models in pharmacy departments across the country. There are significant challenges to optimiz - ing ADC inventory management while minimizing use of labor and capital resources. The role of enhanced inventory control functionality is not fully defined. Objective: The aim of this project is to improve ADC inventory management by leveraging dynamic inventory standards and a low inventory alert platform. Methods: Two interventional groups and 1 historical control were included in the study. Each intervention group consisted of 6 ADCs that tested enhanced inventory management functionality. Interventions included dynamic inventory standards and a low inventory alert messaging system. Following separate implementation of each platform, dynamic inventory and low inventory alert systems were applied concurrently to all 12 ADCs. Outcome measures included number and dura- tion of daily stockouts, ADC inventory turns, and number of phone calls related to stockouts received by pharmacy staff. Results: Low inventory alerts reduced both the number and duration of stockouts. Dynamic inven- tory standards reduced the number of daily stockouts without changing the inventory turns and duration of stockouts. No change was observed in number of calls related to stockouts made to pharmacy staff. Conclusions: Low inventory alerts and dynamic inventory standards are feasible mechanisms to help optimize ADC inventory management while minimizing labor and capital resources. Key Words—automated dispensing cabinets, dynamic inventory, low inventory alert, medication stockouts