Thrifty White Drug, an employee-owned chain of 69 stores serving primarily rural communities in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Montana, and Iowa, has installed ScriptPro Robotic Prescription Dispensing Systems to fill the growing prescription load and maximize return on investment.

“Pharmacy is the focus of our business,” said Gary Boehler, Executive Vice President of Pharmacy and Health Care Services. “Every decision we make must positively impact our pharmacies.”

Thrifty White Drug Customer Since 1999
Pharmacy Type:		Chain
Location:		Minneapolis, MN

The chain began evaluating robotic dispensing in 1999 for several reasons, according to Boehler. Prescription volumes in Thrifty White stores were increasing, and they were faced with the need to add part-time pharmacists to keep up. However, it was difficult to find qualified part-time staff in rural areas, and management decided to consider robotics as an alternative.

“When I calculated the cost of a part-time pharmacist and the cost of ScriptPro’s robot, automation was clearly the way to go. Since then, salaries for pharmacy staff have increased,” said Boehler. “The hourly cost of a fully supported robot is about one-fourth of the hourly cost of a pharmacist. When we implement a ScriptPro robot instead of adding a part-time pharmacist, we get a 4 to 1 payback.”

Thrifty White pharmacists should be talking to patients— not counting pills. According to Boehler, “Our goal is to get the pharmacist as far removed from redundant tasks as possible. Thrifty White pharmacists verify and check prescriptions and counsel patients. ScriptPro robots have allowed us to do that.”

Thrifty White continues to add ScriptPro robots as needed since the ROI is quick and substantial. Boehler adds that ScriptPro’s service levels have been outstanding. Issues are resolved immediately any time of day or night. “ScriptPro takes care of its equipment and is very customer oriented.”

Gary Boehler, Executive Vice President
of Pharmacy and Health Care Services