Previously on the eVero Blog we outlined key benefits that eMAR platform can bring to IDD agencies and discussed the importance of pharmacy integrations. Below we will talk about a hidden benefit of eMAR: automated inventory management.
For agencies responsible for managing medications for the individuals they support, maintaining up-to-date data is crucial. Efficiently tracking the ordering, usage, storage, and reordering of medication inventory is essential for minimizing costs, meeting regulatory requirements, and, most importantly, ensuring the safety of those who rely on these medications.
Incorporating automation into medication inventory control is a best practice for IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) agencies. There are numerous efficiencies to be gained in time management, cost control, and accuracy that may be lost with manual processes. Moreover, automation simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements. Below are several ways in which inventory automation can be beneficial:
- Inventory Accuracy – An automated inventory management system streamlines processes, saves time, and enhances accuracy, significantly reducing the potential for costly errors.
- Optimized Staff Efficiency – Automation frees up staff time, allowing them to concentrate on more critical tasks instead of tedious inventory tracking, which ultimately minimizes human error.
- Maximized Return on Investment (ROI) – Real-time inventory counts improve forecasting and order placement. This enables teams to analyze trends and make informed purchasing decisions, maximizing returns on investments. Real-time data also reduces the risk of high carrying costs or insufficient reserves, facilitating a more balanced supply and demand.
- Improved Order Accuracy – Even if staff medication inventory counts are precise, manual order entry into the system can lead to errors. Automated pharmacy integrations ensure that order information is accurately and promptly entered into the system.
- Increased Compliance and Security – Automated eMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record) systems monitor all transactions and dispenses to maintain accurate inventory documentation. This helps meet compliance requirements from local and federal agencies. Safeguards, such as biometric logins, protect records from unauthorized access.
- Enhanced Quality of Care – Inventory automation includes patient safety checks, allowing you to track expired medications. With this visibility, you can avoid running out of essential medications, which could negatively impact patient care.
- Accurate Ordering & Tracking – Automation ensures that medications received match what was ordered and tracks the lifecycle through administration and disposal. Utilizing an inventory control system such as eVero eMAR will help support compliance through enhanced reporting capabilities and alert you when inventory levels are low.
- Expiration Notifications – Automation can notify you of impending medication expiration dates. Medications that are within two days of expiration should be removed from circulation to prevent dispensing.
Accurate medication inventory management helps reduce costs, ensures compliance, and enhances patient safety by guaranteeing the dispensing of correct and non-expired medications. eVero eMAR leverages automation and integrates with pharmacy systems to ensure that the right individuals receive the right medications at the right time.
