Return on Investment after Implementation of a Centralized Automated Storage System in a Hospital Pharmacy

An ADS (automated dispensing system) was implemented in our hospital pharmacy in 2008 to optimize and secure the medication process. The main objective of this study was to compare the projected and the real ROI (return on investment), after seven years of use. ROI was calculated annually (from 2008 to 2015), by deducting the cost of investment (ADS buying and implementation, maintenance, repairs and ADS upgrade) from the cost saving (drugs stock reduction and decrease of pharmacy staff dedicated to global dispensing). In 2015, total costs saving (+$1,141,987) were divided between decreasing drug stock value and reduction of pharmacy staff. Total costs of investment (−$978,656) were acquisition, maintenance, repairs and an unplanned upgrade costs. Finally, the real ROI was +$163,331 after seven years of use. In 2008, projected ROI was +$410,786. The real payback period has been increased by approximately two years (six years of use, instead of four years as expected). Despite their cost, ADSs are a worthwhile investment, leading to a ROI within a few years. These economic considerations should be put into perspective with optimization of drugs stock management, greater efficiency of the global dispensing process, securitization of medication process and redeployment of pharmacy staff.