title: Implementation of Advanced Inventory Management Functionality in Automated Dispensing Cabinets.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) are an integral component of distribution models in pharmacy departments across the country. There are significant challenges to optimizing 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 duration 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 inventory 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Department of Pharmacy , Madison, Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Findlay
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Department of Pharmacy , Madison, Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Department of Pharmacy , Madison, Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lund
keywords: automated dispensing cabinets; dynamic inventory; low inventory alert; medication stockouts