By Rob Dewig, Vice President, Healthcare Solutions:
In the fast-paced world of pharmacy operations, tray replenishment is vital for maintaining efficiency and accuracy. Two technologies often discussed are camera imaging and RFID, but camera imaging proves to be the superior choice for several reasons.
Accuracy & Reliability
Camera imaging offers real-time visuals of tray contents, ensuring precise restocking. This becomes crucial when considering the "salad bowl effect" of RFID technology. RFID can tell you what is in a tray, but not where it is in a tray. When multiple RFID tags are clustered together—like ingredients in a salad bowl—the system can confuse items, leading to errors in inventory management and medication safety. In contrast, camera imaging verifies correct item placement by visually confirming barcodes or products. This physical interaction enhances accuracy and eliminates the need for bulky RFID shielding.
Comprehensive Audit Capabilities
Camera imaging allows for historical records that include images of items, providing an extra layer of verification. Unlike RFID, which only offers tag data, this capability is invaluable during disputes or audits.
Cost-Effectiveness
Implementing camera systems typically incurs lower costs than RFID solutions due to the absence of proprietary hardware requirements. Standard barcode labels cost less than a cent each, while RFID tags range from 40 cents to over a dollar—an unnecessary expense for many manufacturers.
Flexibility and Scalability
Camera imaging uses industry-standard barcodes that can easily adapt as needs evolve, while RFID technology has seen limited innovation; however, as the industry progresses, camera systems may leverage computer vision and AI to overcome labeling challenges.
While both technologies have their merits, camera imaging excels in accuracy, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and audit capabilities compared to RFID. As pharmacy operations continue to advance, embracing camera imaging will be key to optimizing tray replenishment processes and enhancing operational efficiency.