Best Computer For A Community Pharmacy

Computer in Pharmacy

Computers are one of the most important tools in the community pharmacy business. It improves the pharmacist work.

Functions Of Computer In Community Pharmacy

1. Patient profile monitoring

2. Drug interactions

3. Medication database management

4. Material management

5. Drug information service

6. Patient counseling

7. Billing

8. Security

9. Etc

Read Also: Software use in Pharmacy profession

Types Of Computer

There are many types of computer with different power. They are desktop, laptop, tablet, iPad, notebook, The choice depends on so many factors. But what is the best for your community pharmacy may not be for another. Learn what to look out for before making that important purchase.

Desktops

One of the best parts of a desktop is the ability to upgrade it with new parts. That means that it is easily upgraded to meet up with new requirements. Want a higher read access memory (RAM), very easy to upgrade it. Also, tech savvy individuals can open their desktop central processing unit (CPU) and fix it up themselves. And the main reason I recommend desktop computers for community pharmacy is that thieves cannot steal it in a hit and run fashion. This is very common in community pharmacies using laptops. Lastly, it is very easy to connect it with other gadgets.

Laptops

Laptops are small and light weight making them mobile. They are also energy efficient. But a community pharmacy does not really need a mobile device. It is to be stationed somewhere in the pharmacy. The only time a mobile device is needed by a community pharmacy is when the pharmacist wants to monitor the shop from a mobile computer. Also, laptops are difficult to upgrade and require third party repair. And laptops are prone to damage because of their mobility. And it becomes obsolete after some years because it cannot be upgraded. Notebooks are smaller laptops while netbooks are smaller notebooks. Also, ultra notebooks are smaller thin notebooks with advanced features with higher price. They come with reduce functionality compare to laptop.

Read Also: The future of Blockchain technology in Pharmacy

Tablet/iPad

These products are gradually taking over from the laptop. They are cheaper and smaller. Since they are mostly touchscreen, it is difficult to type or edit or do some things with it. The keyboard and screen are smaller. And their flow is usually slow with limited software capabilities. This is a no no for a community pharmacy.

Looking at all the computers, the desktop wins. But if you want to be mobile with your computer, then go with tablet/iPad.