RoboPharma setup

 

The integration of the robot through system settings is specific to each brand of robot as they reflect the features of the robot system and interface.

 

Click here for CRx interface setup.

Click here for Rowa setup.

Click here for Tecny-Farma setup.

Click here for Willach Consis setup.

 

 

You cannot run the initial RoboPharma set-up without a System Administration Key Code. Telephone Service Desk for assistance.

 

Once a System Administration Key Code has been entered, on the server or standalone PC,  proceed straight to Tools > Pharmacy Details > Setup.

 

  • Check the box Enable robot services

  • There is now an additional tab - Robot - on the Pharmacy Details screen. This additional tab will remain present so long as the robot option is selected.

  • If not already selected, select RoboPharma as the Robot type.

  • Check the box to Enable dispenser if the dispensing robot is being configured.

  • Alternatively, if the RoboPharma labeller is used, check the box.

 

Both the dispensing robot and the labeller can be configured to operate.

 

Configuration tab > Connection Settings

  • Enter the IP Address for the computer that is loaded with the robot interface program

 

As you input the IP address, the numbers will remain RED until you have a well formed entry. Please note, though that BLACK text does not necessarily mean the IP address is correct. Take care when typing to ensure you do not make a mistake.

 

Each of the four sections can be a maximum of three digits. After typing three digits, the system will automatically insert a full stop separator. However, if one of your sections is only one or two digits, you will need to type the full stop yourself, remembering that a full stop is not needed after the last section.

 

Logging

An option exists to enable advanced logging functionality in the RoboPharma Controller.

Check this option to add messaging the Pharmacy Manager log file, which will detail all sent and received messages to and from RoboPharma, and from the client to the server.

 

You cannot alter the Advanced logging option without a System Administration Key Code. Telephone Service Desk for assistance.

Display robot icon

For convenience when selecting items, it is possible to distinguish robot stock by the adjacent R. However, this visual support may have an impact on performance in terms of thew time it takes to compile the list.

  • Uncheck this Display robot icon option in the event that you encounter performance issues.

Robot dispensing tab > Dispensing configuration

  • Enter the port number - usually 3044

  • Enter the chute number this PC will be controlling

 

If they exist, multiple chutes can be designated on a network system. This set-up operation will be repeated on each client workstation. Different chute numbers can be applied e.g. server linked to chute 1, first client linked to chute number 2, second client to chute number 3 etc etc.

  • Enter the priority choosing from the range between very low and very high.

The priority determines how quickly prescriptions will move through the queue in the robot. A high priority prescription may leapfrog a lower priority prescription to be dispensed first. For this to become effective, you have to return to the Automated Settings and change this setting prior to dispensing a prescription that you would like to queue-jump.

Show branded items

By default, Pharmacy Manager will only display generic items when the written as is a generic item. There are exceptions to this rule. However, if you always want to include branded options in the display:

  • Check the box Show branded items

 

If you dispense a branded item against a prescribed generic, your reimbursement will not cover your costs

Robot advanced features

Dispense additional part pack

This option, when selected will dispense an additional pack from the robot when a 'part pack' is required. For example, an item packed in 28s, for which 42 is being dispensed, will release 2 packs without further prompting. The unused balance is transferred to shelf stock.

 

Note - This option is configurable on a workstation basis. Customer-facing workstations could always be given the extra pack for speedy dispensing while back-room workstations, perhaps preparing MDS with more time, could be given the choice of an extra pack or not.

Confirm stock

This option, when checked, will synchronise stock levels between the robot and Pharmacy Manager.

The stock synchronisation will be done at the point of finding the written product item and may take a few seconds. If the robot has several makes of a product in stock, the synchronisation time may take a little longer.

The benefit of synchronising the stock is that the stock figures shown on the robot selection window will all be up-to-date.  

The synchronisation will also be triggered when you use & to switch generic makes or & to change brands for any robot items shown in the list.

  • Click OK to acknowledge and close the message.

  • In the event that the connection is not successful, review your settings and make any necessary adjustments, then retry. Alternatively, telephone Service Desk for assistance.

Robot labelling tab > RoboPharma labeller options

Indicate whether a picking list is to be printed and, if so, on which printer.

  • Check the Print picking lists box to Enable

  • Select either Form printer or Label printer

  • Check the Include robot-dispensed items box to include this information on the picking list.

  • Click OK to retain and confirm these settings.

  • Close Pharmacy Manager when prompted and restart the program so the new settings can take effect.

 

Updated 2n1st October 2013