We asked Dr Gemma Vittori, owner of the Bucine Pharmacy, and Dr Linda Romei, a long-standing member of the pharmacy’s staff, to tell us about their experience with the SINTESI robot and the Pharmaload automatic loader.
Interview with the owner
Dr Gemma, why did you decide to install the first robot?
I still remember when, more than thirteen years ago, I first saw a Pharmathek robot at a trade fair in Rome. It was a real novelty for our sector and I was immediately impressed. Of all the solutions on display, Pharmathek was the one that conveyed the most innovation, both in design and technology. I realised straight away that it could make a real difference in my pharmacy.
After more than thirteen years, you’ve decided to replace the robot. Why?
Over the years, the pharmacy sector has changed and technology has also made huge strides. Our first robot always worked very well, but we felt the time had come to take another leap forward in quality. SINTESI allows us to work even faster, with greater precision and with functions that didn’t exist thirteen years ago.
What convinced you to choose Pharmathek again?
When you find a partner who works well, you don’t change them. Our first experience with Pharmathek was excellent in every respect, both technically and personally. The support, in particular, deserves a special mention: a knowledgeable, helpful and responsive team. It’s great to know you can count on people who know you and really support you, every day.
How did your team react to the switch to the new robot?
Very positively. Right from the start, the team appreciated the simplicity of the new system. The interface is intuitive, the touchscreen makes all operations straightforward, and the transition was seamless even for those less familiar with technology. It’s a solution that really simplifies day-to-day work.
Why did you choose to customise the appearance of the SINTESI robot?
We wanted the robot to blend in perfectly with the pharmacy’s interior, both functionally and aesthetically. That’s why we chose a colour scheme that reflects our identity. These details also help to make automation an integral part of the working environment.
Some pharmacists tell us they’ve given their robot a name. Have you done the same?
Yes! We’ve called it Euclid, after the gripper inside it. The whole team loves it.
Interview with the pharmacy team
Dr Linda, you have been working in a pharmacy for many years and have seen automation evolve. What is the most noticeable change you have experienced?
The biggest change is time. With the first robot and before that, with the drawer units, many tasks required constant interruptions at the counter. Today, everything flows more smoothly: the work is more organised and much less time is wasted searching for products.
In practical terms, how has your relationship with patients changed?
Before automation, when we were still using drawer units, every time we had to look for a product, we had to stop what we were doing at the counter and leave the patient on their own. I often found them getting a bit annoyed by the wait.
With the arrival of the first Pharmathek robot, the workflow had already changed significantly: we began to work with greater continuity, reducing interruptions and optimising search times.
Today, with SINTESI, this approach has become even more efficient. I always stay with the person in front of me, whilst the robot independently handles the preparation. The result is a smoother workflow and a much more continuous and natural relationship with the patient.
Looking back, what is the biggest difference between the first robot and SINTESI?
SINTESI is even more precise, faster and, above all, reduces all those repetitive tasks that previously required time and attention. Today, the work is more streamlined and allows us to focus on the tasks that really matter.
And what do you think of the Pharmaload automatic loader?
It’s very easy to use. We receive several orders throughout the day, sometimes as many as three in the morning and three in the afternoon, so the pace is quite intense. All you have to do is hand all the packs over to Pharmaload, and the robot takes care of the rest.
Even tasks such as checking delivery notes are handled automatically, which makes day-to-day work much simpler. What’s more, the pharmacy’s management software integrates perfectly with the robot’s system, making everything even smoother and faster.
Based on your experience, would you recommend Pharmathek to your colleagues?
Yes, without a doubt. Over the years, we’ve had a very positive experience, not just with the robot but with everything that goes with it.
For those working in a pharmacy, knowing you can rely on support that’s responsive, knowledgeable and always available really makes a difference to your day-to-day work. It’s an aspect that, for us, is of crucial importance.
