I got tired of the over ordering and the returns of the items about 10 years ago. I bought a dymo machine that will pring 3/4" labels. I have assigned a par level for each product in my pharmacy with this labeler next to the wholesaler shelf tag re-order number. Every time someone orders when I am not here
they know exactly how many to order. I came up with my par levels by running a average monthly usage report in my wholesaler reporting system. Divide that number by 4 which will give you an average weekly usage. Then I cut that number in half which will give you a 3-4 dayu supply. We receive orders from our wholesaler 6 days a week (Monday-Sat). Then you need to communicate with your staff that orders what the numbers are for next to the product #s.I have selected 4 techs on my staff to do the ordering. This has cut down on this problem immensely.
I have two techs that have ability to order, but generally depend on the one. She is good about not over-ordering and since she also refills pyxis, she is more in tune with what is being used. McKesson has asset-management, which will give a reorder point and quantity, so I try and convince who ever is ordering to use it. The Pharmacists only scan items (if we need or not!!!!)
I've just begun training a tech to be my backup when I'm gone and she's also our Pyxis tech, we had the same thinking as you... that'd she'd be good to know whats moving and whats not.
