Numeric Waiting Bin Engine for Prescription Slot Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prescription fulfillment processes in pharmacies are inefficient due to manual steps and uneven distribution of prescriptions in waiting bins, leading to overflow, underutilization, and increased retrieval time, exacerbated by varying storage requirements and lack of standardized management.
Innovation Solution
A numeric waiting bin system that uses a computing system with a numeric waiting bin engine to automatically allocate and manage prescription slots, assigning unique serial identifiers based on prescription size and drug classification, and integrating with label printing and pharmacy management systems to optimize storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prescriptions are manually sorted in waiting bins, then flexibility in storage is maintained, but uneven distribution occurs causing overflow in some slots and underutilization of others
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically assigns bin slots to prescriptions based on their size and storage requirements, eliminating manual sorting while maintaining flexibility. The automated bin assignment engine evaluates each prescription's characteristics and assigns it to the most appropriate slot without human intervention, achieving both flexibility and efficient utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the assignment parameters from manual alphabetical sorting to automated numeric slot assignment based on prescription size and storage requirements. By using parameters such as prescription volume, weight, or classification, the system optimizes slot allocation to prevent overflow and underutilization simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If manual sorting is used for waiting bins, then simple organization is maintained, but time required to retrieve prescriptions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by tracking which bins are full or nearly full and automatically redirecting new prescriptions to available slots. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal distribution across all bins, reducing retrieval time as staff can quickly locate prescriptions in properly distributed slots rather than searching through unevenly filled bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual sorting process with an automated computer-based assignment system. The bin assignment engine uses software algorithms to automatically determine and assign slots, eliminating the time-consuming manual sorting activity while maintaining simple bin physical structure.
3Ease of operation
If alphabetical labeling is used for waiting bins, then easy identification is maintained, but uneven distribution of prescriptions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the waiting bin area into multiple discrete slots or compartments, each capable of holding a specific number of prescriptions. By dividing the total bin capacity into smaller manageable segments, the system achieves even distribution while maintaining simple identification through numeric or color-coded markers on each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using alphabetical labels for identification, the system inverts the approach by using numeric slot numbers or color codes that directly indicate capacity and assignment status. This inversion allows for better distribution control while keeping identification simple and intuitive for staff.
4Productivity
If standardized slot allocation is implemented, then retrieval efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bin assignment engine is designed as a universal system that can handle various prescription types, sizes, and storage requirements through a single integrated algorithm. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple management functions into one system, improving retrieval efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or virtual representation of the physical bins and their contents in a computer database. This virtual model allows for automated tracking and management without adding physical complexity to the actual bin structure, maintaining simple hardware while enabling sophisticated automated allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for a numeric waiting bin for prescription fulfillment. A computing system may be used to receive bin configuration values corresponding to a plurality of physical bins for prescription storage. The bin configuration values may be used to assign serial identifiers to the plurality of bins. Prescriptions may be selectively assigned a bin serial identifier using a plurality of rules and the bin serial number may be used to locate the prescription when the prescription is requested, such as during pickup.