Inventory Management Overview

After completing this continuing education program, the pharmacy technician should be able to:

• Discuss the technology available to help pharmacies manage inventory.
• Describe the automatic dispensing machines available to help pharmacies manage their inventory.
• Define the concepts of availability, expiration dates, and turnover rates, and their application in managing inventory.
• Discuss the process of ordering medication for a pharmacy, including terminology associated with ordering, where medications may be obtained from, automatic and manual ordering procedures, and special ordering considerations.
• Describe the procedures for returning medications that are outdated, damaged, recalled, or overstocked, including controlled substances.