Public pharmacies are under unprecedented pressure. Staffing shortages, rising workloads, and financial strain are pushing morale to critical levels. According to the 2025 Pharmacy Pressures Survey by Community Pharmacy England, 70% of pharmacy staff report negative impacts on their mental health, while more than 60% of pharmacy teams face staffing shortages. 

At the same time, patient expectations continue to rise. Digital-native consumers expect 24/7 access to selected products, autonomous purchasing, and seamless digital service experiences. As a result, pharmacies face a growing gap between limited staffing capacity and increasing demand for continuous availability and convenience. 

Integrated 24/7 pharmacy service terminals provide a practical and strategic response to this imbalance. 

Why Traditional Pharmacy Vending Machines Are No Longer Enough 

Many pharmacies already operate external vending machines positioned outside the entrance. These systems typically offer 70–100 SKUs and function as standalone retail units. 

However, modern pharmacy customers expect: 

• Wider product variety 
• Web-shop-like user experience 
• Multi-item checkout 
• Digital and cashless payment 
• Discreet, self-directed purchasing 

Conventional pharmacy vending machines are operationally limited and disconnected from core pharmacy systems. 

The Strategic Advantage of Integrated Pharmacy Automation 

Modern pharmacy terminals go far beyond vending. When directly connected to a pharmacy robot, they become a seamless extension of the pharmacy’s infrastructure. 

1. Variety of OTC Products Access via Pharmacy Robot 

Instead of being limited to around 100 products, integrated systems can provide access to: 

• Hundreds to more than 1,000 SKUs 
• Real-time stock synchronization 
• API-based data exchange 
• Automated inventory management 

This significantly increases product assortment, customer attractiveness, and revenue potential without increasing staffing requirements. 

2. 24/7 Direct Sales and Intelligent Pickup 

Product availability does not always align with opening hours. Pharmacies frequently need to order items that require later collection. 

A 24/7 pharmacy terminal enables: 

• Autonomous pickup outside opening hours 
• Secure order collection 
• Reduced counter congestion 
• Improved operational efficiency 

In the context of staffing shortages, this is an operational advantage that directly relieves in-store teams. 

3. Digital User Experience That Increases Basket Size 

Digitalization has reshaped purchasing behavior. 

Modern terminals offer: 

• Large touchscreen interfaces 
• Category browsing and swipe navigation 
• Virtual basket functionality 
• Single checkout for multiple items 

Cashless payment options including PIN, Visa, Mastercard and Apple Pay 

The result is higher average transaction value and improved customer satisfaction, particularly among younger consumers. 

4. Night Duty, Compliance and Remote Operations 

Advanced pharmacy terminals can also support: 

• Digital night-duty display 
• Secure transfer hatches 
• Intercom and video communication 
• E-card reader integration 
• Remote configuration of duty schedules 

This enhances safety, reduces direct exposure during night service, and ensures regulatory compliance in markets such as Austria and Germany. 

The global pharmacy automation market was valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 12.0 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2033 (IMARC Group, 2025). Growth is being driven by the increasing need to reduce shortcomings in medical processes, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. The adoption of digital self-service and automated pharmacy solutions highlights the potential for pharmacies in Europe and other regions to extend service availability, improve operational efficiency, and meet patient expectations for 24/7 access. 

CareApo24: 24/7 Automated Pharmacy Service 

CareApo24 delivers fully integrated 24/7 pharmacy automation systems designed to reduce staff workload while increasing service availability. 

Key differentiators include: 

• Direct interface to pharmacy robots via WWKS2 API (enabling real-time communication and automatic stock updates between the terminal and the pharmacy storage system). 
• Full portal integration with live inventory 
• Digital payment and fiscalization 
• Modular system architecture including Terminal, Shelf, Classic and Compact 
• Customizable user interface aligned with the pharmacy’s corporate identity 

The CA24 Terminal provides access to the pharmacy robot’s inventory, subject to compliance, transforming the terminal into a natural extension of the pharmacy rather than a separate vending unit. 

Conclusion 

24/7 pharmacy terminals deliver clear advantages over traditional vending machines. They increase product variety, improve operational efficiency, reduce staff workload, and create a scalable foundation for digital pharmacy services. 

In a market defined by workforce shortages and rising patient expectations, integrated terminals help pharmacies maintain high service levels while extending availability beyond opening hours. 

For pharmacies operating a dispensing robot, a connected terminal is not just an additional sales channel. It is a strategic infrastructure investment that strengthens long-term competitiveness and protects your team from further operational strain. 

If you want to expand your 24/7 service offering and future-proof your pharmacy operations, contact CareApo24 to explore a solution tailored to your pharmacy.