Industry 4.0: Implementation of digitalisation and technical applications using the PIVOT approach in the retail sector, using the example of German pharmacies

The integration of networking, artificial intelligence and robotic systems is the defining feature of the Industry 4.0 environment, as it enables systems to function with minimal human intervention. This is even more important in the healthcare sector, as there is a high level of system relevance on the one hand and fast information and data are required for successful patient treatment on the other. Pharmacies are an important factor here. However, digitalisation and the use of Industry 4.0 opportunities are weak in the retail sector. The core research question is therefore being investigated: How can operational strategies be efficiently established in the resource-poor retail sector in order to implement digital applications in the field of pharmacy without conflict, using pharmacies as an example? The aim of the research paper is to use the PIVOT approach in operational management to offer pharmacies a better way of dealing with the problems. To identify existing digitalisation and automation in community pharmacies, a questionnaire was used to determine how advanced the transformation of processes in pharmacies towards more digitalisation is and what problems still exist. As a result, it can be stated that the majority of pharmacies are far behind the possibilities that already exist, both in the active utilisation of technical possibilities and instruments as well as in digital networking and communication.