Why robots in drugstores did not meet expectations of Rigla network

The network of drugstores of Rigl implemented the robotic systems in several outlets and inclines to not to develop this practice further yet. About it in December, 2016 TAdviser was told by the CEO of Rigl Alexander Filippov.

One of functions of the purchased robots – delivery of drugs from pharmaceutical storage: at the time of purchase they arrive directly on cash desk, he explained TAdviser. A system is able to analyze the previous sales and taking into account it to shift drugs in storage so that then it was more convenient to get them. One more of opportunities – the robot is capable to lift from shelves of medicine and to wipe dust. And it is only some functions.

The CEO of Rigl told TAdviser that all five such robotic systems, on one on drugstore were purchased. All five outlets where they were set, are in Moscow. Robots at several European suppliers were purchased. The cost of one system is about 250 thousand euros, speak in the company.

Robots did not bring that effect which expected Rigl

From implementation of robots in Rigl expected to gain effect in the form of increase in sales approximately for 70%. It had to become possible due to increase in service rate of buyers, and, as a result, an opportunity service their bigger number. The second expected effect – economy on the salaries of personnel in outlets.

However, expectations were not met fully: the flow of people grew, but not so as calculated in Rigl. In some points it was necessary even to reduce the number of cash desks. And due to economy on salary to pay back such project very difficult: in Russia the salary of the druggist is much lower, than, for example, in Europe therefore the robotic systems in drugstores are more justified there, Alexander Filippov says.

Points for drugstores where the equipment was installed, were selected optimal – all of them are located near the subway. But around is on some other drugstores because of what it was not succeeded to increase traffic in the planned volumes, explain in the company.

Bought Rigla robots still before the Crimea became Russian. One of the reasons why the company decided not to put their use in drugstores on a flow yet, is connected with emergence of sanctions, Filippov says. Against the background of change of a political background of Rigl it appeared in a situation when foreign suppliers began to raise the prices both of the equipment, and of service of systems.

Speaking about perspectives of replacement of people with the equipment in drugstores, Alexander Filippov noted that completely to substitute druggists with robots in the nearest future it will not turn out.

We studied a possibility of use of pharmaceutical vending devices, and today legislatively it is impossible to use them in Russia – only the druggist should sell drugs. In Europe such practice is available, both some plain medicines and other things can be purchased in the automatic machine, - he noted.

In addition to Moscow of Rigl opened robotic drugstore in Yekaterinburg^[1]. The company reported about it in 2012. Results of its work in the company were not specified, but at the time of opening it was supposed that will apply technology and in other cities if the project in Yekaterinburg is successful.

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