How Pharmacies Can Maintain Operational Efficiency During the Holidays

December 18, 2025

Between increased prescription volumes, reduced staffing, and unpredictable last-minute requests, it’s easy for workflows to become strained.

Here are the key steps to keep your operation running smoothly this season.

1. Plan for Volume Spikes Before They Happen

November through January typically sees higher volume due to patients traveling, families requesting early refills, and facilities adjusting cycle dates. To help offset this expected increase, consider historical holiday season trends and potential prepacking of blister cards.

2. Use Automation to Fill the Gaps

Vacations, illness, and weather-related absences can leave pharmacies short-handed during the busiest weeks of the year.

Automation helps fill that gap by:

  • Running holiday workloads overnight
  • Maintaining output when shifts are short
  • Reducing the number of manual touchpoints per card
  • Preventing bottlenecks when techs rotate or float

Instead of scrambling for coverage, automation provides reliable production regardless of staffing fluctuations.

3. Reduce Rework by Increasing Accuracy

When your team is stretched thin, mistakes are more likely.

Automation keeps accuracy consistent:

  • Barcode-first verification
  • Automated sealing and labeling
  • Discrepancy cards held for review
  • No barcode = no movement

This reduces rework and delays, ensuring facilities receive correct, timely meds even when volumes peak.

4. Keep Morale High With Predictable Workflow

Late nights, overtime, and high stress aren’t “just part of pharmacy life.” They’re symptoms of an outdated, manual workflow.

Automation helps prevent burnout by:

  • Reducing repetitive manual labor
  • Creating predictable, balanced workloads
  • Allowing pharmacists to focus on clinical review
  • Making daily tasks feel more manageable

A smoother workflow means a better team environment — which is especially important during the holiday season.

Build a Holiday-Efficient Workflow

The pharmacies that succeed during the holidays are the ones that prepare early and invest in long-term operational stability.

Automation makes that possible.

Schedule a Holiday Workflow Review
We’ll map out your current process and show you how automation can protect your team, your accuracy, and your output this season.


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Don’t let inefficiencies and operational costs hold you back. Discover how we can enhance your pharmacy’s performance and patient care today!

Please feel free to reach out for more information, or to schedule a demonstration tailored to your needs.

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