The verdict in three sentences
A pharmacy that manages stock by eye throws out expired boxes every month and runs out of fast-moving items, two direct margin leaks. A dedicated app tracks every batch in FEFO (First Expired, First Out), fires expiry alerts, computes reorder thresholds and prepares the wholesaler order. Expiry losses fall 50 % and stockouts 40 %.
The two margin leaks: expiry and stockout
In a pharmacy, margin is won at the stock, not the counter. Here is how each module protects it.
| Module | Role | Margin effect |
|---|---|---|
| FEFO batch tracking | Dispense the batch closest to expiry | Losses -50 % |
| Expiry alert | Notification 90/60/30 days before | Timely clearance |
| Reorder threshold | Auto reorder-point calculation | Stockouts -40 % |
| Wholesaler order | Pre-filled purchase order | Time saved |
| Digital prescription | Renewal and patient reminder | Loyalty |
| Dashboard | Rotation, stock value, top sales | Data-driven decisions |
2026 project cost and margin impact
The budget depends on the number of SKUs and modules. 2026 ballpark in Senegal.
| Package | Scope | Cost FCFA | Cost EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Stock + FEFO + expiry alerts | 1,200,000 | 1,830 |
| Pro | + reorder thresholds + wholesaler order + prescriptions | 2,100,000 | 3,200 |
| Premium | + multi-pharmacy + patient reminders + advanced dashboard | 3,000,000 | 4,575 |
| Maintenance | Hosting + support + backups | 50,000 / mo | 76 / mo |
| Typical expiry loss | No tracking (% of stock/year) | 3-6 % | -- |
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Mini case study
Fatou's pharmacy in Dakar runs an average stock of 25,000,000 FCFA and loses 5 % a year to expiries, i.e. 1,250,000 FCFA. With FEFO tracking and 90/60/30-day alerts, losses drop to 2.5 %, saving 625,000 FCFA every year. Add the drop in stockouts that retains clients (each stockout sends the buyer to the pharmacy across the street) and the Pro app at 2,100,000 FCFA pays for itself in about three years on expiries alone, far faster counting saved sales.
FAQ
What is the FEFO method? FEFO means "First Expired, First Out": the app always tells you to dispense the batch with the nearest expiry date first, which prevents boxes from sitting until they expire.
Are expiry alerts configurable? Yes: you choose the thresholds (for example 90, 60 and 30 days before) so you have time to promote or return products to the wholesaler when possible.
Does the app handle prescription renewal? In Pro and Premium, chronic treatments trigger a patient reminder and pre-fill the dispensing, which builds loyalty and smooths replenishment.
Can several pharmacies be connected? Yes, the Premium package consolidates stock across several outlets and enables transfers between pharmacies to move a near-expiry batch elsewhere.
Let's talk about your project. We size your pharmacy app to your number of SKUs and outlets. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
