The verdict in three sentences
In a pharmacy, two enemies eat the margin: expiry (product binned) and stockout (sale lost). Across a chemist with 4,500 references, a business app with barcode scanning and a D-60 alert turns a blind manual ledger into precise control. Result: -22% stockouts, inventory 4x faster, and a 20% margin preserved.
Manual ledger versus scanning app
A paper ledger never flags that a batch expires in 45 days or that a reference is near stockout. The app does — and it raises the supplier order by itself.
| Criterion | Manual ledger | Business app |
|---|---|---|
| Expiry alert | None | Automatic at D-60 |
| Stockout detection | After the lost sale | Min threshold per reference |
| 4,500-ref inventory | 2 days | Half a day (scan) |
| Batch traceability | Approximate | Batch number + date |
| Supplier order | Manual | Automatic suggestion |
| Expiry loss | ~3% of stock | Halved |
The numbers that protect the margin
A pharmacy margin around 20% forgives no waste. Here are the 2026 benchmarks.
| Indicator | 2026 value (order of magnitude) |
|---|---|
| References managed | 4,500 |
| Expiry loss without app | 3% of stock |
| Stockout reduction | -22% |
| Alert lead time before expiry | D-60 |
| Inventory time saving | x4 |
| Average gross margin | 20% |
| Threshold-triggered reorder | Automatic |
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Kofi runs a chemist in Accra with average stock valued at 12,000,000 FCFA. The 3% expiry loss is 360,000 FCFA binned per year. By catching batches at D-60 to sell them first, he halves that loss and saves 180,000 FCFA. Add -22% stockouts on his top references: every avoided stockout is a customer who didn't switch to the competitor. The app pays for itself in one quarter.
FAQ
How does the app prevent expiry? Each batch is recorded with its date. At D-60 the pharmacy gets an alert to sell or return the batch. Across 4,500 references, it's the only realistic way to miss nothing.
Does barcode scanning really speed up inventory? Yes: a full inventory that took 2 days drops to half a day. The time saved goes back to the counter, where revenue is made.
Is the automatic supplier order reliable? The app suggests the order as soon as a reference hits its minimum threshold; the pharmacist confirms in one click. This cuts stockouts by 22% without useless overstock.
Can I trace a batch in case of a drug recall? Yes, every batch number is linked to its ins and outs. In a health recall, you instantly identify the affected units.
Is it suitable for a small chemist? Absolutely: even with 4,500 references the interface stays simple and the return is measured from the first quarter through lower losses.
Let's talk about your project. We build your pharmacy app with barcode scanning, D-60 expiry alerts and automatic reordering. 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.
