The verdict in three sentences
Managing a pharmacy's stock by hand inevitably leads to expiry waste and stockouts on fast-moving products. A dedicated app triggers a 90-day expiry alert, applies a reorder threshold and values stock in real time, backed by barcodes. Waste drops by about 30% and availability improves, without overstock.
Manual management versus dedicated app
A notebook does not see an expiry or a stockout coming: it records after the fact. The app anticipates. 2026 order of magnitude for a pharmacy holding 3,500 references.
| Criterion | Manual management | Dedicated app |
|---|---|---|
| Expiry loss | 3-5% of stock | About -30% |
| Expiry alert | None | 90 days ahead |
| Fast-mover stockout | Frequent | Reorder threshold |
| Stock valuation | Annual inventory | Real time |
| Sale entry | Manual | Barcode |
| Prescription history | Paper | Digital |
Key features and budget
The engine of the app is the expiry / reorder pair, completed by barcode scanning and the history of dispensed prescriptions.
| Feature | Detail | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 90-day expiry alert | List of batches to clear | Less waste |
| Reorder threshold | Suggested order | Fewer stockouts |
| Stock valuation | Real-time value | Cash-flow control |
| Barcode | Fast in / out | Fewer errors |
| Prescription history | Dispensing traceability | Patient tracking |
| Multi-branch | Stock per outlet | Network control |
2026 budget: 800,000 to 1,500,000 FCFA depending on number of references, multi-branch and barcode integration. Delivery: 8 to 12 weeks, including initial inventory migration.
Mini case study
Ibrahima's pharmacy runs a stock valued at 18,000,000 FCFA with expiry waste estimated at 4%, about 720,000 FCFA a year thrown away. After the app (1,300,000 FCFA budget), the 90-day alert lets him clear or return batches in time: waste falls to around 2.7%, a saving of roughly 230,000 FCFA in the first year, on top of fewer stockouts on fast-movers. The tool pays for itself in under two years on avoided waste alone, before counting recovered sales.
FAQ
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How does the app cut expiry waste?
It automatically lists batches whose date is approaching, with a 90-day alert. The pharmacist can then promote them, return them to the supplier or adjust orders, cutting waste by about 30%.
How much does the app cost in 2026?
Between 800,000 and 1,500,000 FCFA depending on the number of references managed, barcode integration and multi-branch control.
Do I need a barcode scanner?
Recommended but optional: barcodes speed up stock in and out and reduce entry errors. The app also works with assisted manual entry.
Can it manage several branches?
Yes, the multi-branch version tracks stock per outlet and consolidates the network view, useful for a group of pharmacies.
How long until it is delivered?
Between 8 and 12 weeks, including initial inventory migration and threshold setup. Counter-team training is included.
Let's talk about your project. We scope your pharmacy app around your real references and waste rate. 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.
