The biggest advantage that can be achieved by computers is enhanced efficiency.
In a pharmaceutical setting, if the pharmacist wants to look up a patient’s prescription history or fill/renew a prescription, he can do it in seconds, simply by entering the customer's name.
This is faster than the traditional way, which consisted of riffling through filing cabinets until the customer's folder was found.
This also makes keeping track of prescriptions easier. For example, using a computer, pharmacists can tell exactly when a certain prescription was filled.
Disadvantage: Training
Disadvantage: Training
Downside to computers is that when such technology is introduced into a work environment, the employees there need to be able to properly use it. This requires training, which can take time and cost money.
According to the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, while many have a basic knowledge of computers from work and school, many lack experience using spreadsheets, managing a database, retrieving medical information and working with other specialized programs, such as would be done in a pharmaceutical setting.
If employees aren't properly trained to use the equipment, then the enhanced efficiency of using the technology is no longer present.
