Client Overview

BENU is a leading pharmacy chain in Slovakia, known for being close to patients by operating pharmacies near healthcare centers and in shopping malls, offering extended service hours. BENU provides comprehensive pharmaceutical care, including preventive health services and inter-branch cooperation for medication availability. Since 2016, BENU has been part of the international PHOENIX group, supported by PHOENIX Zdravotnícke zásobovanie, Slovakia’s largest pharmaceutical distributor.

Objective

BENU aimed to improve workforce productivity across its network of 140+ pharmacies by optimizing staffing levels relative to operational demand. The goal was to reduce inefficiencies without compromising customer service quality.

Our Approach

We conducted a detailed productivity analysis by comparing the number of prescription dispensations with the number of hours worked. This analysis was performed hourly, every day, for each branch. Key focus areas included:

• Hourly Workforce Evaluation

We evaluated employee productivity on an hourly basis to identify periods when branches were overstaffed—times when the number of employees exceeded what was necessary for the volume of prescriptions filled.

• Staffing Optimization Insights

By pinpointing hours of overstaffing, we provided actionable insights to help BENU adjust shift planning and workforce allocation.

• Network-Wide Impact Assessment

The analysis revealed a double-digit optimization potential (over 10%), presenting a significant cost-saving opportunity across BENU’s 140+ branches.

Results

• Double-Digit Productivity Gains

The analysis uncovered more than a 10% optimization potential in workforce productivity.

• Significant Cost Savings

Adjusting staffing levels based on data insights translates into substantial annual savings across all branches.

• Optimized Shift Planning

Improved scheduling ensures the right number of employees are present during peak and off-peak hours, maintaining service quality while reducing labor costs.

Conclusion

By leveraging data-driven workforce analysis, BENU gained valuable insights into staffing inefficiencies and unlocked substantial cost-saving opportunities. This approach ensures that BENU continues providing excellent pharmaceutical care while operating more efficiently.

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