FarmaDrive: how to design the pharmacy drive-thru?

While successful and extremely popular, pharmacy drive-thru services can present some design challenges, especially for “first-timers.” Discover, in this article, some guidelines that you should consider before investing in a FarmaDrive!

FarmaDrive: what is it?

You've probably heard of FarmaDrive. In Portugal, this concept was initially presented and explored bySilveira do Rosário Pharmacy, in the year 2002. In this regard,João Silveira, a pharmacist at this house, states: “thanks to FarmaDrive, people have more privacy, more personalized, faster and more convenient service”. Essentially, these facilities aim to satisfy the demands of an increasingly demanding market, through truly practical service provision. So, whether it's a bicycle, a motorbike, an electric scooter or a car, FarmaDrive allows pharmacy users to remain in their vehicles while enjoying truly fast and agile service. Alongside this, in 2016, the idea of ​​associating a new payment method with FarmaDrive emerged: Via Verde. A solution that ended up making the payment process even simpler and more convenient.

Guidelines for designing a FarmaDrive

Currently, we can say that Drive-thru service counters are a true must-have for the new generation of users. In fact, the expectations of pharmacy users have changed. New technologies and digital channels have changed the rules of the game. Today, the demand for convenience, speed and convenience has increased. Users long for the possibility of going to the pharmacy without leaving the car and wasting precious minutes of their day looking for parking. By delivering variety, quality and personalization through a Drive-thru window, the pharmacy is making a bet on the future. In reality, any FarmaDrive is an assertive response to the current socioeconomic context. As such, it must be designed to accommodate automobile circulation, through a strategic and consolidated design. Here are some guidelines that are worth considering before investing:

1 – Consider the existing space

First of all, for FarmaDrive to be a viable option, your pharmacy should be located in a building close to the street. This is crucial to make access to it simpler and more appropriate. The size and configuration of the venue will also determine the design of yourservice deskDrive-thru, paying special attention to all associated codes and regulations. In general, buildings located on the edge of the road with main entrances accessible from the public road encourage user entry and increase the feeling of security.

2 – Make sustained decisions

After knowing whether or not it is possible to accommodate your pharmacy space with a Drive-Thru, it remains to be seen whether it is a profitable or even appropriate investment. To do this, we recommend that you carry out a market study and consider the location's traffic. The estimated number of sales will always depend on the number of vehicles passing through the location. After all, the great advantage of FarmaDrive is the possibility of attracting and retaining new users through the convenience of its service provision.

3 – Pay attention to details

When selecting materials and colors, you should pay special attention to the surrounding context and adapt the design to the dominant architecture. The materials must be resistant and highly durable. The shutter windows must always be kept unobstructed and be easily identifiable. awnings oroutdoor signageThey must be used to clearly demarcate the location and guide drivers effectively.

4 – Plan your FarmaDrive carefully

Entrances and exits must be carefully planned so as not to create circulation constraints for those entering and leaving FarmaDrive. Careful planning will help prevent accidents. In this sense, tight curves or excessively high curb limits should be avoided. Likewise, parking areas must be fixed in places close to the main entrance of the pharmacy and away from the gate, so that no one blocks the passage. Here, the objective is to create a simple circuit that takes into account the different volumes of the various cars that may visit your Drive-thru.

5 – Don’t forget to decorate

If the terrain allows it, it is always a good idea to create natural barriers capable of delimiting the route and/or perimeter. We talk about trees, shrubs and outdoor plants in general. Simple and aesthetically appealing solutions that make the environment more inviting and help absorb traffic noise. In the entrance area and next to the walls of the building, the garden areas are always an added value. To decorate them, sun-tolerant plants must be used and – of course – only species compatible with urban environments.

Medd: for the design of your pharmacy!

InMEDD, we respond to the demands of the pharmaceutical sector by combining functional layouts with innovative ideas. Ergonomics, comfort, privacy, aesthetic quality and visual clarity are just some of the aspects that we guarantee with the development ofconstruction and remodeling projects for pharmacies. We work alongside our clients to develop intelligent and functional solutions that put the optimization of workflows and user satisfaction levels at the forefront.

Contact us for more information

Count on amultidisciplinary team, with proven experience in developing construction or remodeling projects. Trust Medd professionals to ensure the success of your project. Talk to us!

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