Choosing the Right PCs for Your Pharmacy

Choosing the right PC to run your RMS software is paramount not only to getting the most out of your POS investment, but also to your pharmacy's overall long-term success. But with so many available options and limited time for research, this process can become quite a daunting task.

At RMS, we're all about making things crazy-easy. Especially when it comes to the tech-y stuff. Our selection of preferred POS hardware is carefully curated through rigorous testing to ensure it meets our high standards for functionality, security, compliance, compatibility and ease of use. When you source your PCs through RMS, you can count on them being a superior quality product.

But... there's more to choosing the right PC than overall quality. No two pharmacies are exactly alike, so what may be a top priority for you might not be so for someone else. Things like physical space constraints, storage capacity needs, stretching your dollar the farthest it can go, store size, register count, accessibility needs, and more all factor into the decision-making process, as well. Today, we'll break down our preferred PC solutions and get granular with the nitty gritty, so you can strike with precision when you're ready to make a purchase.

Let's talk PCs.

Of all the POS hardware in all the land, the most vital piece is the PC. For even the smallest of pharmacies, having at least one powerful PC is a must. And even more so if it will be serving a dual purpose, such as being configured as both a till and a master server (which houses your store database). As mentioned above, no two pharmacies will have the same exact needs, so let's explore some of our most popular PC solutions and what they are each best suited for.

Server PCs

If superior storage capacity and dual functionality are your top concerns, our custom-built server PCs are going to be your best friend. Each of our server PC system options feature dual solid-state hard drives (SSD) that double your available storage capacity, extending device longevity. Server PCs can be configured as either a standalone master server or as a till/server combo, making them a super versatile solution for pharmacies wanting to maximize their spend and get the absolute most out of their investment. With Intel Core processors, these beasts are capable of multi-tasking like a pro - so you can spend less time in front of the computer and more time with your customers.

One notable drawback to our server PCs is their larger, more standard desktop PC footprint, making them a less wieldy option for pharmacies with significant space limitations. While we still recommend having at least one server PC, as they are by far the best option for database storage, you may want to consider some of our more compact PC options for additional tills if you're lacking space behind the counter.

Bottom Line: If getting the ultimate bang for your buck and greatest longevity out of your PCs is your top priority, and you have the physical space for them, we recommend purchasing a server PC for all of your PC needs. They can be paired with a touchscreen monitor to further elevate functionality and are compatible with a multitude of other POS peripherals, making them our most fully capable and versatile PC option.

If saving space is still a concern, though, and you have multiple registers, we recommend purchasing at least one server PC to serve as both a master server and till, and opting for smaller footprint PCs for your additional registers.  

Compact PCs

At just 10" x 3" in size, our small form factor (SFF) PCs take up only a fraction of the physical footprint of standard desktop PCs, making them an excellent solution for pharmacies with significant space constraints. Don't be fooled by their small stature, though - these PCs still pack a mean punch in terms of overall performance. Their fanless/ventless design and ultra-low voltage DDR4 chip ensures high-speed performance while remaining incredibly energy efficient, making them a savvy choice for pharmacies looking to reduce overhead costs. 

While not as robust as our server PCs, our SFF PCs are still capable of functioning as both a till and master server under certain conditions and can be configured as a secondary server to help mitigate the risk of data loss if the master goes down. Since we always recommend having at least one server PC, our SFF options are perfect as additional till PCs, as they can fit in virtually any space while still providing top-notch performance. 

Unlike our server PCs, which offer double the storage capacity with their dual SSDs, our compact PCs have only a single SSD - and storage capacity is very much tied to overall device longevity. However, their DDR4 chips do give them an edge in terms of lower power consumption.

Bottom Line: If saving space is your top priority, the i3 SFF and i5 SFF are both solid till PC options, especially if you have a really tight space to work with. For those with super limited counterspace, we highly recommend purchasing the optional mounting bracket. 

If you're looking to get the most longevity out of your SFF PC, we suggest opting for the i5 over the i3, especially if you have larger storage requirements.

All-in-One (AIO)

The AIO is a top-line solution if you value sleek design and ease of use above all else. With a built-in LCD touchscreen display and fingerprint reader (FPR), and a full 360-degree swivel base, our AIO solutions are both an attractive, inclusive option for customer-facing interactions and incredibly easy to use. While their physical footprint is not quite as tiny as our SFF PCs, the AIO still occupies far less space than our hefty server PCs. The added benefit of a built-in touchscreen display also gives them a competitive edge over their compact PC counterparts, making them another solid option for those with space-saving needs.

With similar processing and storage capabilities as the SFF PCs, the AIO's main differentiator is its reduced need for additional POS peripherals. While both our SFF PCs and AIOs are Bluetooth and wireless capable, making them compatible with many cord-free peripheral options, the AIO builds in two components that notably aren't - a monitor and FPR. If you're not quite as strapped for space but still want to achieve a streamlined, modern and aesthetically pleasing checkout experience, the AIO is going to give you the best value for your dollar. 

A very important limitation to note with the AIOs is that they cannot be configured as a master server at all, which does pose a significant drawback compared to the SFF PCs. However, they can still be configured as a secondary server, so you're at least covered there.

Bottom Line: The AIO is an ideal solution for those wanting to achieve a streamlined, modern pharmacy aesthetic while still enjoying nearly all of the performance features and capabilities of the SFF PCs.

Was this helpful? 

If you enjoyed this post and you'd like to see more content like this, let us know in the comments!