Quick Overview
- 1#1: QS/1 Visual Scheduler - Provides visual drag-and-drop staff scheduling tailored for independent pharmacies with integration to pharmacy management systems.
- 2#2: Framework Pharmacy Scheduler - Offers advanced scheduling for long-term care and retail pharmacies including shift bidding and labor cost forecasting.
- 3#3: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management platform used by major pharmacy chains for automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance.
- 4#4: Symplr Staff Scheduling - Healthcare-focused scheduling solution that optimizes pharmacy staff shifts while ensuring regulatory compliance and fatigue management.
- 5#5: Deputy - Cloud-based scheduling tool with labor forecasting, mobile shift swaps, and integrations suitable for pharmacy operations.
- 6#6: When I Work - Employee scheduling app that enables quick shift creation, notifications, and time-off requests for pharmacy teams.
- 7#7: Homebase - Free scheduling and time clock software for small pharmacies featuring open shift templates and performance insights.
- 8#8: Connecteam - All-in-one app combining staff scheduling, communication, and task management for frontline pharmacy workers.
- 9#9: Sling - Team scheduling platform with conflict alerts, availability matching, and cost control features adaptable for pharmacies.
- 10#10: Workforce.com - AI-powered scheduling and time tracking software that predicts labor needs for shift-based pharmacy environments.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth (e.g., integration, fatigue management), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of pharmacy environments whether small or enterprise-sized.
Comparison Table
Pharmacy scheduling software varies widely, from specialized tools like QS/1 Visual Scheduler to versatile platforms such as UKG Pro and Symplr Staff Scheduling. This comparison table outlines key features, usability, and integration capabilities to help users find the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QS/1 Visual Scheduler Provides visual drag-and-drop staff scheduling tailored for independent pharmacies with integration to pharmacy management systems. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Framework Pharmacy Scheduler Offers advanced scheduling for long-term care and retail pharmacies including shift bidding and labor cost forecasting. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management platform used by major pharmacy chains for automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Symplr Staff Scheduling Healthcare-focused scheduling solution that optimizes pharmacy staff shifts while ensuring regulatory compliance and fatigue management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Deputy Cloud-based scheduling tool with labor forecasting, mobile shift swaps, and integrations suitable for pharmacy operations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | When I Work Employee scheduling app that enables quick shift creation, notifications, and time-off requests for pharmacy teams. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Homebase Free scheduling and time clock software for small pharmacies featuring open shift templates and performance insights. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Connecteam All-in-one app combining staff scheduling, communication, and task management for frontline pharmacy workers. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Sling Team scheduling platform with conflict alerts, availability matching, and cost control features adaptable for pharmacies. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Workforce.com AI-powered scheduling and time tracking software that predicts labor needs for shift-based pharmacy environments. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
Provides visual drag-and-drop staff scheduling tailored for independent pharmacies with integration to pharmacy management systems.
Offers advanced scheduling for long-term care and retail pharmacies including shift bidding and labor cost forecasting.
Enterprise workforce management platform used by major pharmacy chains for automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance.
Healthcare-focused scheduling solution that optimizes pharmacy staff shifts while ensuring regulatory compliance and fatigue management.
Cloud-based scheduling tool with labor forecasting, mobile shift swaps, and integrations suitable for pharmacy operations.
Employee scheduling app that enables quick shift creation, notifications, and time-off requests for pharmacy teams.
Free scheduling and time clock software for small pharmacies featuring open shift templates and performance insights.
All-in-one app combining staff scheduling, communication, and task management for frontline pharmacy workers.
Team scheduling platform with conflict alerts, availability matching, and cost control features adaptable for pharmacies.
AI-powered scheduling and time tracking software that predicts labor needs for shift-based pharmacy environments.
QS/1 Visual Scheduler
specializedProvides visual drag-and-drop staff scheduling tailored for independent pharmacies with integration to pharmacy management systems.
Real-time visual drag-and-drop scheduling board with automatic conflict resolution and mobile access for on-the-go edits
QS/1 Visual Scheduler is a specialized pharmacy scheduling software from QS/1 that provides a visual drag-and-drop interface for managing employee shifts, deliveries, and tasks in real-time. It integrates seamlessly with QS/1's core pharmacy management systems like Prime Dispense, enabling automated notifications, labor law compliance tracking, and payroll integration. Designed for independent and chain pharmacies, it optimizes workforce efficiency while reducing scheduling errors and overtime costs.
Pros
- Intuitive visual scheduling board with color-coding and drag-and-drop functionality for quick adjustments
- Deep integration with QS/1 pharmacy software for seamless data sync on inventory, prescriptions, and employee data
- Advanced automation including recurring schedules, availability requests, and compliance alerts for labor regulations
Cons
- Best suited for existing QS/1 users; limited standalone flexibility for non-QS/1 pharmacies
- Initial setup requires integration configuration, which may need IT support
- Pricing is bundled and opaque without direct quote, potentially higher for small operations
Best For
Independent and chain pharmacies already using QS/1 systems that need robust, integrated staff and task scheduling.
Pricing
Bundled as an add-on to QS/1 pharmacy suites; custom subscription pricing starts around $100-300/month per location based on users and features—contact QS/1 for quotes.
Framework Pharmacy Scheduler
specializedOffers advanced scheduling for long-term care and retail pharmacies including shift bidding and labor cost forecasting.
Intelligent auto-scheduling engine that optimizes shifts for regulatory compliance and cost efficiency specific to LTC pharmacy regulations.
Framework Pharmacy Scheduler from FrameworkLTC is a robust scheduling solution tailored for long-term care (LTC) pharmacies, enabling efficient staff rostering, shift management, and real-time adjustments to meet fluctuating demands. It integrates seamlessly with other FrameworkLTC modules for comprehensive pharmacy operations, including compliance tracking and regulatory adherence. The software optimizes staffing levels while minimizing overtime and ensuring coverage for critical roles like pharmacists and technicians.
Pros
- Specialized for LTC pharmacy workflows with built-in compliance tools
- Real-time scheduling and mobile accessibility for on-the-go edits
- Seamless integration with FrameworkLTC's pharmacy management suite
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-LTC users
- Pricing lacks transparency and requires custom quotes
- Limited flexibility for pharmacies outside long-term care
Best For
Long-term care pharmacies with complex multi-facility staffing needs requiring regulatory compliance and integration with existing pharmacy systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on pharmacy size and modules; typically subscription-based starting around $500/month for mid-sized operations (contact for quote).
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management platform used by major pharmacy chains for automated scheduling, time tracking, and compliance.
AI-powered intelligent scheduling that dynamically optimizes shifts based on historical demand, skills, and preferences to ensure 24/7 pharmacy coverage.
UKG Pro is an enterprise-grade human capital management (HCM) platform with robust workforce scheduling features designed for complex operations like pharmacies. It automates shift creation, optimizes staffing based on demand forecasting, employee skills, and availability, while ensuring compliance with labor laws and certifications. The software integrates scheduling with timekeeping, payroll, and analytics for streamlined pharmacy workforce management.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven forecasting and schedule optimization reduces overtime and improves coverage
- Strong compliance tools for labor laws, certifications, and healthcare regulations
- Seamless integration with HR, payroll, and mobile employee self-service
Cons
- High implementation complexity and steep learning curve for smaller teams
- Enterprise pricing is expensive and not ideal for single-location pharmacies
- Lacks deep pharmacy-specific features like POS integration for real-time patient flow
Best For
Mid-to-large pharmacy chains or hospital networks requiring scalable, compliant scheduling across multiple locations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing; typically $50-$150 per employee/month, with minimums starting at $10,000+ annually depending on modules and scale.
Symplr Staff Scheduling
enterpriseHealthcare-focused scheduling solution that optimizes pharmacy staff shifts while ensuring regulatory compliance and fatigue management.
Seamless integration with symplr's credentialing platform for automatic verification of pharmacy staff licenses and certifications
Symplr Staff Scheduling is a robust workforce management platform tailored for healthcare organizations, offering automated scheduling, shift bidding, and compliance tracking to optimize staff allocation. It supports pharmacy teams by matching shifts to pharmacist and technician skills, certifications, and availability while integrating with time-tracking and payroll systems. Though primarily designed for larger healthcare facilities, it provides forecasting tools to handle variable pharmacy demands like peak prescription hours.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance and credentialing integration ensures licensed pharmacists are properly scheduled
- Real-time mobile app for shift swaps and notifications improves pharmacy staff responsiveness
- Advanced forecasting and analytics help predict staffing needs for busy pharmacy periods
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise-level complexity, challenging for small retail pharmacies
- Custom pricing is expensive and opaque, less ideal for budget-conscious operations
- Less specialized for standalone retail pharmacy workflows compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Large hospital or health system pharmacies requiring integrated compliance and enterprise-grade scheduling.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10-20 per user/month with implementation fees; volume discounts for large organizations.
Deputy
specializedCloud-based scheduling tool with labor forecasting, mobile shift swaps, and integrations suitable for pharmacy operations.
Intelligent auto-scheduling that matches employee availability, skills, and labor costs.
Deputy is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for employee scheduling, time tracking, task management, and team communication across various industries. It enables pharmacy managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, handle shift swaps and time-off requests, and monitor attendance via a user-friendly mobile app. While versatile for general shift-based operations, it offers solid core scheduling tools but limited pharmacy-specific customizations like prescription volume forecasting or integrations with systems like PioneerRx.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for employees to view shifts and clock in/out
- Labor costing and overtime alerts to control expenses
Cons
- Lacks pharmacy-specific features like demand-based staffing
- Limited integrations with pharmacy management software
- Pricing can add up for larger teams with many inactive users
Best For
Small to medium pharmacies needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling for technicians and pharmacists without advanced forecasting requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (Essentials, billed annually); Plus at $5.25/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
When I Work
otherEmployee scheduling app that enables quick shift creation, notifications, and time-off requests for pharmacy teams.
Employee-driven shift marketplace for quick trades and open shift pickups
When I Work is a versatile employee scheduling platform designed to streamline shift creation, availability management, and staff communication for businesses including pharmacies. Pharmacy managers can build weekly schedules, allow employees to swap shifts or claim open slots via mobile app, and send notifications for changes or time-off requests. It supports time tracking and basic labor cost forecasting, making it adaptable for pharmacy operations with rotating shifts and part-time staff.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and shift swaps
- Automated scheduling based on availability and labor rules
- Real-time notifications and team messaging reduce no-shows
Cons
- Lacks pharmacy-specific integrations like POS or dispensing systems
- Limited advanced compliance tools for healthcare regulations (e.g., pharmacist ratios)
- Reporting is basic and not tailored for pharmacy metrics like peak-hour coverage
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent pharmacies needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling without complex integrations.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 schedules/month; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Essential) up to $4/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
Homebase
otherFree scheduling and time clock software for small pharmacies featuring open shift templates and performance insights.
OpenShifts, which posts unfilled shifts for employees to claim in real-time, streamlining coverage for fluctuating pharmacy staffing needs
Homebase is a cloud-based employee scheduling and workforce management platform designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, and similar sectors. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trading via OpenShifts, availability management, time tracking with geofencing, and team communication tools. For pharmacy use, it handles basic staff rostering for pharmacists and technicians effectively but lacks specialized healthcare features like compliance tracking or patient volume forecasting.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler with mobile app access
- Generous free plan for single-location teams
- OpenShifts feature enables easy employee shift claiming and trades
Cons
- No pharmacy-specific tools like certification tracking or HIPAA-focused compliance
- Limited advanced analytics or forecasting for variable pharmacy demand
- Reporting lacks depth for regulatory audits
Best For
Small independent pharmacies or single-location operations seeking simple, affordable scheduling without needing healthcare-specific integrations.
Pricing
Free for one location (basic features); Essentials at $29.99/month/location, Premium at $59.99/month/location (billed annually).
Connecteam
otherAll-in-one app combining staff scheduling, communication, and task management for frontline pharmacy workers.
Employee-driven shift trading and availability matching via a user-friendly mobile app
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one employee management platform designed for frontline workers, offering robust scheduling tools suitable for pharmacies managing shifts for pharmacists, technicians, and support staff. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, employee availability management, shift swaps, and automated notifications, integrated with time tracking, communication, and task assignment. While versatile for various industries, it provides solid general-purpose scheduling without deep pharmacy-specific integrations like electronic health records or regulatory compliance tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduler with mobile access for on-the-go updates
- Employee self-service for shift swaps, availability, and time-off requests
- Affordable pricing with a free plan for small teams and built-in communication tools
Cons
- No native integrations with pharmacy management systems like QS/1 or PioneerRx
- Limited advanced compliance features for pharmacy regulations or certification tracking
- Reporting lacks depth for complex pharmacy staffing analytics
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent pharmacies or chains needing simple, mobile-friendly shift scheduling with team communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for up to 30 users (Basic), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), billed monthly with per-user scaling.
Sling
otherTeam scheduling platform with conflict alerts, availability matching, and cost control features adaptable for pharmacies.
Unlimited free scheduling for a single location with no user limits
Sling is a versatile employee scheduling platform that enables pharmacy managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, manage shift trades and time-off requests, and track labor costs in real-time. It supports team communication through in-app messaging and offers mobile accessibility for on-the-go updates. While effective for general shift planning in small teams, it lacks pharmacy-specific features like HIPAA compliance or integrations with dispensing software.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust free plan for single-location pharmacies
- Real-time notifications and team messaging
Cons
- No HIPAA compliance, risky for handling PHI
- Lacks integrations with pharmacy management systems
- Limited advanced reporting for regulatory needs
Best For
Small independent pharmacies seeking a simple, low-cost scheduling tool without complex compliance requirements.
Pricing
Free for one location; Standard $1.70/active user/month, Premium $3.50/active user/month (billed annually).
Workforce.com
enterpriseAI-powered scheduling and time tracking software that predicts labor needs for shift-based pharmacy environments.
AI-driven Schedule Optimizer that automatically generates efficient rosters based on forecasted demand and employee availability
Workforce.com is a cloud-based workforce management platform designed for shift-based industries, offering tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, attendance management, and labor compliance. In the context of pharmacy scheduling, it enables drag-and-drop rostering for pharmacists and technicians, demand forecasting based on historical data, and mobile shift swaps to handle variable prescription volumes. While versatile, it functions as a general-purpose solution rather than one tailored specifically to pharmacy regulations or integrations with systems like Epic or QS/1.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile app support for employees
- Demand forecasting and auto-scheduling to match peak pharmacy hours
- Built-in compliance tools for labor laws and overtime management
Cons
- Lacks pharmacy-specific features like technician-to-pharmacist ratio enforcement or controlled substance scheduling
- Limited native integrations with pharmacy management systems (e.g., no direct links to Rx dispensing software)
- Pricing can become costly for small independent pharmacies with few users
Best For
Small to mid-sized pharmacies or chains needing a straightforward, general scheduling tool without complex regulatory pharmacy integrations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$4-6 per active user/month for core plans, scaling up for advanced features and enterprise support.
Conclusion
After careful evaluation, QS/1 Visual Scheduler stands as the top choice, offering visual drag-and-drop scheduling tailored for independent pharmacies with seamless integration to pharmacy management systems. Framework Pharmacy Scheduler and UKG Pro are strong alternatives, with Framework excelling in long-term care and retail settings via advanced shift bidding, and UKG Pro serving major chains with automated scheduling and compliance features. Each tool meets unique needs, but QS/1 leads as the most versatile solution.
Don't let scheduling challenges hold your pharmacy back—try QS/1 Visual Scheduler today to experience its intuitive, integrated approach to streamlining operations and supporting your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
