“Data-driven decisions” may sound like overused corporate jargon, but the truth is that data continues to shape nearly every aspect of modern life. From billion-dollar corporations to individuals deciding what to have for lunch, data influences decisions big and small, and pharmacies are no exception.
Just as data can optimize inventory or staffing, it can also transform compliance practices. Today, controlled substance compliance relies more than ever on data-driven insights to ensure accuracy, accountability, and safety. Yet many pharmacists have yet to fully unlock the potential data offers in this area.
In this blog, we’ll explore why every pharmacy should prioritize data-driven decisions to optimize workflow performance, avoid penalties and fines, and most importantly protect patients and staff. While it may seem overwhelming, tools like C2 Keep make it easy to effectively leverage insights from controlled substance data. In today’s pharmacy landscape, data-driven decisions aren’t just helpful; they’re essential for effective controlled substance compliance.
Optimize Workflow Performance
One of the most immediate benefits of data-driven decisions is improved workflow performance. This process often begins by analyzing data and identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which show both what is working well and what needs improvement.
For example, a compliance-related KPI might track how long it takes to complete a quarterly CII audit. If it requires eight hours or more each time, this signals a need for change either in the workflow itself or in addressing frequent discrepancies in the logbook.
Data-driven decisions also enhance efficiency across pharmacy operations. By analyzing controlled substance compliance data, pharmacists can optimize ordering habits based on demand trends. A well-maintained perpetual inventory helps determine which medications are most in demand and ensures that orders align with patient needs. This same data can also reveal peak activity times, helping managers schedule the right amount of staff during these times to keep all controlled substance activities running smoothly.
Avoid Penalties and Fines
Data-driven decisions play a critical role in helping pharmacies avoid costly fines and penalties. Since the opioid crisis gained national attention, the DEA and other regulatory agencies have steadily tightened restrictions around controlled substance compliance. Each year, the regulations grow more complex, and the consequences for noncompliance become more severe.
Fortunately, data-driven decisions can help prevent these outcomes. Pharmacies that use up-to-date perpetual inventory data gain real-time visibility into their controlled substance activity, allowing them to detect, address, and prevent discrepancies before they become more serious issues. This same data also simplifies audits and reporting. When accurate data is readily available, pharmacists can conduct audits efficiently with confidence.
Some modern compliance tools take this concept even further by analyzing inventory trends and alerting pharmacists when unusual activity occurs. By transforming raw data into actionable insights, these systems enable proactive, data-driven decisions that strengthen controlled substance compliance and protect both the pharmacy’s reputation and its financial health.
Protect Patients and Staff
Perhaps most importantly, data-driven decisions help protect pharmacists, staff, and the communities they serve. While public misuse often dominates headlines, healthcare professionals are also at risk. Substance misuse can affect anyone, which is why data plays such a crucial role in identifying early signs of diversion or suspicious activity.
One example of this comes from a C2 Keep customer who used data-driven insights to uncover internal diversion. The Pharmacist-in-Charge noticed that inventory records in C2 Keep did not match those in the pharmacy management system, which led to the discovery that a technician had been altering order quantities. Since the technician did not have access to C2 Keep, its data still reflected the true inventory levels. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, the pharmacist chose to approach the situation with compassion. The technician, who had been struggling with chronic pain, received the support needed to address the underlying issue and begin recovery.
The growing focus on opioid stewardship further highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making. These programs are implemented in pharmacies to foster responsible prescribing and dispensing practices. According to Pharmbot AI, controlled substance data allows pharmacists to “gain insights into patient behaviors, such as medication adherence and purchasing patterns.” By analyzing trends like missed refills or incomplete prescriptions, pharmacies can tailor their programs to prioritize specific needs while identifying individuals who may need extra support.
Leverage Controlled Substance Data With C2 Keep
C2 Keep is a cloud-based, fully integrated controlled substance compliance and management platform designed to help pharmacies make smarter, data-driven decisions. Founded by former pharmacy director and current CEO Roland Achenjang, PharmD, C2 Keep has empowered more than 2,000 pharmacists and staff nationwide to harness their controlled substance data with confidence and precision. Here’s how:
- Real-Time Inventory Insights: C2 Keep’s perpetual inventory tracking provides instant visibility into controlled substance activity. With accurate, real-time data, pharmacists can make faster and more informed decisions that improve compliance, reduce waste, and prevent errors before they escalate.
- Enhanced Accountability and Security: Built-in safeguards automatically detect unusual activity or discrepancies, helping pharmacies identify potential diversion early. By turning data into actionable insights, C2 Keep enables data-driven decisions that strengthen accountability and support proactive controlled substance compliance.
- Centralized Data and Document Management: C2 Keep consolidates all controlled substance records, logs, and reports in one secure platform. Having organized, easily retrievable data allows pharmacists to analyze trends, respond to audits, and make confident compliance decisions based on reliable information.
- Seamless Integration: C2 Keep connects directly with pharmacy management systems and wholesalers to ensure data accuracy across platforms. This integration creates a unified source of truth that helps pharmacists understand their entire compliance landscape and make consistent, data-driven decisions.
With C2 Keep, pharmacies gain the clarity, control, and confidence they need to maintain effective controlled substance compliance through smarter, data-driven decision-making.
Conclusion
Data-driven decisions in controlled substance compliance are about much more than avoiding punishments. Across the supply chain, from manufacturers to wholesalers and regulatory agencies, data-driven decisions play a key role in programs such as the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), Controlled Substance Monitoring Program (CSMP), and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). Pharmacies play an essential role in this ecosystem as well, and by leveraging data effectively, they can meet these requirements consistently while still adhering to the needs of the individuals they serve.
Tools like C2 Keep enable pharmacies to take control of their data and transform compliance from a reactive process into a proactive one. By harnessing the power of data, pharmacists can strengthen controlled substance compliance, protect their operations, support their staff, and create safer, healthier communities.
Now is the time to make your data work for you!
Learn how C2 Keep can help your pharmacy make smarter, data-driven decisions by scheduling a demo today.
