Pharmacy software integration is essential to the success of independent and locally owned pharmacies. Point-of-sale or POS software accomplishes several functions, which allow the pharmacy to run more efficiently and increase sales through stock availability.
POS software will keep data records on all prescriptions fills and refills, so the pharmacists and staff can quickly access and retrieve any needed information. This makes the entire process faster and more enjoyable for both the personnel and the customers.
There is also POS software available with signature capture, so all the patients? signatures can be kept on file for comparison if needed. The signature capture and data retrieval are both intended to make the sales system run more efficiently. However, the right pharmacy software integration will also allow the backend of the business run more efficiently.
POS systems will allow you to manage your inventory more efficiently. This enables you to analyze sales patterns, identify high and low selling items, and mark items daily that need to be reordered. Being able to replenish stock consistently ensures you don?t run out of needed products. Knowing what is selling and what isn?t also gives you the power to negotiate better with your suppliers.
POS systems for pharmacies will manage gift cards, coupons, and loyalty programs. This allows the pharmacy to offer these to their customers without the hassle of tracking them independently. Offering reward programs, coupons, and gift cards are all ways to increase overall sales. Local pharmacies have a lot of competition, so anything that promotes sales is worth considering.
Local pharmacies have been known to be more involved in their communities, improving the overall standard of living within the community, and providing a high level of direct care to their customers. All of these qualities can be supported and improved by the right pharmacy POS system.
The accuracy of pharmacy records, as well as the tracking of what prescriptions each patient takes, is essential. This is especially true for older patients. According to recent surveys, elderly patients collectively spend roughly $10 billion a year on medications. Additionally, almost 25% of older patients take eight or more medications a day. Making sure all these medications are ringed up and administered correctly as well as tracked is vital to the health of these patients.
Research shows that 10% of all hospitalizations are because of mistakes in the administering or consuming of medications. Pharmacy software integration can eliminate many of these errors, and it can allow the pharmacy staff to talk to their customers to ensure they are taking their medications correctly.
Local pharmacies will benefit in several ways by the integration of a POS system designed for pharmacies. It will provide better customer care and service while improving overall business operations, efficiency, and cost savings.