Choosing the best pharmacy software is one of the most important business decisions you will make as an independent pharmacy owner. Your pharmacy system is more than just for filling prescriptions—it’s the backbone of your business. It manages prescriptions, claims, workflow, patient communication, inventory, and so much more. The right pharmacy management software streamlines operations, helps you deliver better patient care, and positions your pharmacy for long-term success.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which software for independent pharmacies is right for you? The key lies in asking the right questions before making a decision.
By carefully evaluating your current needs—and anticipating future growth and changes—you can ensure you select a solution that will grow with you.
At Datascan, we’ve worked with independent pharmacies for decades, providing the top pharmacy software that combines innovative features, unmatched support, and affordable pricing. Below, we’ll explore the key questions every pharmacy should ask before investing in a pharmacy software system.
1. What Are My Immediate Needs?
The first step in evaluating a pharmacy system is understanding your current needs and potential pain points. This may vary depending on whether you’re opening a brand new independent pharmacy or if you’re an existing pharmacy evaluating new systems. Ask yourself:
- What is my model, and what is most important to me in a pharmacy software partner?
- What can I afford, or what am I paying currently?
- Is my current workflow slowing down prescription filling?
- Do I spend too much time troubleshooting issues?
- Are staff members frustrated with training or the daily use of the software?
- Am I missing opportunities for implementing new technology?
By identifying your most important needs, you can prioritize features that will solve today’s challenges. For example, if workflow efficiency is your biggest bottleneck, look for automation features and customizable task management. If you’re opening a brand new pharmacy, ease of use and thorough training should be at the top of your list.
Datascan’s pharmacy management software was designed with these needs in mind. It offers intuitive workflow tools, customization, and a user-friendly interface that minimizes training time—allowing your staff to focus more on patients and less on mundane day-to-day tasks.
2. How Will This Software Support My Future Growth?
Your pharmacy today might look very different from your pharmacy five years from now. Maybe you’ll expand services into compounding, long-term care, or open multiple locations. That’s why you must ask: Will this software adapt to my future needs?
When looking for the best pharmacy software, look for flexibility and scalability. Can the system easily integrate new features as your services expand? Does it allow you to add users or locations without costing you more money per month?
Datascan excels in this area by offering a scalable platform that grows with your business. Whether you’re adding new services or shifting your model, increasing prescription volume, or opening additional locations, Datascan provides the adaptability independent pharmacies need to thrive in an ever-changing pharmacy environment.
3. How Easy Is the Software to Use and Learn?
Pharmacists and staff are busy. A pharmacy system that requires weeks of training or is overly complicated can be more of a burden than a benefit. Ease of use is one of the most important qualities of a pharmacy system.
Ask yourself:
- Is the interface intuitive?
- How quickly can new employees learn to use it?
- Does the pharmacy software minimize clicks and redundant steps?
- Does the software follow a logical flow?
Datascan is widely recognized as one of the top pharmacy software solutions for ease of use. Its logical, pharmacist-focused design ensures a short learning curve and smooth onboarding for new staff. The result? A pharmacy team that can spend more time on patient care instead of fighting with technology.
4. What Type of Support Is Provided?
Even the best pharmacy software is only as good as the support behind it. Technical issues and questions will inevitably arise, so it’s essential to know what kind of help you’ll receive.
Key questions to ask include:
- What are the pharmacy software support hours?
- What is the average wait time during business hours to speak to a support person?
- Will I be charged extra if I need to contact support outside of business hours?
- Does the company provide training, updates, and ongoing guidance?
Datascan sets itself apart with outstanding customer support. Independent pharmacies consistently praise Datascan for being responsive, knowledgeable, and committed to helping pharmacies succeed. You’ll never feel like “just another number” at Datascan.
5. What Features Are Included—and Are They Customizable?
No two independent pharmacies are alike. That’s why a one-size-fits-all solution often falls short. When evaluating pharmacy management software, it’s important to ask:
- Can I customize workflows to match my pharmacy’s operations?
- Does the pharmacy software include automation tools to save time?
- Are there features for patient communication, like refill reminders or mobile apps?
- How robust are reporting and analytics capabilities?
- Can I modify or customize options in my pharmacy software?
Datascan provides a wide range of customizable features that empower independent pharmacies to work smarter. From automated refill management to advanced reporting and patient communication tools, Datascan helps you maximize efficiency and deliver excellent care. Datascan’s 5-star rated pharmacy software includes pages of customizable options that enable each pharmacy to build a system that works for them.
6. What Does the Software Cost?
Price matters—but so does value. The cheapest option may cost you more in the long run if it lacks essential features or reliable support. Many independent pharmacy owners make the mistake of choosing the cheapest system, and then find themselves paying more for a pharmacy data conversion to switch to a better, more robust product in the future. Conversely, the most expensive system isn’t necessarily the best. Many popular pharmacy software systems come with a hefty price tag– but do not give you better products or support.
When evaluating cost, look at the total package: upfront costs that include software licensing, implementation, training, and ongoing costs for support, switching, electronic prescribing, and software maintenance. Then compare this with the return on investment: how much time, money, and frustration the software will save you.
Datascan has built its reputation on providing the best pharmacy software at an affordable and transparent price. With Datascan, independent pharmacies partner with a vendor that offers a powerful system, outstanding support, and long-term value that fits within their budget.
7. Will This Partner Be There for the Long Haul?
Finally, when you choose a pharmacy system, you’re not just buying software—you’re entering into a partnership. Independent pharmacies need a vendor that will continue to innovate, update, and support them as the industry evolves. You also want to be sure that the pharmacy management system you choose offers features to accommodate changes to your model, such as compounding and long-term care.
Datascan has decades of experience working exclusively with independent pharmacies. Their commitment to ongoing innovation, affordability, and unmatched support makes them the clear choice for pharmacies looking to thrive today and in the future.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best pharmacy software for your independent pharmacy is a decision that impacts every part of your business—from workflow efficiency to patient care to long-term profitability. By asking the right questions upfront, you can ensure you’re choosing a system that not only meets today’s needs but also supports your future growth.
For independent pharmacies, the answer is clear: Datascan provides the ideal balance of functionality, support, and affordability. With its intuitive design, robust features, and proven commitment to the success of independent pharmacies, Datascan is the best pharmacy software choice for those who want to thrive in a competitive industry.
Whether you’re opening a brand new independent pharmacy or considering a change from your existing vendor, speaking with Datascan pharmacy software solutions is an absolute must. There’s a reason why independent pharmacies have trusted Datascan for over 4 decades– talk with Datascan and find out why.
Kevin Minassian is the President of Datascan Software. Under his leadership, the company rapidly expanded to provide pharmacy management software on a national level. Over the last 15+ years, he has ensured that Datascan has continuously evolved to offer innovative solutions for independent pharmacies while still offering world-class customer support. He is passionate about helping independent pharmacies to remain competitive, achieve success, and offer the very best service to their communities.
