As the needs of independent pharmacies continue to evolve, the features and enhancements offered by your pharmacy software need to modernize as well. Patients continue to have more vendor expectations in 2024 and beyond this year, and rightly so. They need text messaging reminders, mobile applications, and better quality care and service– and the list continues to grow.
Most retail pharmacy software systems provide you with the basics, but the basics are not what enhances pharmacy technology or sets you up for the future. The best software for pharmacies will include added features that help your business boost profits. Examples include automated utilities and useful integrations with third-party vendors (such as eMARs and robotic dispensing machines). This is the quality of features you should expect from your pharmacy management system and what to expect your vendor to deliver in 2024.
It’s equally valuable to ensure that your pharmacy system is backed by a fast response and a well-trained support team equipped to assist you when required. Pharmacy software vendor ownership and overall size play an important role in handling future problems and the quality of service you receive. Most independently owned pharmacy software vendors have since sold off to large private equity firms, ultimately shifting focus on what’s important. In 2024 and beyond, you should have expectations of a vendor with fast response times, a well-trained staff, and constantly updated technology. These are all telltale signs of a well-run pharmacy management system.
Additionally, today’s modern pharmacy software enhancements should assist you by accomplishing more with less staff and less overhead. As we shift into the future of pharmacy software, most owners agree that having more time during the day to focus on service and more face-to-face time with patients will produce enormous benefits for their businesses. Pharmacy systems with automation make it easier for staff to stay involved in patient care.
The ability to automate many of your daily tasks, such as running reports, processing automatic refills, and reaching out to doctors for refills, is the minimum of what you should expect from your vendor in 2024. This type of pharmacy software will free up time for you and your staff in the future and allow you to be involved in more hands-on tasks.
Nowadays, patients and customers expect the ease and convenience of mobile applications. An integrated mobile app that connects directly with your pharmacy management software helps streamline the process of accepting refill requests from patients. While some vendors integrate with third-party mobile applications, Datascan has a proprietary, feature-packed application available for iOS and Android. In 2024 and beyond, you should expect that your vendor will offer a mobile application with a plethora of bonus features, such as payment processing, 2-way chatting, and even family linking. These added conveniences are the future of pharmacy software.
There is a collection of moving parts that ensure your independent pharmacy operates smoothly. When it comes time to scale up and enhance your pharmacy software, there are a myriad of third-party integrations that continue to expand on an annual basis. These include IVR companies, Emar’s, reporting, and data aggregators. It also means sometimes switching vendors that transmit claims to PBMs, Surescripts, and wholesalers for inventory management. These third-party integrations make it easy and seamless for your pharmacy to operate. Datascan currently offers over 80 third-party integrations from our pharmacy software solutions.
The future of pharmacy software includes modernizing the look and feel of pharmacy software screens, contributing to the overall user experience. As we head into 2024, you should expect a fresh, modern feel from your software, and the best pharmacy systems will offer advancements to their systems. Pharmacy computer systems have come a long way, and as new features and options are added to your system, it’s important to continue to update the overall look.
Datascan has released completely revamped, re-written, and updated mobile applications for patients and delivery drivers. We have been migrating the backend code of our system for the future to open up the door for more user improvements within our pharmacy software. For 2024 and beyond, Datasan continues to update all screens within our core pharmacy management software product to exceed vendor expectations.
The size of the company that owns your pharmacy management software usually aligns with the quality of service, response times, system enhancements, and attention you receive as an end-user. Very similar to chain pharmacies, the larger the company and the more customers, the longer the wait. This may make you feel like a number in the future, instead of a valued customer who needs assistance with pharmacy software.
In recent years, we have seen a huge displacement in ownership as many independently owned pharmacy software vendors have since sold off to private equity firms. In regards to an independent pharmacy, the old adage “bigger is better” could not be further from the reality. For independent pharmacies, bigger typically means expanded wait times, a loftier price tag, diminished personal service, and increased frustration.
In 2024, if you are preparing to open a pharmacy or seeking a change of your pharmacy systems, you should know what you can expect from your vendors. The future of independent pharmacies are the software vendors who place value on customers and who focus on delivering an exceptional customer service experience. You deserve those that are focused on quality and service, not just profits. In 2024 and beyond, the expectations you have of your vendors should always be taken seriously. Let’s face it: private equity firms exist to deliver profits to their investors, so adding new customers and boosting profits are undoubtedly their focus. Having a private vendor, along with top pharmacy software enhancements. will allow you to provide the same type of service to your patients.
The future of advanced pharmacy technology and software is now in the hands of a few select software vendors currently serving independent pharmacies spread through the US. Selecting a pharmacy management system is a massive decision and not a resolution to take lightly. Pharmacy owners should make sure that the vendors they research are progressive and steadily evolving their products to meet your needs.
Remember, your pharmacy software is at the heart of running your business day in and day out. When choosing a pharmacy system vendor, it’s imperative you look at reviews across the internet, demo the software, get a clear breakdown of all pricing, do a comparison against other vendors, find out who owns that company, and how many customers they support.
The future of your pharmacy software depends on your vendor, as they are who you will be working with on a weekly basis moving forward. So, it’s essential to make the right decision. Contact Datascan today to learn more about what we can do for you!
