Published by Computachem Services

P.O Box 297.
Alstonville. 2477
NSW Australia

Phone:
61 2 66285138

Editor's Note: We are pleased to publicise any pharmacist success stories, particularly when they relate to Information Technology systems.
Patrick Reid, based in Canberra, has come up with a gateway system for ordering, which creates an online solution for the delegation of this important function.
In the current climate of pharmacists complaining they do not have enough time over the day, and with the weekend becoming a lost cause, Purchase Plus represents at least one alternative in a bid to claim back a rational working day.
It has won the ACT Micro Business of the Year Award as well as taking the honours in the emerging business division and the Internet technology category.

Purchase Plus is a concept I evolved as a result of frustration with ordering supplies for my pharmacy outlets in Red Hill and Ngunnawal.
With my business partner, Ian Castle, I have spent the last three years developing the concept and developing an Internet-based procurement system that allows pharmacists to buy a full range of pharmaceutical items online.

The Purchase Plus system is unique in that it allows pharmacists to manage all of their stock through one purchasing point. It makes ordering and buying simple and streamlined and also provides the convenience of wholesalers, manufacturers and product agents in one place.
Basically it offers a cheaper, faster and better system for pharmacists.

A national pilot program has been conducted and Purchase Plus is now endorsed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

Purchase Plus has the potential to save pharmacists up to 30-60 per cent of their time taken in ordering. It is hoped to have the system installed in up to 500 pharmacies nationwide within the next 18 months.

How the system works

A national network of some of Australia’s best-known suppliers supports the Purchase Plus system, providing better buying power for products including high use ethicals (both proprietary and generic), national brand OTC, gift lines, toys, computer systems, peripherals, consumables and dispensary and office stationery.

Purchase Plus uses a Phrog scanner or Palm unit, similar to those used by wholesalers, to scan any wholesaler or product barcode for entry into the system. Pharmacists who don’t have a Phrog or Palm can enter the items individually using the easy search facility on the Purchase Plus website.

Once placed, a confirmation email and shipping notice is sent as soon as the order is complete. Wholesalers or vendors invoice the pharmacies direct as usual. In the future, an electronic statement and payment gateway will be established for credit cards and other forms of payment.

The service is hosted on Purchase Plus’s own servers and is supported by a broadband system that allows a rapid response, regardless of the type of Internet connection. It is also completely secure and safe to use. All data sits behind a firewall and communications to and from suppliers are encrypted to ensure privacy. The only requirement for access to the system is a web browser, password and username.

To view a recent press release follow this link

For photographs, interviews or further information contact Tania Smith, Morris Walker Pty Ltd, on (02) 6232 6966 or mobile 0411 133 306.