A pharma software management system can help you streamline operations and ensure that your pharmaceutical business complies with relevant industry standards. Modern pharma apps can do it all, from inventory management to providing point-of-sale services.
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You can purchase a ready-made app or build a custom pharma app with all of the necessary features for your pharmaceutical business.
In this article, we delve into all the steps of pharma software development. Also included will be top must-have features you must include in your pharma management app.
Pharma Software Features
The first thing you must do before writing any code is to identify pain points in your pharmaceutical business. This information will help you know which features and services to include in your app. The first edition or prototype doesn’t have to be the finished product, but it should address most needs in your business.
Inventory Management
This feature will help you manage and track your stock and optimize planning and business operations. The inventory management feature will help you know what drugs or products you need to restock. You can also identify items close to their expiration date and sell them ahead of newer stock.
Accounting and Billing
This is a must-have feature, whether you are a medicine supplier or retailer. The accounting and billing service will help you generate sale receipts and invoices.
It can also send notifications on payments that are due for easy tracking and consolidation. You can also use it to file your tax returns and run customer loyalty and discount programs.
Patient Management
Nowadays, most businesses offer delivery services to their clients as a way of retaining customers and boosting sales. The patient management feature requires integration with an electronic health records (EHR) system.
This way, your pharmacy can receive prescriptions from the doctor, prepare orders, and deliver it to the patient once payment is complete.
Pharma Development Considerations
Building software can be complicated if you don't follow the steps required in the software development life cycle. Quality software isn’t just about processing speed and automating tasks. Other features like scalability, security, and seamless integration are crucial.
User Needs
The rule of thumb is to always build with the customer in mind. Collect feedback from your employees and customers about what services they would like to have on the pharma app. This will help form the building blocks of your pharmaceutical management software.
Security and Data Privacy
Think about information security as you build the software. Implement security features from the beginning to protect sensitive business and customer information.
Ensure that all login pages and access points in the API are protected using one-time passwords or multi-factor authentication. Also, consider encrypting data and using private networks to send and receive information from other systems.
Scalability and Flexibility
Think about the future and how you can scale the software to meet business demands as you expand your services and customer base. Here is where scalability and flexibility come in. Consider using cloud services and infrastructure as it is cheaper and makes scaling easier.
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)
A clean and user-friendly interface will encourage people to use your pharma app more. Hire a competent UI designer to work on the front end for both web and mobile. Also, prioritize accessibility and usability by adding buttons and a search function to help users find services faster.
Integration with Existing Systems
Pharma apps need to interact with other systems, like electronic health records, electronic medical records, and accounting software. You can do so through API integration or building custom middleware to facilitate communication between the different apps.
Finding Pharma Development Services
Assembling a team of in-house developers can be challenging and expensive in the long run. The best and most cost-effective option is outsourcing pharma development services from a software firm with experience building healthcare systems.
Experience
Look for developers with experience building software used in healthcare. This experience will be crucial when integrating the pharma software with other apps used in the healthcare industry. Their understanding of compliance and regulations like HIPAA will also help ensure that your pharma app adheres to relevant regulations.
Cost and Payment Options
Software development services don’t come cheap. The best option is to ask for quotes from multiple software vendors before hiring. Understand the price breakdown and potential costs you may incur during app development. Assess whether the services fit within your budget and provide value for money.
Project Management and Expertise
Look for a team with strong communication and project management skills. This is crucial when building large-scale pharmaceutical apps. Ensure that the team can collaborate with your in-house IT team and other relevant stakeholders during the development cycle.
Testimonials and References
Look for testimonials showcasing the company’s success in building similar apps. You can contact past customers to get insights about their experience working with the software development company. If they have any apps published on the Google Play Store, check them out and read user reviews.
Pharma Software Development – FAQs
- What are the key benefits of outsourcing pharma development services?
Outsourcing development services from a third-party app developer is cheaper and more convenient. You don’t have to worry about interviewing and onboarding new talents into your in-house IT team.
- How can I develop the right pharma management software for my business?
Take time to study your business needs and identify potential services that can be automated. Also, collect feedback from your employees and other relevant stakeholders. The first version doesn’t have to be the complete product. You can scale the prototype by adding more features on an as-needed basis.
- What is the cost of pharma development?
We cannot give an exact estimate as software development costs vary depending on multiple factors. Things like features, development methodology, and complexity will determine the price. Talk to a consultant first and ask for quotes from multiple software development firms.
- How long will it take for the project to be completed?
The project timeline will depend on the size and complexity of your pharma app. Small apps with limited features can take one to three months. However, complex pharma apps for wholesalers or big hospitals can take up to 12 months to complete.
