“Just Make it Work –
The Importance of IT Infrastructure”
Pharmacy 2005
Couran Cove - Queensland
Paul Naismith
CEO
PCA NU SYSTEMS
September 2005
Current Projects
 Mediconnect (Healthconnect)
 Pharmacy/Govt/Doctor Link – Ceased Dec 04
 PBS Online -Real time HIC claims
 Promise – Intervention Reporting
 Integrated EFTPOS and Loyalty Solutions
 Ordering/Trading Exchanges via Web
 Next Generation Dispense and POS
 Broadband Usage - nuNET
Voice Over IP Telephony (VOIP)
Online Backup Offsite via Internet
Common Themes
Information Sharing
Communications to 3rd Parties
Internet Based
Non have a common platform
Web Services
Flat File
FTP
Dial Up Communications
Challenges Faced
Lack of Common IT Platform in Store
More than 80% not on Current Operating
System
50% Windows 98 or older
35% DOS Based Dispense System
Less than 10% have a Dedicated Server in
Store
Until June 2005 less than 15% had broadband
internet. Now 90% thanks to subsidy.
Challenges Faced (cont)
Low IT investments
Pharmacy IT Spend (less than 1% of T/O)
• Dispense $2500 per year and POS $2500 per year
• Hardware Lease $5000 per year
• Most don’t budget for IT Training, Software or Hardware
Upgrades
UK Figures
• Health 1-2% (maybe up to 3% with NHS multi billion
funding)
• Financial Services 7%
Low IT Skills In Store
Very few pharmacies have dedicated IT Staff
The Solution
 Managed Hosted IT Services
Hosted Solutions via the Internet
Take the technology out of the store
 Advantages
• Pay as you go, lower capital costs
• Technology issues are with the provider
• Easy to Update and keep up to date
Examples – Ready Today
 NUHQ – Store Retail Management
 JR Bizlink – Accounting/BAS
 Hosted Exchange – eMail, Calenders
epothecary.com.au
Hosted Solutions Challenges
 Internet Access
High Speed Internet until recently not available to many
remote pharmacies
 Speed and Reliability
If ADSL is not available via internet is too slow or too
expensive
Improving reliability but need alternatives for when the
internet is down
Variability of service
 The Customer Experience
Feature rich user interface a challenge to reproduce on
the internet
Hosted Solutions Answers
Internet Access Improving every day
Design Software Specifically for Hosting
Eg Outlook offline/online mode
Web Services to Suppliers/HIC/Banks
Over the next 3-5 Years hosted solutions
will dominate Pharmacy IT
We will still have in store IT requirements
going forward
Improve In Store Infrastructure
Employ IT Staff in each Store
or
Outsource Managed IT Services in Store
Dedicated Server in Your Store
Managed and Possibly Owned by your IT provider
Continually upgraded and monitored as required
Rented Solution (pay per Computer)
Bundled with high speed internet access and control
Only used for approved applications and services
Server-Based Networking Is Revolutionizing
The Way Small Businesses Operate
 A server is a network computer that manages
shared resources, like data files, schedules,
contacts or access to a printer.
 A server allows you to leverage existing
investments in desktop PCs, laptops, other
devices and business productivity software.
 Small businesses can now affordably harness
the business value of powerful technology that,
until recently, was expensive and complicated to
purchase, install and administer.
Windows Small Business Server 2003 is
quickly becoming the #1 choice of small
businesses to run those servers.
Top Ten Reasons To Use
Windows Small Business Server 2003
1.
Create a central and secure place to store critical business
information
2.
Guard against data loss
3.
Ensure network security, thoroughly and easily
4.
Keep your business up and running
5.
Access information from anywhere, anytime and any device
6.
Improve team performance through enhanced collaboration
7.
Increase sales and reduce costs by analyzing and managing your
business with line-of-business applications
8.
Reach more customers and serve them better, all day, every day
9.
Get up and running quickly and easily
10.
Get a platform that is easy to grow with today and tomorrow
Which way forward?
Improve In Store IT Infrastructure
Add Managed Dedicated Server to ALL Stores
Offer Managed In Store Services (Fully outsourced
IT)
Remote Diagnostics and Server Management
Suggest In Store Hosted Microsoft SBS 2003 Server
Managed Broadband for all Stores
Firewall, Content Filter, Antivirus
Encourage government to continue to subsidise
managed Broadband services for pharmacy
Which way forward?
We need to be able to Demonstrate IT
Investment produces bottom line benefits
A Supermarket is expecting $4.5 billion saving
on supply chain efficiency over next 5 years led
by IT improvements.
Brands can demonstrate value of improved IT
Priceline Model
• Dedicated Server already
• Sees IT as key enabler for the brand
More Information
Contact Details
Paul Naismith
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1800 888 828
Web: www.pcanu.com.au