Business Scenario:
Our client, a group of independent retail pharmacies with a shared commitment to customer health and wellbeing, operates over 40 stores across Australia. Their mission is to provide effective health solutions, up-to-date information, and expert advice to their valued customers. To enhance their operations and better serve their clientele, the client initiated the development of a Product Information Management System (PIMS). This system aimed to empower member pharmacies to efficiently manage product information, including pricing, supplier details, and product specifications. Furthermore, PIMS aimed to simplify the classification of products and streamline the ordering process from specific suppliers.
Challenges:
- Disparate Product Information : Managing product information across multiple stores was challenging, with data often stored in disconnected systems or documents. This led to inconsistencies in product details and pricing.
- Inefficient Order Processing : The manual process of classifying products and placing orders with suppliers was time-consuming and error-prone, impacting inventory management and customer service.
- Lack of Centralized System : The absence of a centralized system made it difficult to provide timely and accurate updates to pharmacies and customers regarding product availability and specifications.
Solution:
To address these challenges and modernize their operations, we undertook the development and implementation of the Product Information Management System (PIMS) using the following technologies:
- Technology Update : The development team designed and implemented PIMS, creating a user-friendly interface for pharmacies to input, manage, and update product information.
- Centralized Database : PIMS integrated with a centralized database to store and manage product details, supplier information, and pricing data. This ensured consistency and accuracy across all stores.
- Order Automation : The system automated the order classification and supplier communication processes, reducing manual effort and errors in the order placement process.
Outcomes:
The implementation of the Product Information Management System (PIMS) yielded significant improvements for the client and its member pharmacies:
- Streamlined Product Information Management : Member pharmacies now have a centralized platform to efficiently manage product data, ensuring consistency and accuracy in pricing and specifications.
- Efficient Order Processing : The automation of order classification and supplier communication has expedited the ordering process, reducing errors and improving inventory management.
- Enhanced Customer Service : Pharmacies can now provide customers with up-to-date product information, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Improved Inventory Control : PIMS has provided better control over inventory levels, minimizing overstock and understock situations, ultimately leading to cost savings.
- Real-time Updates : The centralized system enables real-time updates on product availability and specifications, ensuring that pharmacies and customers receive the most accurate and current information.
Technical Stack:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, .NET Framework 4.5, Entity Framework, SQL Server 2008 R2.
