Online Pharmacies on the Rise
Whether it is health apps, online consultation hours or e-prescriptions: digital transformation does not leave the healthcare industry unaffected. The focus is on the requirements and needs of customers, who are increasingly transferring the experiences they have had in other industries to the pharmacy market. They expect pharmacies to offer the same flexibility and convenience as online shopping in general.
According to a study conducted by Bitkom, 58 per cent of German consumers already order medication online – and this percentage is rising. However, online mail order business is only one building block when it comes to the digitalisation of pharmacies. It is rather about the promotion of digital and technological solutions and the networking of the healthcare system, but also about data use and acceptance.
Our clients such as Zur Rose have shown that patient-oriented digitalisation is the future. Together with dotSource, they developed online solutions that, on the one hand, meet customer demands and, on the other hand, take into account the legal peculiarities related to online pharmacies.
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Digitalisation of Pharmacies and the Healthcare Industry – Patient- and Future-Oriented
Health Data Is a Valuable Asset
A CRM system can help online mail-order pharmacies to convince their customers with customised and attractive offers at all times. For example, if a customer orders new headache tablets every three months, you can send him an e-mail reminding him that the order is due again.
In this context, the protection of sensitive customer data is a particularly high priority. Not only do you have to protect customer data, but you also have to convince customers that their data is safe. Our experienced data experts are happy to assist you.
Personal Consulting Online
Personal consulting seems to be an advantage that has so far been exclusively reserved for brick-and-mortar pharmacies. However, a live chat can be used to provide customers with comprehensive information online. Pharmacists support them, for example, in the selection of non-prescription medication or provide information on intolerances.
We are happy to support you in digitally optimising your service processes and thus offering your customers the consulting services they want – even online.
Content with Added Value
Another way to compensate for the lack of personal consulting services – something that pharmacists in traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies can provide in conversation with their customers – is content, for example detailed information on medication, videos on health topics or content with added value such as health guides or blogs.
We help you to develop a suitable content marketing strategy and provide the technical foundation for effectively combining content and commerce.
Product Data – Transparent & Complete
In order for customers to feel well advised online, it not only takes the right content and digital services but also comprehensive product information and reviews. Ideally, this information should be so comprehensive that no questions remain unanswered. It is also particularly important for pharmacies that legally required information, such as areas of application, dosage, side effects and interactions, is properly maintained.
A PIM system supports online pharmacies in keeping their product data transparent and complete at all times, simplifies data maintenance and increases efficiency.
E-Prescriptions Are Coming in 2021
In the future, prescriptions from doctors will no longer be printed on paper, but will be issued in electronic form. E-prescriptions are expected to be introduced in 2021 and are a major step in the digitalisation of the healthcare industry. It is therefore important to create the necessary IT infrastructure now in order to be technologically prepared for the introduction.
We ensure that your e-commerce system is ready for the introduction of e-prescriptions and provide the necessary interfaces.
Inclusion Is Also Possible Online
Barrier-free access is a must for brick-and-mortar pharmacies – why should it be any different for online mail-order pharmacies? Inclusive design ensures functionality and intuitiveness for users with physical impairments, for example by using strongly contrasting colours or audio tools.
Our UX design team helps you to make your online mail-order pharmacy equally intuitive and appealing for all user groups.
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Marcus Wagner
Account Executive
Digital Business
