Interview with software provider PHARMATECHNIK
With its Precise Pro solution, the family-run company PHARMATECHNIK provides the crucial interface between the D³ Daily Dose Dispenser and pharmacy merchandise management.
The digitalization of processes has been progressing steadily, and not just since the introduction of e-prescriptions. In order to lead their own pharmacy safely and efficiently into the future, pharmacies need operationally and IT-safe solutions for their everyday work. From prescription management to merchandise management systems, workflows must be simplified and, above all, free of media discontinuity.
The family-run software company PHARMATECHNIK, headquartered in Starnberg, offers complete solution packages for pharmacies and is a Gematik-approved KIM provider. As a cooperation partner of MicuraPharm, PHARMATECHNIK has developed a blister management solution for the D³ Daily Dose Dispenser.
In an interview with Mr. Lars Polap, Head of Product Development and CEO of PHARMATECHNIK, we asked what potential the company sees in the project and what is important when transforming processes in pharmacies.
With the D³ Daily Dose Dispenser from KNAPP, the blister packaging of medication is fully automated for the first time - what was your first thought when you heard about the project?
PHARMATECHNIK (PT): Automation and digitalization are the two key factors that determine the success and future security of the on-site pharmacy today. In this respect, the innovative solution of fully automated card blistering that KNAPP has developed with the D³ Daily Dose Dispenser is exactly the right approach for pharmacies that want to offer risk-free, flexible and patient-specific blister management.
Now we have been able to win you as a partner. In your opinion, what is the ultimate advantage of the D³ system for pharmacies?
PT: In fact, I see two advantages for pharmacies with the D³ system: on the one hand, the D³ system reduces personnel costs because manual deblistering and the necessary control steps are no longer necessary. Furthermore, cleanroom requirements no longer have to be met.
On the other hand, with the D³ system in combination with Precise Pro from PHARMATECHNIK, the pharmacy has a fully integrated system solution for working without media discontinuity, which makes the overall process more efficient.
And what potential do you see here for PHARMATECHNIK?
PT: By combining the two innovative systems, PHARMATECHNIK can now also offer a blister management solution to those pharmacies for which blister packaging was previously too time-consuming and control-intensive.
What makes the collaboration so exciting for you at PHARMATECHNIK?
PT: As a digital innovation leader, PHARMATECHNIK has set itself the goal of always being one step ahead with pioneering tools and technologies on the way to the digital future of pharmacies. The exciting thing about the cooperation with MicuraPharm is that we can now offer a safe, flexible and individual blister solution that has never been available on the market before. We are delighted to be able to use this cooperation to help more pharmacies meet the increasing demand for individual patient care safely and conveniently in the future.
Is it ensured that Precise Pro can process all common formats of digitized medication plans (blister orders), even if the pharmacy has its inventory management managed by a competitor?
PT: Yes, this is guaranteed: Precise Pro also works with third-party systems. However, as a fully integrated system solution in conjunction with the IXOS pharmacy management system, Precise Pro offers the advantage of simplified workflows and directly available information thanks to seamless working.
What ideas is PT pursuing on the subject of "batch tracking in blister packaging"?
PT: It is too early to give a concrete answer here. We are pursuing ideas that will enable pharmacies to use e-prescriptions for blister packaging in a legally compliant manner. There are various approaches, e.g. the permanent extension of the current transitional regulation.
What solutions do you offer at PHARMATECHNIK with your pharmacy management system IXOS on the topics of TI (telematics infrastructure) and KIM (communication in medicine)?
PT: PHARMATECHNIK is also a pioneer on the market when it comes to "operationally and IT-secure pharmacies". With the practical TI rental model, all high-end hardware components are perfectly matched to the IXOS pharmacy software and run reliably and smoothly within the secure telematics infrastructure. The complete package is complemented by comprehensive services and reliable support - all from a single source. IXOS customers are also protected against e-prescription failures, so that they remain able to dispense and bill at all times.
PHARMATECHNIK is a Gematik-approved KIM provider. We have already fully integrated KIM into IXOS, not just for the KIM obligation from 01.04.2024, so that pharmacies can use IXOS.KIM as a fully integrated system solution for working without media discontinuity. Our latest features:
- Automatic transfer of structured e-prescription data to IXOS
Automatic reading of e-prescription QR codes in the attachment of a KIM mail
And what opportunities do you think digital and automated processes offer pharmacies?
PT:
E-health has long been a reality, and with e-prescriptions becoming mandatory on 1 January 2024 at the latest, pharmacies must prepare themselves for further digitalization in the healthcare sector. Pharmacies can no longer avoid transforming their processes into digital ones simply due to market and legal requirements. In addition, digitalization combines the advantages offered by online retail with the personal services that are only available in an on-site pharmacy.
The automation of processes makes many manual - and often time-consuming - activities redundant, so that pharmacy employees can once again focus more on customers and personal advice.
What is important for the (digital) conversion of processes in the pharmacy?
PT: Whether and how successful the path to the digital future will be depends on the decision for a pharmacy management system that maps and intelligently automates all tasks and processes. Ideally, it should be a complete solution package that includes software, hardware, support and service - all from a single source. PHARMATECHNIK has more than 750 highly qualified employees, experienced service technicians, application consultants and support specialists working in 14 branches across Germany. They ensure that pharmacies can concentrate more on providing optimal support to their customers - a decisive advantage of digitalization.
We sincerely thank Mr. Lars Polap for the interview!
