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BOONE, N.C. — QS/1 and ECR Software Corp. (ECRS) have released an interface linking the QS/1 NRx pharmacy management system with the ECRS Catapult point-of-sale system.
ECRS said Monday that the software integration was jointly developed to improve communication between the pharmacy management and POS systems while merging all pharmacy and grocery department business data into a central repository.
With the QS/1 and ECRS system integration, supermarket retailers with pharmacy departments can better coordinate systems for improved accountability, data accuracy, customer service and streamlined workflow, according to the companies.
ECRS and QS/1 called the integration a big step in automation as more hybrid grocery/pharmacy retailers enter the market to increase customer convenience in a one-stop-shop format.
"Supermarkets with pharmacies can benefit from a robust point-of-sale solution with tight integration," stated Tom McLeod, QS/1’s vice president of national sales. "Combining our NRx system with Catapult gives supermarkets a complete view of sales on both sides of the pharmacy counter, while giving the pharmacy complete record keeping of prescriptions and required signatures."
Star Super Market and Discount Pharmacy, a four-store chain in the Huntsville, Ala., area, served as the model and pilot site for the integration project.
"The relationship between ECRS and QS/1 will help provide the best customer service, drive loyalty and prevent costly errors by consolidating our Catapult point-of-sale system used in the pharmacy and grocery with our QS/1 NRx pharmacy management system," explained James Ahlschlager, chief information officer for Star Super Market and Discount Pharmacy. "With tighter integration, and through the incorporation of new technologies, we are striving to make shopping easier for our customers."
Interface functionality includes bidirectional communication between Catapult and QS/1 for sold prescription tracking, co-located prescription data for easier retrieval, signature prompts and centralized signature storage (HIPAA, electronic payment, prescription pick-up, counseling and more), and accurate, real-time will-call bin management with available Family Link at the POS.
According to ECRS, the advanced functionality provides flexibility and convenience for pharmacy staff and faster, more accurate customer transactions. It also provides a central place for all store transaction data, resulting in more accurate reporting across all departments and locations.
"The traditional supermarket business model has evolved into one where customers expect to be able to fulfill a wide array of needs spanning many different services under one roof," noted ECRS president and chief executive officer Pete Catoe. "Tying all of these mini-businesses together in one common retail system can really pay dividends for retailers by cutting costs, improving visibility and providing a higher level of customer service."
