BCD Professional Services Client Success Story

UniPharm Hand Held Order Entry

About the Project

In mid May, 2005 uniPHARM Wholesale Drugs contracted the BCD Consulting Group to develop a browser based application to replace their PC based Electronic Order Book System. Working with uniPHARM's IT staff, the consulting group delivered the application in just two months, it went live in early July, 2005. Now, one year since development began, uniPHARM member pharmacies use the system everyday. Jim McGrath, Manager of Information Technology with uniPHARM, says "The application has more than replaced an out-of-date system, it has delivered additional functionality based on our shareholder's business requirements. The adoption of the web-based ordering system has been very impressive."

Since the initial application was rolled out, uniPHARM and the BCD Consulting Group have worked on several user driven enhancements. These have included new modules to generate labels, enter and process claims, web reporting, enhanced search and credit stop functionality.

Order Entry via Wireless Handheld Device

Most recently, uniPHARM's Executive (based on input from a number of member pharmacies) requested the ability to be able to log onto and add orders via a wireless handheld device. The device, a Symbol MC50 equipped with barcode reader, is used by staff at uniPHARM member pharmacies. Pharmacy staff access the "Web Ordering" application via a secure login program written with WebSmart using the browser on the MC50. The device connects directly to uniPHARM's iSeries Apache server. The login and subsequent WebSmart programs have been written to work using the smaller screen resolution of a handheld device. As the staff member walks around the store checking product levels on shelves, they scan the barcode of inventory items that need to be ordered and enter order quantities in the handheld. They can later view and confirm the order on their PC's browser or complete the order and submit it to uniPHARM directly using the handheld device.

Project Development

Initial reactions by uniPHARM's IT staff to the request by the member pharmacies to use a handheld device were mixed. Most thought it would involve a considerable investment to make it happen. The initial step was to contact the BCD Consulting Group to discuss the project and to contract them to build a proof of concept application. Jim McGrath adds, "The initial Proof of Concept took only 6 hours to complete - this is another example of the rapid application development processes that BCD effectively employs, to the benefit of their customers". This proved that the application was feasible. Following the initial prototype, BCD was given the nod to do the application development. In total the process took less than 16 hours to complete!

Initial Reactions

The application has now been rolled out as a pilot project to a few of the member pharmacies who would best be able to test the new technology that facilitates this functionality. Things have progressed very well and uniPHARM expects to make this option available to many of their member pharmacies in the near future.

For further information about how this application was developed or for details on our consulting services, please contact Kevin Cronin.