What is PriceGRID?
PriceGRID is an on-line Pricing and Ordering system for Pharmacists. In essence it is a software tool that allows the pharmacist to easily compare the prices of Parallel Imports and Generics across different suppliers and provides them with features to enable them to easily create and send orders?
Why should I use the PriceGRID system?
Using this system will ensure that every item you order is ordered from the best supplier and it makes it extremely easy to create and submit these orders. So basically we’ll save you a lot of time and a lot of money (which you don’t have to take our word for, we have a free trial so you can see for yourself)
How much does it cost?
There is a 30 day free trial, and after that access to the system costs £49.99 per month. (expected savings using the system are 10 times that amount each month, that’s why we have a free trial to demonstrate this.)
How does PriceGRID work?
The PriceGRID system is a website that both you and suppliers can access. At your request Suppliers will load price-lists for your consideration (you are also able to load pricelists directly into the system). Typically these Pricelists are updated monthly.
So, whenever you log onto the system you can see what supplier is which items and at what price, then there is functionality you can use to create orders, identify the cheapest supplier of every item on the order and send these orders. Its very quick and very simple.
How is PriceGRID different from other tools out there?
We at PriceGRID are not aligned with any supplier, which means we allow you to cherry pick the best lines from every supplier. This is something that no one else is doing and results in the cheapest possible order for you.
What is the basic functionality of PriceGRID?
At the click of a button, you can:
- Load an order - reading excel files either generated manually, or automatically by your dispensing system
- Load a pricelist sent you from a supplier (takes about 1 minute)
- Identify the best supplier for every item on the order (takes ~20 seconds)
- Manipulate this order – identify cheaper pack sizes, instantly see the effect of including/excluding additional suppliers etc.
- Fax or email the order directly from the system to the relevant suppliers
- Print the order on formatted headed sheets, or save the order as an excel file for future reference
- Manage the order after sending (re-price short lines etc.)
I negotiate directly with suppliers – how can PriceGRID be of benefit to me?
It is physically impossible for a person to keep track of the prices of the thousands of items that the short line suppliers offer for sale each month, but a computer can compare these prices in seconds. That makes PriceGRID an extremely useful tool to aid your negotiations.
I am normally sent preferred price-lists by my suppliers – will I be able to access these prices on the PriceGRID system?
Yes. The system uses YOUR pricelists. These can either be loaded directly by the suppliers or you can load these pricelists yourself.
How many people are using the system?
There are over 100 Pharmacies currently registered on the PriceGRID system. Over 30 pharmacies have been using the system for over a year in Northern Ireland (and we’re just getting started!)
What suppliers are using the system?
This regionally dependent, but we will do everything we can to facilitate the loading of your prices onto the system. In Northern Ireland we have 7 different suppliers that load pricelists automatically each month.
Will any third party be able to access my private information?
No. The information you enter into the system is only for internal use and will not be passed onto any third party.
How do I get started?
In order to use the PriceGRID system, simply log onto www.PriceGRID.co.uk, and follow the simple registration process. Your details will be confirmed and the account activated within 24 hours. If you have any questions, or you’d like someone to step you through the registration process contact us on 028 9081 4425 or email: customercare@pricegrid.co.uk
How long is the trial period?
30 days. We believe that you will see the value of PriceGRID after a one-month trial. If you are unsatisfied for any reason at the end of your first month of paid subscription – we will refund the license fee.
How do you make payment?
Payment can be made using a credit card (through the secure Paypal system), by setting up a standing order with your bank, or by sending a cheque directly to Apothecary Software (cheque payments must be made for a minimum of 6 months).
Can I only order PI and Generic lines through the PriceGRID system?
No. While the PriceGRID system was originally developed to manage PI and Generics orders, today ALL the product lines typically offered by short line suppliers can be ordered through the system – this includes Dressings, Insulins, CDs, Nutritional and many OTC items.
Has PriceGRID received any industry recognition?
In January 2006 PriceGRID won the Ulster Chemist Reviews “Most Innovative use of Technology in community Pharmacy” award.
What are the system requirements to install PriceGRID®?
PriceGRID is a fully hosted solution. That means that all the processing takes place on a remote server. All you need to access this functionality is Internet Explorer (or a similar web browser) to access the system. However, given the large amounts of data involved, realistically you need a broadband Internet connection to make effective use of the system
What is the background of the PriceGRID system?
The PriceGRID system was developed as a partnership between a community Pharmacist and a Software Entrepreneur. The Pharmacist had developed a semi-automated process for comparing price-lists between various suppliers and compiling orders. This process was the basis for the PriceGRID system, which was first deployed with other customers in February 2006. The product has been continually refined over the last 18 months, and the migration to a hosted Internet solution is just the last in a long list of improvements. If you have any ideas on how to further improve the system, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
