Retail News South Africa

Software system celebrates 10 years

Primedia Unlimited subsidiary X/procure is celebrating its 10th birthday and the R44 billion in pharmaceutical orders that have been processed through the its procurement and digital advertising system since inception.

Two individuals with a vision began the system. One, Andre Steyn, remains in the business as software director.

Software system celebrates 10 years

MD JD Henderson, says, "We began our journey with six people, no servers, down-time of nearly 30%, 17-hour working shifts and a world ruled by MS DOS. I'm pleased to say that this has been replaced by an age of rapid innovation, performance and achievement."

The company has grown significantly and has reportedly more than 63% market share with its systems installed in 1 of every 1.7 pharmacies that utilise electronic procurement software. Along with its permanent staff, it has a sophisticated server network, 99.9% up-time 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and a user interface that is unmatched in the industry.

"Opportunity to present and promote"

"We had to innovate right from the beginning," says JD. "The way in which the industry saw and used their systems had to change. Being the first to launch and work on Windows software, the system brought life, creativity and a user friendly system into the market that was previously largely dominated by dark and unattractive displays."

Through its unique electronic procurement software, education and advertising content is delivered directly to the pharmacist.

"This space allows advertisers the opportunity to present and promote products at the time that pharmaceutical purchasing and ordering decisions are made. The software enables more than 63% of SA pharmacies, who utilise electronic ordering software, to purchase scheduled, front-shop, surgical and OTC pharmaceuticals directly from suppliers," he concludes.

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