As Halloween creeps up on us, now’s the perfect time to confront what’s lurking in the shadows. For pharmacies, your tech stack is certainly hiding some unseen horrors that would send shivers down your spine.
From the curse of “free” tech to cybersecurity nightmares, let’s uncover the tech threats haunting your pharmacy and cast them out for good.
What Tech Threats Are Lurking in Your Pharmacy?
Pharmacy tech threats make every season feel like spooky season. It’s time to put an end to these six harrowing issues:
1. The Curse of “Free” Solutions
Beware of the allure of free point of sale (POS) solutions. While they might seem like a treat, they often come with hidden tricks. Jack-of-all-trade vendors don’t have the resources or expertise to invest in cutting-edge solutions. Plus, you’ll encounter hidden fees for advanced functionalities (like pseudoephedrine sales). Don’t let free tech turn into a nightmare!
2. The Horror of Poor Integrations
When your pharmacy management software (PMS), POS, and/or lighted will-call systems don’t communicate, it creates a labyrinth of errors, redundancies, and additional manual labor. Ensure your POS and/or lighted will-call provider integrate with your PMS to avoid living in a nightmare that just won’t end.
3. Cybersecurity Nightmares
Cybersecurity threats like ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches are the real monsters under the bed. Your technology must be as secure as possible to prevent ghoulish actors from taking advantage of vulnerabilities. Look for vendors that are SOC 2 Type II compliant and PCI certified on PCI DSS version 4.0 as a Level 1 Service Provider to best protect your operations.
4. The Trick of “Mobile” Solutions
Drive-thrus, meds to beds, oh my! Some “mobile” POS solutions might still require credit card readers or a wired connection to an outlet, making them more cumbersome than convenient. This can lead to carrying bulky tech or manually writing down credit card numbers (a breach of compliance! *gasp*). Make sure your mobile solutions truly have no strings attached to avoid these tricks.
5. Haunted Hardware
Malfunctioning servers, misreading credit card scanners, and regular downtime can cause chaos in your pharmacy operations – much like a poltergeist haunting. Switching to cloud-based solutions and minimizing reliance on glitchy tech can help exorcise these hardware demons.
6. Murderous Merchant Services
Navigating merchant services and the payment processing ecosystem can feel like a vampire is draining the life out of you. High fees, price gouging, multiple contracts, and confusing terms are enough to make anyone scream. To avoid this fright fest look for a payments partner that can manage the end-to-end merchant services, saving you time and money.
Tech Specters – Begone!
Don’t let unseen horrors haunt your pharmacy any longer than they need to. By addressing these phantom tech issues, you can ensure your pharmacy runs smoothly and safely, free from costly and disruptive tricks.
Remember, the best way to keep the ghosts at bay is to stay vigilant, keep your systems updated, and choose reliable technology partners. Happy Halloween, and may you be free of pharmacy tech threats!
