Every year, PioneerRx sponsors a pharmacy software survey from Direct Opinions, an independent market research firm. Pharmacy Software Reviews compiles the results of the survey, show here.
Powered by PioneerRx and Direct Opinions
Every year, PioneerRx sponsors a pharmacy software survey from Direct Opinions, an independent market research firm. Pharmacy Software Reviews compiles the results of the survey, shown here.
Powered by PioneerRx and Direct Opinions
Evaluating the Best Pharmacy Software
Direct Opinions, an independent market research firm, has surveyed community pharmacies on their experience with their current pharmacy management system. Approximately 2,000 independent pharmacies participated in a double-blind phone-based survey from April - June 2022. The following graphics display the customer opinions and market trends of independent, retail pharmacy software vendors.
The best way to learn more about what a software can do for your pharmacy is to watch it in action! Request a demo by filling out the Demo Form on a vendor’s website:
- It’s completely free
- There’s no commitment necessary
- It allows you to to ask specific questions and see features that can’t be found anywhere online
Click on any vendor name below to go to their website and request a free demo.
Which pharmacy software do you use?
Which pharmacy software has the most satisfied customers?
This graph portrays pharmacy software vendors based on both Market Share and Customer Satisfaction. The closer a vendor is to the top-right corner, the closer they are to having the most installed systems while simultaneously maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
PioneerRx Pharmacy Software has the highest intersection of market share and customer satisfaction. Other vendors include, in descending order of market share, Rx30, DigitalRx, Micro Merchant Systems (PrimeRx), QS/1 and ComputerRx, Liberty and BestRx, SRS, then McKesson (EnterpriseRx).
Customer satisfaction scores are determined using Net Promoter Score (NPS), an indicator of customer satisfaction. Pharmacy software vendors with above-average satisfaction are portrayed in the color green. Those with average satisfaction are shown as yellow, and those with below-average satisfaction are shown in red. Only software vendors with 45 or more people surveyed are shown above to ensure statistical accuracy.
Which factors contribute most to customer satisfaction?
Ease of use, great customer support, and robust features are the top 3 reasons cited for high customer satisfaction.
Which factors contribute most to customer dissatisfaction?
Difficulty of use, poor customer support, and performance issues are the top 3 reasons cited for customer dissatisfaction.
Visit our blog to learn more about the main reasons why users either like or dislike their software.
Which pharmacy software has the best overall customer retention?
This graphic shows the number of pharmacies surveyed who have converted to or from a software vendor - representing how well a vendor retains their customers and keeps them satisfied. Pharmacies that converted to a vendor are represented by a green person. Pharmacies that left a vendor are represented by a red person. Software vendors are listed in order of net gain.
The top 3 factors that cause a pharmacy to be unsatisfied and potentially leave their pharmacy software vendor are: difficulty of use, poor customer support, and lack of features. Pharmacies need enhanced features to allow them to be efficient, provide great patient care, and offer clinical services to stay in business. Customer support is also a predictor of how successful a pharmacy will be while using their software.
Visit our blog to learn more about competitive switching in the independent pharmacy market.
Top Pharmacy Software Vendors List
The pharmacy software industry is made up of many key players, from small businesses to large corporations. While there are many options on the market, most independent pharmacies choose to do business with these vendors. Scroll below to see the best pharmacy software vendors, organized according to the percentage of market share each takes up (from highest to lowest):
PioneerRx
PioneerRx Pharmacy Software is one of the newest systems on the market, but it has quickly moved to the top. Founded in 2007, the company is run by President Jeff Key and it is based out of Irving, TX. PioneerRx Pharmacy Software was acquired by RedSail Technologies in order to create one of the largest pharmacy networks in the country. PioneerRx’s mission is to Save and Revitalize Independent Pharmacy. They also produce the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast - a weekly podcast featuring leaders and innovators in the industry.
Rx30
Rx30 was founded in the early 1980s and initially operated as an independent software company. In 2016, Rx30 and Computer-Rx joined together in order to form a strategic partnership. Both software companies have since been acquired by Transaction Data Systems (TDS) and operate under one umbrella. TDS is run by CEO Jude Dieterman and is based out of Earth City, MO. The mission of TDS is to be dedicated to the success of independent and community pharmacies.
Liberty
Liberty Software was founded in 1986 and operates out of Southlake, TX under the leadership of President Jeremy Manchester. The company’s mission is to help pharmacies enhance patient care, increase patient safety, and improve profitability. Liberty has seen a recent bump in market share after McKesson decided to sunset its product, Pharmaserv, and financially incentivized customers to move to Liberty.
Micro Merchant Systems
Micro Merchant Systems offers a pharmacy management solution that is named PrimeRx. Founded in 1990, Micro Merchant Systems is based out of Syosset, NY and is currently run by their President, Akbar Merchant. Micro Merchant’s slogan is “Software Without Limits”. The company highlights its full line of pharmacy products on their Pharmacy Software Podcast Series which is featured on the Pharmacy Podcast Network.
ComputerRx
ComputerRx was established early in the 1980s as a standalone software product, but soon joined forces with Rx30 to operate under one umbrella. Both Rx30 and Computer are owned by Transaction Data Systems (TDS), but they are still being sold as separate software platforms. The CEO of TDS is Jude Dieterman and the company is headquartered in Earth City, MO. The mission of TDS is to be dedicated to the success of independent and community pharmacies.
QS/1
QS/1 was there when it all started, releasing the first computerized management system for independent pharmacies in 1977. QS/1’s mission is to stay in lockstep with community pharmacists. The company was acquired by RedSail Technologies and is currently based out of Spartanburg, SC under the leadership of Bob Bates. QS/1’s original system, SharpRx, has been sunsetted - but their current platform, NRx, continues to serve existing customers. QS/1 also produces the QCompass Podcast with content that aims to help community pharmacies thrive in the competitive marketplace.
BestRx
BestRx, or Best Computer Systems, was founded in 1985 by the current president’s father. Hemal Desai took over the family business and currently leads BestRx out of its headquarters in Oak Brook, IL. The company’s mission is to deliver affordable, easy-to-use, tailored pharmacy software solutions.
DigitalRx
DigitalRx is a Windows based platform providing a one stop comprehensive pharmacy management solution. Features including Retail Point-of-Sale, Inventory Management Control, Long-Term Care, Accounts Receivable, Reconciliations, Electronic Prescribing via Sure Scripts.
McKesson
McKesson is a large corporation that has been operating since the early 1800s. Their business expands across several areas, including pharmaceutical distribution and supply chain management, medical supplies and equipment, and other healthcare services and technology. Based out of Irving, TX and led by CEO Brian Tyler, McKesson also sells a pharmacy management solution called EnterpriseRx. Their previous product, Pharmaserv, has been sunsetted. McKesson’s mission is to improve healthcare in every setting – one product, one partner, one patient at a time.
Which software do most pharmacies convert to?
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This graph represents the percentage of pharmacies that converted to each software from another vendor in the past two years. Most pharmacies convert to PioneerRx Pharmacy Software, followed by Liberty, Rx30, ComputerRx, and BestRx.
In addition to portraying the percentage of converted pharmacies, the graph also shows each vendor’s level of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction scores are determined using Net Promoter Score (NPS), an indicator of customer satisfaction.
Pharmacy software vendors with above-average satisfaction are portrayed in the color green. Those with average satisfaction are shown as yellow, and those with below-average satisfaction are shown in red. Other systems not shown (due to low percentage) include but are not limited to McKesson (EnterpriseRx), DigitalRx, and Micro Merchant Systems.
Which software do new pharmacy locations open with the most?
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This graph represents the percentage of new pharmacies that opened in the past two years with each pharmacy software vendor. Most pharmacies choose to open their store with PioneerRx Pharmacy Software, followed by Micro Merchant Systems (PrimeRx), Liberty, BestRx, Rx30, ComputerRx, and DigitalRx.
In addition to portraying the percentage of new store installations, the graph also shows each vendor’s level of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction scores are determined using Net Promoter Score (NPS), an indicator of customer satisfaction. Software vendors with above-average satisfaction are portrayed in the color green. Those with average satisfaction are shown as yellow, and those with below-average satisfaction are shown in red.
Other systems not shown (due to low percentage) include but are not limited to McKesson (EnterpriseRx), QS/1, SRS, and AbacusRx.
Visit our blog to learn more about which pharmacy software independents choose most.
Top 10 Software Vendors
This graph shows the percentage of market share for the 10 leading independent pharmacy software vendors. With approximately 2,000 pharmacies surveyed, there is a 95% confidence interval. PioneerRx and Rx30 are the leading software providers in terms of market share, followed by Micro Merchant Systems, Computer-Rx, QS/1, Pharmaserv, Best Computer Systems, Enterprise, SRS, and Liberty.
Visit our blog to learn more about key trends in the pharmacy software market
Find the Right Software | Tip of the Week
Don't Skip Training
Even the best pharmacy software won’t be effective if your team doesn’t know how to use it. When implementing a new system, prioritize training for you and your staff to ensure everyone is confident in using its features. Ask vendors about their onboarding process, training materials, and ongoing support. Look for systems that offer flexible training options like webinars, on-site sessions, or detailed guides to accommodate your team’s needs.
Navigating the Best Pharmacy Software for Your Needs
Discovering the best pharmacy software tailored to your specific needs is a pivotal decision for any pharmacy. Our blog offers expert advice and best practices for selecting the right software system. As you navigate this crucial choice, learn about the key questions to ask vendors, understand how to effectively evaluate software quotes, and identify the features that will enhance your pharmacy's operations. Our comprehensive guide delves into a wide array of software features and integrations - including eCare Plans, Medication Synchronization, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, Automation Technology, and more - all designed to streamline your workflow and elevate your pharmacy's performance. Explore options in DIR Fee Management, Inventory Solutions, Enhanced Reporting, and Clinical Services to ensure you choose the best pharmacy software that aligns with your business goals and enhances patient care.
How to Open Your Own Independent Pharmacy
Pharmacy software is the core of every pharmacy, and choosing the best pharmacy software is one of the most important decisions when opening your own pharmacy business. To learn more about the process of starting your own pharmacy, read our How to Open a Pharmacy guide.
Direct Opinions
Direct Opinions is an independent market research firm specializing in customer experience. Direct Opinions has over 35 years of experience in research for a wide range of industries, including healthcare. They design surveys, collect responses, and analyze data in house, free of any competitive bias.