Pharmacy point of sale systems are platforms that allow pharmacies to keep track of things like cash flow, customer management, and product data. While there are many different types of POS systems to choose from, they can all help your business function more easily and efficiently when utilized correctly. Here are three of the basic ways they do just that.

1.) Accuracy/Liability: Perhaps the greatest benefit any pharmacy point of sale system can provide is the increased accuracy. The accurate data POS systems store on prescriptions filled allows pharmacists to easily track transaction records. This way they will know exactly what they gave out and still have. The best pharmacy point of sale systems offer signature capturing that keeps patient’s signatures on file for comparison. This can help protect you from liability issues. The overall accuracy can also help you negotiate lower vendor costs because you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need when.

2.) Data Comparison: The real-time, detailed reports POS systems create allow businesses to track sales and trends. They help to manage inventory, alert you when items need to be reordered, and show you patterns in sale data. By tracking and using all this data businesses can better consistently fill the needs of their customers. Almost half (48.5%) of Americans have used at least one prescription drug in the last 30 days. That’s a lot of numbers to keep track of.

3.) Loyalty Programs: Pharmacy point of sale systems can benefit the customer directly also. One of the ways they do so is through easy and accurate loyalty programs. Whether it’s a special promotion or frequent shopper points the right POS system will make it convenient for customers to know exactly what they can expect and when they’re expected to get it. Considering U.S. pharmacy and drug store sales amounted to over $230 billion in 2011, it’s important to most customers to get all the savings their entitled to.