Numark has urged independent contractors to develop a robust buying strategy using technology.

Very few members at the support group’s conference in Buenos Aires this week had a buying strategy, it was revealed. But it was necessary to “lock down” good purchasing across branches and get the best from suppliers, said Numark director of commercial operations Raj Nutan on Tuesday (March 10).

He made the comments while unveiling Numerics, a generics purchasing scheme that aims to get the best price for over 1,350 molecules without contractors having to “shop around”.

“Instead of members spending time hunting around for cheap lines... they can save time and not only get competitive net pricing but also earn a rebate each month,” said Mr Nutan.

Conference speakers also urged delegates to maximise use of technology in implementing their buying strategy, as Numark announced a partnership with PharmAssist Solutions, which provides purchasing software linked to a pharmacy’s PMR system.

“It makes sense to use technology to manage those elements of the business that can be automated, releasing the pharmacist to interact with patients and deliver services,” said PharmAssist Solutions commercial director Amar Randhawa.

Paul Smith, managing director of Numark’s parent company Phoenix, told conference delegates that manual purchasing would soon seem as antiquated as hand-endorsing prescriptions.

Phoenix also urged Numark members to consider reducing their number of retail lines, with head of OTC Mike Johnson saying the average of 2,000 was “way too much”. Its multiple business Rowlands stocked around 1,500 lines in its branches, he revealed.

Mr Johnson also revealed Numark’s intention to launch a refit service for members “very soon”.

 

 

What do you make of Numark's plans?

 

We want to hear your views, but please express them in the spirit of a constructive, professional debate. For more information about what this means, please click here to see our community principles and information