If you’re tired of sifting through reviews, sitting through demos, and feeling further and further away from finding the right software system for your pharmacy, your road ends here. Lights, camera, action: today, we’re presenting the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the top pharmacy management systems on the market right now.
Forget the paid ads, the biased reviews, and the mix of misinformation that can leave you reeling.
Instead, we’re giving you real reviews from real pharmacists, who collectively came together and decided which software systems are worth your time, your trouble, and of course, your hard-earned dollar.
In 2022, there are more options than ever before — so it’s important you know which ones outrank all the rest and can help your pharmacy perform better. Learn the facts, get the features, and most importantly, find out the rankings of each pharmacy software system so you can get a better idea of which one might be right for you.
According to a 2021 anonymous, double-blind survey of 2,000 independent pharmacists, these are the 9 best pharmacy management systems right now:
1. PioneerRx
PioneerRx Pharmacy Software is one of the newest systems on the market, but it has quickly moved to the top. PioneerRx was acquired by RedSail Technologies in 2020, and in doing so, joined one of the largest pharmacy networks in the country. Despite its recent growth, PioneerRx’s mission has always been the same: to Save and Revitalize Independent Pharmacy. In addition to offering software solutions, PioneerRx also produces the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast — a weekly podcast featuring leaders and innovators in the industry.
PioneerRx Features:
- Automated prescription dispensing
- Bulk patient processing
- DIR fee management
- 5-star reporting and improvement
- Mobile apps and add-ons
- Cloud fax
PioneerRx Comparison*:
- #1 in Market Share
- #2 in Customer Satisfaction
- #1 in Conversions
- #1 in New Store Installations
- #1 in Competitive Gain
*As compared to other best-selling pharmacy management systems, according to a 2021 Direct Opinions survey. To see the full results of the survey, click here.
2. Rx30
Rx30 is dedicated to the success of independent pharmacies. While it started off as a standalone business, Rx30 joined forces with ComputerRx in 2016. Then, in 2016, Transaction Data Systems (TDS) acquired both Rx30 and ComputerRx, enabling both companies to create more powerful pharmacy software system solutions.
Rx30 Features:
- Workflow management
- Automated prescription dispensing
- Claims processing and reconciliation
- Enhanced reporting
- Medication synchronization
- Scheduling and telehealth
Rx30 Comparison:
- #2 in Market Share
- #6 in Customer Satisfaction
- Tied for #4 in Conversions
- #3 in New Store Installations
- #4 in Competitive Gain
3. Micro Merchant Systems (PrimeRx)
Micro Merchant Systems creates “Software Without Limits.” Its pharmacy management solution, PrimeRx, is designed to increase speed and efficiency in all independent pharmacies. Aside from designing software, Micro Merchant Systems highlights its full line of pharmacy products on its Pharmacy Software Podcast series.
Micro Merchant Systems Features:
- Customizable workflow
- Automated refill management
- Bin management
- Medication synchronization
- Automatic data backups
- Wholesale cost comparisons
Micro Merchant Systems Comparison:
- #3 in Market Share
- #4 in Customer Satisfaction
- #3 in Conversions
- #2 in New Store Installations
- #2 in Competitive Gain
4. Computer-Rx
Computer-Rx got its start in the ‘80s, but when it teamed up with Rx30 and moved to the Transaction Data Systems (TDS) umbrella, it got more capabilities and served more customers than ever before. Both Rx30 and ComputerRx still sell their own software products, but now they operate as teammates rather than rivals.
Computer-Rx Features:
- Customizable workflow
- Inventory and automatic ordering
- Claims processing and reconciliation
- Customizable reporting
- Point-of-sale integration
- Medication synchronization
Computer-Rx Comparison:
- Tied for #4 in Market Share
- Tied for #7 in Customer Satisfaction
- Tied for #4 in Conversions
- #6 in New Store Installations
- #3 in Competitive Gain
5. QS/1 (NRx)
QS/1 was there when it all started, releasing the first computerized management system for independent pharmacies in 1977. Then and now, QS/1’s mission is to stay in lockstep with community pharmacists.
Most recently, QS/1 was acquired by RedSail Technologies. QS/1's original system, SharpRx, has been sunsetted — but its current platform, NRx, continues to serve existing customers. QS/1 also produces the QCompass Podcast, which helps community pharmacies thrive in the competitive marketplace.
QS/1 Features:
- Advanced security solutions
- Prescription processing queue
- Customizable labels
- Inventory management
- Immunization reporting
- Medication therapy management (MTM)
QS/1 Comparison:
- Tied for #4 in Market Share
- Tied for #7 in Customer Satisfaction
- Unranked in Conversions
- #7 in New Store Installations
- #6 in Competitive Gain
6. Liberty Software
Liberty Software’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 the fact that McKesson’s software product, Pharmaserv, was sunsetted and a majority of its existing users were converted to Liberty by default. Still, Liberty is seeing an increase in growth and making its way up the rankings.
Liberty Features:
- Automated prescription dispensing
- Pharmacy task management
- Advanced bin management
- Five-star dashboard
- AWP reclaims
- Text and email patient alerts
Liberty Comparison:
- Tied for #6 in Market Share
- #5 in Customer Satisfaction
- #2 in Conversions
- #4 in New Store Installations
- Unranked in Competitive Gain
7. BestRx
BestRx believes that “Software is the BestRx Medicine.” BestRx offers hundreds of solutions to meet the unique needs of each independent pharmacy its serves. The company’s mission is to deliver affordable, easy-to-use, tailored pharmacy software solutions to all pharmacies, enabling them to do more and be more.
BestRx Features:
- Customizable workflow
- Interactive patient profiles
- Two-way messaging
- Built-in compliance
- Multi-dose packaging
- Advanced telehealth
BestRx Comparison:
- Tied for #6 in Market Share
- #1 in Customer Satisfaction
- Unranked in Conversions
- #5 in New Store Installations
- Unranked in Competitive Gain
8. SRS (PKonRX)
SRS Pharmacy Systems has been in business for over 30 years, operating under the motto “One System, One Vendor, One Call”. SRS focuses on providing innovative solutions and great customer service. Its core management software is PKonRx.
SRS Features:
- Prescription hard copy scanning
- Mobile and online refills
- Low-profit margin alerts
- Integrated POS
- Integrated IVR
- Commercial insurance eligibility
SRS Comparison:
- #8 in Market Share
- #3 in Customer Satisfaction
- Unranked in Conversions
- Unranked in New Store Installations
- Unranked in Competitive Gain
9. McKesson (EnterpriseRx)
McKesson is a large corporation that’s been in business since the early 1800s. McKesson spans several areas, including pharmaceutical distribution and supply chain management, medical supplies and equipment, and other healthcare services and technology. 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.
McKesson Features:
- Web-based pharmacy management
- Centralized prescription processing
- Automated patient communication
- Patient data insights
- Medication synchronization
- Mobile delivery
McKesson Comparison:
- #9 in Market Share
- #9 in Customer Satisfaction
- Unranked in Conversions
- Unranked in New Store Installations
- #5 in Competitive Gain
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to switch to a new system or start at a new pharmacy altogether, these are the best software systems to power you forward.
As you start shopping around, consider the needs of your pharmacy, then decide which system can help you meet them.
But don’t forget the advice of pharmacists just like you and choose a professional-approved pharmacy management system. It’s the most important investment you can make.