Propel POS Articles

Why Your Pharmacy Needs Self-Checkout

Propel POS Self-Checkout is all about making life easier for pharmacy owners. By giving customers more choices, cutting down on wait times, and making better use of employee time. Plus, its compact design fits perfectly into any store layout without sacrificing quality of service . Built with industry know-how, Propel POS Self-Checkout is a reliable and forward-thinking addition to your pharmacy, helping you provide an enhanced service and shopping experience.

Here’s what Propel POS Self-Checkout can do for your pharmacy:

Enhance customer choice. Provide more options for customers, improving their shopping experience.
Reduce wait times. Speed up the checkout process, ensuring customers spend less time in line.
Optimize labour use. Allow employees to focus more on other tasks.
Minimize disruptions. Maintain efficiency even when a cashier calls in sick!

Let’s dig a little deeper…

Propel POS Self-Checkout provides customers with the convenience of a second checkout lane without increasing labour costs. This is ideal for small stores with limited staff, enhancing the customer experience by reducing wait times. The self-checkout system has a smaller footprint compared to traditional checkouts, making it perfect for stores with limited space while still offering a full-service solution.

Designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, Propel POS Self-Checkout features intuitive audio-visual instructions. This ensures a pleasant checkout experience for customers. By offering both staffed and self-checkout options, customers can choose their preferred checkout method. This flexibility enhances customer satisfaction and improves their overall shopping experience.

Positioning self-checkouts near staffed checkouts ensures they are in full view. This strategic placement helps prevent theft and maintains a high level of service quality. The system excludes the often-criticized bag scale, reducing friction during the checkout process. This eliminates common frustrations such as incorrect bagging prompts and unnecessary delays, resulting in a quicker and smoother checkout. Propel POS Self-Checkout allows for more productive use of time by enabling teams to focus on other tasks while customers self-serve. This improves overall store efficiency and can lead to better resource allocation.

So, to wrap things up, Propel POS Self-Checkout is more than just a tech upgrade—it's a smart move for modern pharmacy operations. With its clever design and easy integration, Propel POS Self-Checkout provides a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly solution that’s in tune with the modern pharmacy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana joined PTS in fall of 2020 as their Product Marketing Specialist. Diana’s passionate about how storytelling and messaging create value-add, business changing content. She enjoys collaborating with her team to achieve results. When Diana’s not busy writing, she’s exploring the local forest trails near her home north of Toronto, Ontario.

Make Shopping in Your Store a More Rewarding Experience

Have you been considering a Customer Loyalty program but aren’t sure if it is right for your store or how to get started? Here are five key benefits to consider, along with a solution to help you promote strong customer relationships and build your business:

Customer Retention

Loyalty programs not only attract customers but also encourage them to keep coming back. With immediate discounts and other benefits designed to “surprise & delight” or the fun of building up points for even better rewards and opportunities to redeem,customers are influenced to return to your store on a regular basis. As a result, customer retention rates improve, creating a stronger customer base to help you grow your business.

Staying Competitive

Customers have come to expect greater value in the form of rewards and other incentives for their patronage. And while independent retailers have often relied on more traditional means by which to compete, like price and customer service, inflationary pressures and changes in consumer behaviour have made loyalty programs increasingly important. Loyalty programs not only allow you to compete more effectively but are an ideal way to differentiate your business; especially when they are done well.

Larger Basket Size

Loyalty programs aim to increase basket size through various incentives, including bonus points on promotional items, and “spend and get” rewards in the form of points, discounts, and free merchandise. These types of loyalty events encourage customers to buy more items to earn greater rewards and optimize value. They also create opportunities for cross-selling and upselling to boost revenue.

Increased Visit Frequency

Loyalty programs drive sales growth by inspiring customers to shop more often. Customers will not only come back to redeem but will shop more often to earn bonus rewards. To receive benefits faster, customers are also more likely to shop at the same store rather than “cherry picking” across competing retailers.

Stronger Customer Relationships

Loyalty programs make customers feel appreciated. This attention to your customers contributes to higher satisfaction, trust, and long-term relationships. When customers discover the great benefits of your Loyalty program, they become your most valuable advocates, spreading the word to others of your incentives!

Propel POS Customer Loyalty Module Loyalty

The Customer Loyalty and Gift with Purchase modules available with Propel POS will help you to achieve all the benefits described above. These modules are highly configurable and will allow you to define how and when your customers are rewarded. Here are a few highlights:

Rewards

Base points can be awarded by item or by dollar. Most retailers choose the latter for simplicity. For example, ten points for every $1 spent.
Bonus points can be offered on specific items or at a global level based on a spend threshold. For example, spend “$50 Get 25,000 Points” or “Spend $25 Get Double Points”. In addition, sign-up bonuses can be used to attract new members.
Non-points rewards including discounts, free items, and “bounce back” coupons can be awarded to promote larger purchases, increase visit frequency, and offer greater value to customers.
Exceptions can be used to exclude Items like lottery tickets from loyalty rewards. These exceptions can be set-up at the department, category, fineline and/or item level.
Loyalty Levels set-up to supply greater benefits to your most valued and frequent customers.

Redemption

Redemption Rate is set-up bydefining the number of points needed to equal one dollar. For example, 2,500 to 1.
Redemption minimum is used to define the minimum number of points that can be redeemed. For example, 25,000 points, equaling $10.
Redemption increments can be enabled, requiring customers to redeem in multiples of the minimum. For example, 25,000. 50,000, and so on.
Maximum point redemption will allow you to limit the number of points customers can redeem in any given transaction.
Redemption prompting, when enabled, will remind the customer to redeem when eligible; thereby reinforcing ongoing benefits.

In addition to all the notable features described above, Propel POS will allow you to capture email addresses and communications consent, email letters to loyalty members to promote engagement, and generate a variety of loyalty and customer reports.

To learn more about the Propel POS Customer Loyalty and Gift with Purchase modules, see the Associates and Loyalty sections of Propel POS Online Help.

Our PTS Customer Care team is available at 1-800-387-6093 option #3 for questions and to supply more information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dawn is our Quality Assurance Team Lead and has been an important part of the POS team for 15+ years. Throughout her Career she has developed a passion for customer care, experience and satisfaction starting in telecommunication and transitioning into Retail Pharmacy. Dawn enjoys working closely with her teammates and adding value to your POS solution.

Propel POS Self-Checkout Demystified

Propel POS Self-Checkout was designed from the ground up following two years of research and development in collaboration with industry leaders. The mandate was to build a self-service solution that was affordable, reliable, easy to use, and appealing to customers. Quick and user-friendly, Propel POS Self-Checkout makes the last touchpoint in a pharmacy a pleasant one. Despite the benefits and growing consumer demands, there are some misconceptions that we would like to clear up. Let's debunk the myths and educate ourselves on the truth behind self-checkout.

If you have a small store with one staff checkout and one or two cashiers, the addition of a self-checkout allows you to offer your customer the convenience of a second lane without adding to labour costs. It also has a much smaller footprint than a traditional checkout and will fit nicely into a small space.

Customer who may not attempt to scan a large cart of groceries at the self-checkout, wouldn't hesitate to self-checkout with a small basket of health and beauty care items - especially with a shelf to rest the basket.

Customer resistance to self-checkouts has often occured when retailers forced customers to serve themselve. This isn't optimal service. On the other hand, not giving customers the choice detracts from the customers experince.

Placement of the self-checkout is an important factor in preventing theft and providing good service. We recommend placing self-checkouts near the staffed checkouts, where they are in full view and easily accessed when assistance is required.

Simple, intuitive, and with clear concise audio-visual instructions, Propel POS Self-Checkout makes it easy by enabling the customer to easily scan and pay. We excluded the bag scale that's often cited as a annoyance by customer who dislike the command to "place the item in the bag" or worse, being told to remove the unrecognized item and wait for assistance. By limiting friction and interaction with the screen, check-out time is minimized.

PTS strongly believes in the value of self-checkouts. Not to replace cashiers, but to offer customers the choice to check-out how they prefer. Shorter lines, always available, faster throughout, and more productive use of labour.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Glen joined Pharmacy Technology Solutions in June 2018 with 35+ years of experience in front shop operations and retail systems. Glen is passionate about technology and how it can be used to optimize the customer experience and improve organizational efficiency. In his spare time, Glen likes to engage in activities that promote health and wellness.

5 Year End Inventory Tips

Year-end inventory counting is a crucial process in a Retail Pharmacy for several reasons, each contributing to the overall efficiency, accuracy, and financial health of the business. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of year-end inventory counting in a Retail Pharmacy:

Financial Accuracy

Accurate accounting of inventory is vital for financial reporting and tax purposes. Year-end inventory counts help determine the value of the pharmacy's assets accurately.

Preventing Stock Shortages and Overstock

Year-end inventory counting provides insights into stock levels, allowing the pharmacy to identify slow-moving or expired items. This information is essential for adjusting ordering patterns, preventing overstock or stock shortages, and optimizing inventory levels for the coming year.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Conducting a year-end inventory count provides an opportunity to assess and improve inventory management processes. This includes reviewing ordering practices, updating procedures, and implementing technologies that can streamline inventory tracking throughout the year.

WIS and RGIS to assist in your year-end inventory counting.

Both WIS and RGIS are companies that offer year-end inventory counting services. They both provide staff that can assist you in conducting the count. Year-end inventory is typically scheduled to take place after business hours to prevent any disruption in your business.

At the end of the count, WIS or RGIS will provide an output file that can be processed using your Propel POS to update your store’s entire inventory.

Using Propel POS for year-end inventory counting.

For detailed instructions on how to conduct year-end inventory using your Propel POS, please click this link.

In summary, year-end inventory counting in a pharmacy is a multifaceted process that goes beyond financial considerations. It serves as a comprehensive evaluation of the pharmacy's operations, helping to maintain compliance, prevent losses, optimize inventory levels, and enhance overall business efficiency.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jimmy has over twenty-three years of experience in the Pharmacy Retail environment leveraging an extensive background in Business Analysis, Product Management, and Pragmatic Marketing. Jimmy has been a valued member of the PTS POS team for 23 years and is currently an MBA Candidate in Entrepreneurial Management.

Experience The Joy of Giving

Charitable collections can give your business a sense of purpose. It can strengthen connection to community and build morale for your team and for customers.

Helping those in need

Offering your customers the option to make charitable donations can boost a company's image at truly little cost to the business. Although donations may be smaller than direct donations to a charity, even small contributions can make an enormous difference to local charitable organizations. It is important to note that your charitable efforts should support the causes your customers care about. By doing so, you may increase donations and gain customer trust and respect, building stronger customer loyalty.

Make it easy to donate

Point of Sale fundraising has become widespread in retail and consumers are accustomed to being offered the opportunity to donate at the end of their transactions.

Those inclined to give, will readily add a donation to their purchases. With the Holiday season quickly approaching, take the opportunity to use Point of Sale to offer customers the opportunity to easily donate to local charities.

How it works - Propel POS Donations Editor

The Donations Editor can be found in the Associates menu of Propel POS will help you to manage the collection and reporting of funds donated to a single or multiple charitable causes. Donations are setup very much like promotions, with beginning and end dates for easy activation.

Once activated, donation events automatically prompt the cashier to ask the customer if they would like to donate to any of the displayed charities. Customers are offered the opportunity to donate a “default value” of $1 or $2, a “custom value” determined by the customer or options to “round-up” to the nearest dollar, five dollars or ten dollars.

All donations will be associated with a Donation Event, showing dates, transaction numbers and donation values. In addition, full reporting is available per charitable event, allowing you to see the total amounts donated at any given time. Donations also appear on your end of day Cash report generated by Transaction Log viewer.

We hope this article has inspired you to participate in Donation collections using Propel POS. The PTS Customer Care team is always available for questions and to provide additional information. If you need more guidance, our Training team can provide additional training to meet your learning needs.

Learn how to use the Propel POS Donations Editor and start giving today.

How to Get the Most out of Your Propel POS System

With so many beneficial features in Propel POS, I’d like to share with you my five favorites that make the day-to-day task of running a business so much easier.

The POS Mobile Mini is a must have!

The POS Mobile Mini is by far my favourite feature of Propel POS. It’s a handy little device that you can use on the sales floor to complete the never-ending list of front shop tasks. With the Mobile Mini, you can be on the sales floor to do price changes, add items to a promo, set your min/max reorder values, create a purchase order and even do inventory counts.

The POS Mobile Mini is a timesaver as you don’t have to do any of these features at a computer. It will help increase your margins through improved management of inventory and pricing too.

Propel POS fully integrates with PharmaClik Rx and Propel Rx.

Rx/POS integration allows for real time communication between the Rx and POS software. The three components to this are:

Prescription scanning. Each time a prescription is filled, information is passed from the Rx software to Propel POS. Prescriptions scanned at the Propel POS till automatically register the amount due for payment and the prescription number. In turn, Propel POS sends a message back to the Rx software indicating that the prescription has been picked-up by the patient. This allows Propel Rx or PharmaClik Rx to track and report which prescriptions have been picked up and which are remaining in the store.
OTC Transfer allows the front shop inventory to be transferred into dispensary inventory when a front shop item is used for a prescription. Propel POS transfers full packages to Propel Rx or PharmaClik Rx inventory, allowing for real-time inventory management in both systems.
A/R Integration provides real-time Propel Rx or Propel Rx Accounts Receivables posting to Propel POS when filling prescriptions; the cash portion of a prescription can be automatically billed to a patient’s POS charge account. This saves you from having to manually scan the prescriptions at the till and charge it to the account.

Integrated debit/credit pin pads at the till make life simple.

Having integrated pin pads helps increase the speed and efficiency at the checkout and it also eliminates keying errors at the till. It is easy to use at the till, as there is only one key to debit and credit. The till will determine the type of payment for you, so no more putting a debit under a credit. This will also make it easier to balance the till at the end of the night.

Use Replenishment Ordering to order only what you need.

The Replenishment ordering module is another one of my favorites. It’s especially useful for stores that are not keeping track of their front shop inventory or for a store just starting with POS. You will be able to generate an order based on what was sold at the till within a date range. This saves time from walking around the store to determine what was sold. This also ensures that you are only re-ordering items that you need.

If you have two to four stores, POS MultiStore is a great solution to manage your locations from any site.

Reduce redundant data entry and ensure consistency across your locations with a shared product file, inventory quantities and promotions. Your customers that have charge accounts will be able to make charges at any location to one account. Also, if you have a loyalty program, points can be earned and redeemed at any location.

There you have it, my top 5 favorite features in Propel POS. These are only a few of the many options that Propel POS has to offer. What are your favourites?

If you would like more information on these features, please contact our Sales team at ptssales@mckesson.ca.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With over 24 years of experience in the Retail Pharmacy Industry, Terri has extensive knowledge of Front Store operations. Terri spent seven years at a corporate pharmacy where she began as a cashier, moved to Front Store Supervisor and then managed a pharmacy. She has been with the PTS Learning team since 2004, delivering training and consultation sessions on POS.

Propel POS Deliveries Solution is a Game Changer

Fast, safe, and easy. Having a delivery app is more important today than it probably ever was. What better way to keep you, your team, and your customers safe by enabling customers to order their prescriptions (and other items) from the comfort of their home.

How does it work?

The Propel POS Deliveries application:

Leverages the store’s existing POS Mobile Mini device and integrates seamlessly with Propel POS to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the delivery process.
Allows you to effortlessly track orders from the moment they are taken to the time they are delivered, and payment is received.

Integrated and simple to use

The Propel POS Deliveries app integrates with Google Maps^® allowing the delivery driver to easily plot delivery destinations and leverage the turn-by-turn driving direction presented by Google Maps^®. Delivery destinations are marked with a pin-drop on the map to establish the desired route to be taken by the delivery driver. A pin-drop can then be selected to start the delivery route. This eliminates the need to use an additional navigation device to guide the driver in reaching delivery destinations.

Developed with you in mind, the Deliveries app is intuitive and easy to use, reducing the user’s learning curve. This will allow you to start using the app on day one.

Quick and easy

Using the delivery app, delivery drivers can quickly view orders, map their routes, and capture customer signatures. This streamlined, easy-to-use tracking system will simplify deliveries, saving time and money.

Using your Propel POS till, scan the items you would like to deliver to the customer.
Select the appropriate customer and choose the desired method of payment.
When the transaction is complete, a receipt with a scannable barcode is printed.
The delivery driver signs into the Deliveries app on the POS Mobile Mini.
Upon arrival at the customer’s location, select the order for the delivery list or scan the receipt using the built-in barcode scanner on the device.
Ask the customer to sign for the delivery, using the POS Mobile Mini.
When the driver completes the delivery and returns to the pharmacy, the app automatically syncs with Propel POS.

The Propel POS Deliveries app allows you to effortlessly track orders from the moment they are taken to the time they are delivered, and payment is received. Several reports are available and can be generated at the end of each day to ensure accuracy, allowing the store manager to review pending and missed deliveries. Transaction records are also updated, including an image of the signature captured when the delivery was received by the customer.

Providing a delivery service improves your safety and the safety of your customers. Be the reason your customers select you as the pharmacy they trust most.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jimmy has over twenty-three years of experience in the Pharmacy Retail environment leveraging an extensive background in Business Analysis, Product Management, and Pragmatic Marketing. Jimmy has been a valued member of the PTS POS team for 23 years and is currently an MBA Candidate in Entrepreneurial Management.

3 Reasons Why You Need a POS Deliveries Solution

The growing demand for a POS Deliveries App continues to accelerate. Pharmacy owners are being challenged to expand services to their customers by offering home delivery and have been faced with the additional challenge of managing delivery operations. In response to this need and the overarching concern for consumer safety, proudly introducing Propel POS Deliveries and Deliveries + Mobile.

How does it work?

The Propel POS Deliveries and the Propel POS Deliveries + Mobile App leverages the store’s existing Propel POS Mobile Mini device and integrates seamlessly with Propel POS to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the delivery process.
It allows you to effortlessly track orders from the moment they are taken to the time they are delivered, and payment is received.

The top three reasons your pharmacy needs the Propel POS Mobile Delivery app:

Competitiveness by offering a delivery service to your customers

In today’s market, attracting customers to purchase products in your store has been challenging. You can no longer count on in-store traffic as the primary source of generating sales. In addition, customers anticipate add-on services to be offered by merchants to support safety and convenience.

Offering a delivery service that integrates with your Propel POS system fills that need and provides your business with a competitive advantage over other pharmacies who do not offer a similar service.

Customer Loyalty & Retention

The rising trend in delivery services shows a proportional increase in customer loyalty and retention. A positive experience from the point of purchase to delivery at the door encourages the customer to purchase from the same merchant numerous times.

Improve store operations through an accurate and efficient system

One of the key advantages of using the Propel POS Deliveries and Propel Deliveries + Mobile App with your POS system is its integration. Delivery transactions are initiated using your till. Once processed, the delivery transaction information is sent directly to the Propel POS Mobile Mini. The delivery driver can then use the Propel POS Mobile Mini as the primary tool for delivering the products to the customer. Upon the driver’s return, it will synchronize with the POS system updating both transaction records and inventory.

The Propel POS Deliveries and Propel POS Deliveries + Mobile App makes it easy for Pharmacy owners to expand services and provide consumer safety. Using the mobile app, you see how this streamlined, easy-to-use tracking system will simplify deliveries, saving time and money.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jimmy has over twenty-three years of experience in the Pharmacy Retail environment leveraging an extensive background in Business Analysis, Product Management, and Pragmatic Marketing. Jimmy has been a valued member of the PTS POS team for 23 years and is currently an MBA Candidate in Entrepreneurial Management.

Propel POS Lite: Your Foot in the Door to Limitless Possibilities

Are you ready to experience a sneak peek into the incredible world of Propel POS? Say hello to Propel POS Lite – your exclusive gateway to getting a taste of what our full-featured Propel POS has to offer.

Whether you own a small pharmacy, an explorer of a new POS system, or a forward-thinking business owner, Propel POS Lite is here to provide you with a remarkable preview of the boundless potential that awaits you.

Why Propel POS Lite?

Explore Point-of-Sale system essentials. Dive into the core functionalities that make Propel POS an industry leader in Point-of-Sale software. With its streamlined user interface to powerful tools, Propel POS Lite brings you a curated selection of features that ensures you can run your front shop business from day one.

Effortless Learning. With a user-friendly interface and intuitive layout, Propel POS Lite allows your store team to quickly grasp the basics in no time; significantly reducing the learning curve of running front shop operations. Even if you’re new to Propel POS Lite, you’ll find yourself navigating like a pro from the moment you start using your Point-of-Sale system.

Seamless Transition.Love what you see in Propel POS Lite? When you are ready to expand your business operation you are just a step away from using the full potential of Propel POS. With our ‘foot in the door’ approach, upgrading to Propel POS is smoother than ever.

Propel POS Lite was created with customer-facing experience in mind.

We understand that every journey begins with a single step. Propel POS Lite is that first step: an introduction to endless innovation and productivity that our full-featured Propel POS brings. From a small pharmacy business, we invite you to start small and dream big with Propel POS Lite.

Transactions and Customer Management are top priorities. Features and functions include:

Two systems running the till application, includingself-checkout (product add-on).
Integration with Propel Rx - Prescriptions filled using Propel Rx are automatically sent to Propel POS Lite where the prescription barcode can be scanned at the till. Once processed, a pickup status flag is sent back to Propel Rx to complete the transaction.
Product Management - This is where you’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments and entries regarding the products you offered in your pharmacy.
Price Management - Allows you to modify product pricing in your pharmacy.
Promo Management - A feature that allows you to create in-store promo or participate in banner promotion programs.
Gift Cards (Add-on Module) - Propel POS Lite integrates with Givex in creating a banner-specific store-branded gift card program, as well as the Blackhawk Network, who supports third party gift card sales

Integrated Payment Solution (Add-on Module) - Supports an integrated pinpad solution eliminating the need for a stand-alone credit and debit terminal.
Accounts Receivable - Do you offer credit to your customers? POS Lite easily creates and manages customer accounts from point of purchase to sending month-end statements to your customer.
Customer Loyalty - Offering a loyalty program is a proven method to retain and have repeat customers. Propel POS Lite includes a customer loyalty program that you can start implementing from the time you pharmacy opens.
Signs and Labels - Print various label types and formats to support the pharmacy's pricing strategy.
Dashboard - An intuitive Dashboard that provides a graphical representation of the KPIs you defined.
Deliveries (Add-on Module) - This feature further supports customers and enhances their experience by providing a seamless and integrated delivery program.

Propel POS Lite is powerful enough to satisfy the daily business operation needs of your smaller pharmacy front shop without the need for full inventory control.

With Propel POS Lite, you can process transactions, generate reports, provide a customer loyalty program, integrate with Propel Rx, generate a variety of store labels, integrate with an integrated credit and debit solution, and support gift cards. That's what we call a powerful POS Lite solution.

As your business grows, seamlessly expand your pharmacy operations.

Propel POS Lite is the perfect choice for smaller pharmacies looking for a cost-effective solution that can grow as their business grows. As you navigate through Propel POS Lite, you’ll uncover the vast potential and understand why thousands of pharmacies in Canada and elsewhere choose Propel POS as their Point-Of-Sale solution.

Don’t just peek through the door, step in and explore the tremendous opportunities Propel POS Lite can offer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jimmy has over twenty-three years of experience in the Pharmacy Retail environment leveraging an extensive background in Business Analysis, Product Management, and Pragmatic Marketing. Jimmy has been a valued member of the PTS POS team for 23 years and is currently an MBA Candidate in Entrepreneurial Management.