Lift-off for new IBS Pharma release 5.0
Press Release Dec 11, 2002
In addition to pharmaceutical wholesalers and manufacturers of generics, IBS' industry software now addresses logistics providers and re-importing merchants.
After a functional enhancement of IBS' industry-specific IT solution for pharmaceutical wholesalers and manufacturers of generics, the application now also covers the needs of logistics providers and re-importing merchants in the pharmaceutical market. The new features include activity-based pricing, the optimisation of route handling, integrated scanning function for product numbers, batches and use-by dates, palette maintenance, return order handling and enhanced pricing and discount structures.
IBS Pharma is based on the ASW Business Software from IBS. The worldwide use of the software is promoted by its availability in 16 languages. It has, for example, been implemented at Audifar (Brazil), Oriola (Finland), Alloga, Galexis and CIBA Vision (all Switzerland), Henkel (Germany) and Ecolab (Italy).
IBS Pharma users also benefit from the new standard ASW functionality, including the calculation of actual return on investment (ROI) through a system of key performance figures, the provision of centrally organized purchase conditions for all local subsidiaries of a corporation, and the possibility to plan all processes in a graphical environment.
More and better functionality
The new activity-based pricing feature is geared towards pharma-oriented third-party providers such as transport and warehousing companies. For example, it enables a distributor to calculate his activities with regard to order processing, picking and transport and to invoice these to customers. In IBS Pharma R5.0, route handling has become more flexible. It considers different parameters such as Time and manner of transport to ensure the optimal allocation of items to each departure from the warehouses. A sophisticated container handling system makes sure that the allocation of different container types such as palettes, packages and boxes is performed optimally on the basis of weight, measurement and transport restrictions. In this context, IBS Pharma's ability to process more than two million order lines per hour with an average response time of 0.04 seconds in a productive environment, is of great importance.
Sophisticated logistics
IBS Pharma takes all applicable legal requirements into account. These are especially relevant in the logistics area with a special emphasis on narcotics handling. For such sensitive areas, the program provides the necessary monitoring functions and makes sure that related sales restrictions for certain customers and countries of destination are always obeyed. As early as during goods reception, IBS Pharma provides for quick processes. For example, instead of manual reception entry via reception notes, the program advises and supports the use of scanners. According to Galexis, 30 % of the required time can be saved when reception data is fed into the system via an EAN code. Pallet handling is another way to secure maximum speed in goods handling. As early as during goods reception, the handler can decide either to take pallets into stock the way they arrive or to divide them up into partial units in order to have these picked for shipments to come. To optimise picking, IBS Pharma provides the user with a continuous overview of all planned departures of a day, displaying both the shipment volume and the number of customers to be served.
Optimized sales
Pricing and discount methods for each individual customer, natural rebate handling and credit limit checks are among the sales features of IBS Pharma. A smart sales order entry with a phonetic correction during item search provides for a smooth order entry into the supply chain module. A wide variety of customer management features has firmly established the Customer Care concept within IBS Pharma. Tools for target-oriented marketing and campaign monitoring as well the possibilities to manage and follow up on customer contacts are part of that concept. Moreover, sales figures have been optimised by very pragmatic features, such as an automatic wake-up call to remind the customer to place an order.
Quality assurance and integration
Sophisticated quality control helps you detect products that have expired and to notify customers and the sales department accordingly. Moreover, both sides will receive an automatic message when certain products are sold out, with information about replacements, substitutions or generics. Communication and XML interfaces provide for the co-ordination with pharmacy systems. Use of the system at the point of sales is made possible by a Palm order interface.
About International Business Systems
IBS is a leading provider of business software and consulting services for Wholesale Distributors and Manufacturers worldwide. Customers rely on IBS' suite of software applications to automate demand-driven, supply-chain processes and gain a competitive advantage through improved operational efficiencies. IBS is an IBM Global Strategic Alliance Partner. Corporate revenues exceed $300 Million, and a network of almost 2,000 employees that span over 44 countries. IBS headquarters in the Americas is located in Folsom, California.
For further information, please contact:
Dan J. Wells
Vice-President of Marketing, IBS Americas
Tel: 1 (800) 886-3900
dan.wells@ibsus.com
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