National Pharmacies innovates
A SERIES of technological innovations by National Pharmacies has been highlighted internationally this month, with the group utilising advanced systems based on the Oracle platform.
The global database provider hosted its annual ͚Oracle Openworld’ conference in San Francisco two weeks ago, and National Pharmacies’ gm of technology and innovation, Ryan Klose, has been mentioned in several reports from the event.
National Pharmacies currently comprises 55 pharmacies and 20 optical centres across South Australia, Victoria and NSW, and has about 350,000 registered customers, according to IT News.
The group is using Oracle to power its in-store kiosks, which feature facial recognition technology to allow clients to undertake a range of transactions.
Klose told the conference the National Pharmacies system used a tablet in the kiosk to take a photo which was processed by Amazon Rekognition, an image analysis tool.
The platform uses “deep-learning” to authenticate members, with the advanced technology ensuring it is accurate and reliable.
The kiosks allow customers to update membership details, book pharmacist appointments and print vouchers linked to the National Pharmacies loyalty program.
National Pharmacies is also using the platform to power a “chatbot,” with Klose demonstrating a blood pressure measurement system which robotically guided him through the process.
The chatbot-led system is part of National Pharmacies’ recently launched weight loss and home health program.
The National Pharmacies tech platform powers the group’s mobile app which has a host of features including the ability to push offers to members when they are within range of a store.
Other innovations described by Klose included an “augmented reality” app called vOffer, which allows members to view a store through their phone camera and see tailored pricing and product information - set to launch in the lead-up to Christmas.
Inspired by the Pokemon Go craze, the system shows what items are discounted and also allows members to collect tokens which can be used to win a prize.
National Pharmacies was once again recognised at the Oracle conference, named as a 2017 Oracle Excellence Award winner for its cloud platform innovation.
Last year National Pharmacies’ in-house developed app won the Mobility category at the Oracle awards (W 14 Nov 2016).