CASE STUDY
www.surecost.com
location are all seeing the same thing. That means I don’t have multiple locations running
the same report. Everything about SureCost just saves time.”
THE BENEFIT: TAILORED IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPPORT
In addition to the efficiency and value that SureCost adds to Guardian’s bottom line, Posten
says the ability to tailor Purchase Manager to each location is indispensable. “Not every
pharmacy is the same, so trying to implement a one-size-fits-all solution would be disruptive,”
he says. From NDC change thresholds to days-on-hand targets to spending caps and more,
SureCost enables Guardian to customize the solution for each pharmacy.
As one example, Posten looks at pharmacies that primarily support residents at
behavioral health facilities. These locations often need to dispense specific brands,
leading to a below-average generic spend compared to others in the network. “SureCost
allows us to set thresholds around that,” he explains. “I think of them as guardrails for
individual purchasers that ensure Guardian maintains consistency and control over
purchases.” Individual pharmacies can also reconfigure both Purchase Manager and
Inventory Manager to meet their changing needs, including adjusting guardrails as their
location develops within the network. “SureCost’s flexibility and customization help me
manage pharmacies from afar a lot more efficiently.”
Beyond the benefits that the solutions deliver, Posten says that the company’s service
truly sets them apart. “Purchase Manager is easy to use,” he says. “It’s a web-based
application, so anyone making a purchase online can learn to use it.” As a result, when
new pharmacies or purchasers join the network, Posten and his team handle most of
the training themselves. However, if they need additional support, Posten can arrange
a dedicated training session with the SureCost team to guide new pharmacy staff
through the system step by step. SureCost also has a dedicated team for pharmacies
implementing Inventory Manager.
“SureCost even works with our vendor partners to ensure the data we’re receiving is accurate
and properly integrated into our data warehouse,” adds Posten. “Their customer service is
just phenomenal. There’s always someone available to answer my questions and questions
from our individual pharmacies. I know SureCost is there for us every step of the way.”
THE IMPACT: AN ONGOING PARTNERSHIP
If there’s one thing Posten would tell other pharmacies, it’s that SureCost is much more than
a software provider. “We have formed a true partnership, and it’s been like that from the start.”
That’s because SureCost is always asking questions about how they can make their
solutions more useful. “And they hear what we say,” says Posten. “They’ve come up with
some pretty unique solutions for us over the years. They’re now designing a separate
module to help us stay ahead of drug shortages.”
The end result is that SureCost’s software has empowered Guardian to build efficiency and
consistency into their network and to leverage actionable insights that streamline purchasing
and inventory management. “SureCost gives our pharmacists back valuable time to more
effectively meet the needs of the individuals they serve,” says Posten. “I would recommend
SureCost’s software solutions to any pharmacy, not just
those in the LTC space.”
“
It’s not just about
finding the cheapest
drug … It’s about
maximizing savings
by making the
smartest decision.”
William Posten
Senior Manager of Purchasing
and Analytics
~ Guardian Pharmacy Services
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