DSN inaugural healthcare industry survey assesses data needs

Drug Store News in May conducted a survey of healthcare industry professionals to determine views about existing data management practices and future needs across the sector.

Working with the Hamacher Resource Group, DSN analyzed more than 300 responses from its readers on topics such as market conditions, investment and acquisitions, industry initiatives and general retail pharmacy operations. Some of the key insights DSN found in its inaugural State of the Industry survey include:

• Regarding technology and data-driven solutions, respondents were most interested in the following six areas: Item set-up and ordering system, point-of-sale support, ecommerce or online shopping, warehouse management, space management and virtual store experience.


• Regarding the development, maintenance and auditing of brand-related content, there was no consistency among the functional areas responsible for management and oversight, suggesting that it requires dedicated attention.


• Although there is no disagreement about accuracy of product-related information being essential, the importance of each element varies by its intended use or audience.


• Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents suggested that the need for accurate product data had increased during the previous 12 months.


• Despite concern regarding data integrity, 37% of respondents reported no structured approach to auditing or monitoring brand-related content and approximately one in four reviewed brand representation quarterly or less.


• Regarding future data needs, the answers varied widely, but emerging themes included a focus on shoppers having immediate access to information and personal interactions with data and content.

Click here to view the entire report.