Pharmacy Software Demo 2026: What to Expect and Questions to Ask

A software demo is your chance to see a pharmacy management system in action before committing. However, many pharmacists don't know what to look for or what questions to ask. This guide prepares you to make the most of your pharmacy software demos.

Before the Demo

1. Define Your Requirements

Create a checklist of must-have features:

• [ ] Prescription processing needs
• [ ] Insurance billing requirements
• [ ] Inventory management specifics
• [ ] Reporting requirements
• [ ] Integration needs
• [ ] Multi-location (if applicable)
• [ ] Offline capability needs

2. Prepare Your Questions

Write down specific questions based on your needs. See our question list below.

3. Include Key Stakeholders

Invite people who will use the system:

• Pharmacist-in-charge
• Lead technicians
• Office manager
• IT contact (if applicable)

4. Research the Vendor

Know who you're dealing with:

• Company background
• Customer reviews
• Market reputation
• Support reputation

During the Demo

What to Watch For

Ease of Use:

• Is the interface intuitive?
• How many clicks for common tasks?
• Is navigation logical?
• Does it look modern or dated?

Speed:

• How quickly do screens load?
• Is search responsive?
• Are reports fast?

Workflow Match:

• Does it match how you work?
• Are processes logical?
• Can workflows be customized?

Completeness:

• Are all promised features shown?
• Any features "coming soon"?
• What requires additional modules/cost?

Red Flags

Watch for these warning signs:

• Skipping over certain features
• "That's on our roadmap"
• Excessive loading times
• Confusing navigation
• Avoiding pricing questions
• Pressure to sign quickly

Essential Questions to Ask

Pricing Questions

1. What's the total cost? (License, implementation, training, support)
2. Are there ongoing fees? (Monthly, annual, per-transaction)
3. What's included in the price? (Updates, support, training)
4. Are there hidden costs? (Interfaces, modules, user fees)
5. What's your pricing model? (Subscription vs. one-time)

Feature Questions

6. Does it work offline? (How much functionality?)
7. How does insurance billing work?
8. Show me the prescription workflow
9. How do controlled substances get tracked?
10. What reports are included?
11. Can I customize reports?

Technical Questions

12. What hardware is required?
13. How is data backed up?
14. What's the uptime guarantee?
15. How are updates handled?
16. What integrations are available?

Support Questions

17. What support is included?
18. What are support hours?
19. What's the typical response time?
20. Is there training included?
21. Do you have documentation/tutorials?

Implementation Questions

22. How long does implementation take?
23. What's involved in data migration?
24. Who handles the setup?
25. What training is provided?
26. Is there go-live support?

Reference Questions

27. Can I speak to current customers?
28. Do you have case studies?
29. How long have you been in business?
30. How many pharmacies use your system?

After the Demo

Evaluate What You Saw

Score each demo on key criteria:

| Criteria | Weight | Vendor A | Vendor B | Vendor C | |----------|--------|----------|----------|----------| | Ease of Use | 20% | | | | | Features | 25% | | | | | Price | 20% | | | | | Support | 15% | | | | | Implementation | 10% | | | | | References | 10% | | | | | Total | 100% | | | |

Get Answers to Unanswered Questions

Follow up on anything unclear. A good vendor responds promptly.

Check References

Always speak to current customers. Ask:

• How was implementation?
• How is ongoing support?
• Any surprises after purchase?
• Would you choose them again?

Compare Proposals

Get written proposals from finalists with:

• Detailed pricing
• Feature list
• Implementation timeline
• Support terms
• Contract terms

PharmaPOS Demo

PharmaPOS demos are designed to show you everything:

What We Cover:

• Complete feature walkthrough
• Your specific use cases
• Pricing transparency
• Implementation timeline
• Q&A time

No Pressure:

• Take your time deciding
• No aggressive sales tactics
• Honest about fit
• Clear pricing

Request Your PharmaPOS Demo

Common Demo Mistakes

1. Not Preparing Questions

Walking in without questions wastes everyone's time.

2. Focusing Only on Price

Cheapest solution may cost more long-term.

3. Not Including Staff

Staff who'll use the system should see the demo.

4. Making Quick Decisions

Take time to evaluate properly.

5. Not Testing Yourself

Ask for a trial or sandbox environment if possible.

Conclusion

A good demo experience sets the stage for a successful implementation. Prepare thoroughly, ask the right questions, and take your time evaluating options.

Schedule Your PharmaPOS Demo | View Features First

Related Articles

• How to Choose Pharmacy Software
• Pharmacy Software ROI Calculator
• Pharmacy Software Migration Guide