Despite the recent economic conditions, X/procure®, the Primedia Unlimited subsidiary responsible for the leading Technology Top 100 electronic pharmaceutical procurement software has again reached a major milestone. To date, the company has processed over R30 Billion in scheduled and OTC pharmaceutical procurement orders via its software since its inception in 2001.

X/procure®‘s JD Henderson says that the sheer volume of processed orders is evidence that the South African pharmaceutical industry is alive and kicking. “From July to December 2009, a minimum of R650 million in pharmaceutical orders were being processed via our system per month,” he says.  “In 2009, despite difficult conditions and an average price increase of 10% from manufacturers, we continued to grow orders well in excess of inflation.”

X/procure® reports that the highest value of orders placed by South African pharmacies via its system in one day was an astounding R47 million.

“With repeat business and a constant demand for our platforms, we’re reminded daily of the pharmaceutical industry’s confidence in the effectiveness of our software.  We have developed invaluable relationships with manufacturers, distributors and pharmacists to ensure that our offering is constantly evolving and aims at making daily procurement easier and more practical for our clients. High brand exposure is guaranteed for our advertisers because of the increased system usage and order volumes. This combination ensures that adverts are being seen more frequently.”

Previous Ipsos Markinor research showed that pharmacists prefer placing orders electronically and that more than 93% of users access the system daily. A strong customer focus coupled with the latest, user friendly technology has kept X/procure® on top.

X/procure®’s ever increasing national footprint enables more than 63% of SA pharmacies which utilise electronic procurement software, to purchase scheduled and OTC pharmaceutical, surgical and front shop requirements directly from wholesalers and distributors. X/procure® facilitates electronic advertising directly to the pharmacist, allowing advertisers the unique opportunity to present and promote their products at the time the buying and ordering decisions are made.

For further information visit www.xprocure.com

Issued on behalf of:      X/procure®
                                    JD Henderson
                                    T: +27 11 562 6500

Prepared by:                 Owlhurst Communications
                                    Charlene Dennis
                                    T: +27 11 234 6520