E-drug: Re: Medical Stores management system software (contd)
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Dear E-Druggers
During the last major E-drug exchange of information on pharmaceutical
management software development, Jim Rankin of MSH's Center for
Pharmaceutical Management (CPM)--previously known as the Drug Management
Program (DMP)--provided information on what MSH was planning to do in
relation to new tools development (see Archives, 10 October 1998). It's
time for an update.
MSH finally has funding and technical capacity to move forward with the
design and creation of a logistics software suite. The new product will
incorporate previously developed MSH software tools relating to inventory
management, procurement, and needs quantification and add new functionality
based on user needs. This work is being done as part of the Strategies for
Enhancing Access to Medicines (SEAM) Program that was recently funded by
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
CPM has compiled the following list of characteristics and/or capabilities
that we anticipate will be part of the new logistics software suite:
--Windows-based
--Modular design
--Inventory control and management
--Drug needs quantification
--Pooled procurement and tender management
--Vehicle and cold chain equipment tracking
--General ledger accounting
--Compatible with WHO drug registration software
--Internet-enabled
--Client-server version for multi-site connectivity
--Data import and export
--Bar code technology
--Incorporation of ICD-10, ATC classification, and DDD links
The new logistics electronic tool suite will build on the following
DOS-based software packages that have been previously developed by MSH:
--INVEC-2 (central inventory control and management)
--CLM (local cold chain and inventory control)
--ESTIMED (drug needs quantification)
--ECPRO-2 (pooled procurement and tender management)
Some of the characteristics and/or capabilities that need further
exploration include push system functionality, warehouse management, and
transport management.
MSH has contracted Mitretek, a not-for-profit information technology group,
to complete the following tasks by early September, 2001:
1. Develop a formal set of requirements for the new logistics software
suite by gathering information from current and potential users.
2. Review commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to determine what, if
any, COTS packages exist in the market today that could support the
requirements.
3. Design and document alternative architectures for the new software suite
based on the requirements and outcome of the COTS evaluation.
The requirements analysis is currently underway. If any E-drug participants
would like to contribute to definition of requirements, please contact
Julie McFadyen, CPM's electronic tools manager (jmcfadyen@msh.org). We
would welcome the comments and suggestions of individuals involved in
inventory management, procurement, and
needs quantification. Also, if you have experience with commercial programs
for these purposes, we would like to hear your reviews of them.
The new logistics software suite will not be available for one year or more
(depending on the results of our Phase 1 work and the option selected).
This may be too long of a period to wait for groups needing systems now.
Although MSH's INVEC-2 DOS-based software remains very functional, we are
not encouraging new installations. We anticipate, however, that the 15
countries currently using it will continue to do so until the new
Windows-based tool is available. The new tool suite will be able to import
data from the current DOS software programs. If you have questions
concerning the use of the current INVEC-2 software please contact Julie
McFadyen.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Best regards.
Keith Johnson
Deputy Director, Strategic Drug Management Information
Management Sciences for Health
Center for Pharmaceutical Management
4301 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #400
Arlington, VA 22203
USA
Direct telephone: 1-703-248-1609
General telephone: 1-703-524-6575
Telefax: 1-703-524-7898
E-mail: kjohnson@msh.org
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