Transforming the pharmaceutical industry through the one-stop-shop model
The one-stop-shop model is transforming industries, and the healthcare sector is no exception. Independent pharmacies, essential pillars of their communities, face mounting pressure to streamline operations while maintaining high-quality, patient-centered care.
For these pharmacies, time and resources are stretched thin as they juggle multiple suppliers, invoicing systems and vendor communications.
Cencora, formerly AmerisourceBergen, is a global leader in pharmaceutical solutions, streamlining the healthcare supply chain and managing over $265 billion in annual revenue.
In a recent episode of Place to be, host Marc Teulières, general manager B2B at Mirakl, sat down with Jay Dombi, senior vice president for strategic solutions at Cencora, to explore how their platform is reshaping the industry.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on building a seamless, customer-first digital experience in the healthcare sector.
Addressing the challenges behind pharmacy distribution
Cencora’s marketplace isn’t just about selling products, it’s about solving real problems for independent pharmacies. These pharmacies share a unique challenge.
While they are critical care providers, they often struggle with rising inflation, drug shortages and fierce local competition. Many owners, trained as healthcare providers, lack resources for business operations like marketing, inventory management or expanding services.
Cencora’s mission goes beyond distribution — they aim to empower independent pharmacies with tools and services that streamline operations, allowing pharmacists to focus their efforts on patient care.
As Jay Dombi puts it, “We want pharmacists to focus their time on patient care, not managing complex supply chains.”
The marketplace built for independent pharmacies
Cencora’s marketplace is seamlessly integrated with its established ABC Order platform, creating an "omnichannel gateway" that simplifies procurement for independent pharmacies.
While ABC Order primarily focuses on drug procurement, the marketplace adds a layer for over-the-counter products and front-of-store essentials.
"Pharmacists don’t have the time to manage relationships and invoices for more than 50 vendors," Dombi shared. By centralizing these efforts, Cencora eliminates the pain points pharmacies traditionally face.
Cencora’s tools go beyond traditional procurement, including:
Integrated procurement: Pharmacies can source everything they need, from over-the-counter health products to office supplies, in a single order.
Vetted suppliers: Cencora ensures all its marketplace suppliers meet rigorous standards, building trust and reliability with every transaction.
Efficient logistics and billing: Cencora streamlines pharmacy operations by reducing suppliers and offering consolidated shipments, payments and flexible credit terms.
What makes Cencora a true one-stop shop for pharmacies
Cencora is setting a new standard for one-stop solutions, going beyond essential supplies and streamlined operations to provide pharmacies with a comprehensive suite of solutions to help them succeed.
Comprehensive product availability
Cencora's expansive product portfolio provides pharmacies with seamless access to a wide variety of items, ensuring they can meet diverse patient and customer needs efficiently.
With 18,000 to 20,000 SKUs readily available and an additional 55,000 accessible through its marketplace, Cencora eliminates the need for multiple suppliers.
Front-of-store growth opportunities
Pharmacies are more than just prescription dispensaries — front-of-store sales play a critical role in profitability. High-margin items such as vitamins, cosmetics and even toys are essential for boosting revenue.
Cencora offers easy access to a diverse range of products, allowing pharmacies to cater to customer preferences and maximize their front-of-store potential without the constraints of limited space.
Enhanced user experience with ABC order
At the core of Cencora's offering is ABC Order, an integrated digital platform designed to streamline pharmacy operations.
This intuitive multitasking dashboard allows users to efficiently manage orders, browse inventory, track shipments, access billing information and even design shelf layouts using pre-built planograms.
By combining a vast product portfolio, tools for front-of-store success and a user-friendly digital interface, Cencora is redefining what it means to be a one-stop shop for pharmacies.
What’s next for Cencora?
In just 14 months, Cencora has nearly tripled its available SKUs . The platform is now expanding into hospitals, physician offices and even exploring international markets, where its independent pharmacy model can be localized to European and South American business needs.
Dombi also hinted at a growing focus on strategic marketing tools for their suppliers, ensuring that the partnerships they build continue to thrive. Cencora‘s goal is clear: to create technology that connects, simplifies and empowers every corner of the healthcare system.
Tune in for the full story
This podcast episode with Cencora dives deep into the development and impact of the platform, offering valuable insights not just for healthcare professionals but also for any B2B operator aiming to launch a successful marketplace.
You’ll hear exclusive details from Jay Dombi and learn about topics such as:
The strategic challenges of creating and convincing suppliers to join the marketplace.
Lessons learned from designing seamless user experiences, especially around invoicing and payment flows.
The opportunities for scaling a platform across industries and international markets.
Don't miss the chance to hear from industry experts and learn the strategies behind Cencora's success. Tune in now to the second episode of Place to be.
