An ERP for the pharmacy sector: Dynamics 365 Business Central

Run community, retail, online and chain pharmacy operations on one connected system. Dynamics 365 Business Central helps teams manage dispensing, inventory, compliance and financial control with clarity and confidence. 

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Why pharmacies choose Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Pharmacies handle a wide range of operational tasks. Dispensing, stock control, controlled drug management, retail sales, insurance claims, online orders and clinical services all require reliable information. When these activities happen across different systems, delays, errors and compliance issues can occur. Business Central brings these functions together so pharmacy teams can work accurately and efficiently. 

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a connected ERP platform that replaces disconnected tools with a single source of truth. For pharmacies, this means managing stock, prescriptions, retail items, financials and compliance in one environment. With integrated reporting, automation and security, Business Central helps community pharmacies, online pharmacies and chains deliver safe, efficient and consistent patient services. 

Meet Business Central: the ERP designed for the pharmacy sector 

A dedicated ERP helps pharmacies streamline operations, maintain compliance and deliver better care. Here is how Business Central supports the sector: 

Unified pharmacy operations 

Business Central connects finance, purchasing, stock management, dispensing‑related data, POS activity and reporting. With everything in one system, pharmacy teams spend less time reconciling spreadsheets and more time serving patients. Unified pharmacy systems support prescription processing, retail transactions and customer care all within one platform.  

Better decision making 

With real‑time dashboards, pharmacies can see stock levels, sales trends, service demand and gross margins. This helps leaders plan purchasing, adjust pricing, manage expiry risk and understand which products drive revenue. Retail pharmacy ERP tools provide real‑time visibility across networks, which supports faster, more informed decisions.  

Scalable for single sites or large chains 

Business Central can scale from a single community pharmacy to a national chain. It supports multi‑location stock visibility, central procurement, price management and consolidated reporting. Pharmacy chains using Business Central benefit from removing legacy systems and centralising operations across subsidiaries.  

Greater cost control 

Automated approvals, stock rotation, purchasing rules and financial processes help pharmacies manage cashflow and reduce waste. This includes expiry control, shrinkage reduction and better buying accuracy. ERP solutions for pharma and pharmacy organisations are designed to optimise operations and reduce manual effort.  

Stronger compliance and audit support 

Pharmacies must comply with strict regulations around prescriptions, controlled drugs, safeguarding, data protection and accurate record keeping. Pharmacy ERP systems support audit‑ready record keeping, prescription documentation, insurance validation and regulatory reporting.  

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Discover how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central works

Why your business needs an ERP

82%

of businesses are utilising an ERP

1 in 5

businesses are dissatisfied with their current ERP

96%

of businesses say using an ERP has contributed to achieving business outcomes

Data taken from a survey we commissioned in December 2024

ERP designed for pharmacy operations 

Pharmacies face daily pressure to maintain stock accuracy, support clinical services, keep queues moving and ensure dispensing accuracy. Business Central supports this by giving teams connected tools that simplify their day‑to‑day work. 

Dispensing and prescription‑related workflows 

Business Central integrates with dispensing or pharmacy management systems to support accurate prescription processing. Retail pharmacy software typically manages prescriptions, patient records and regulatory checks, and Business Central provides the financial and operational backbone around it.  

Inventory and expiry management 

Pharmacies rely on accurate stock levels and expiry tracking. Business Central provides lot tracking, reorder rules, automated purchasing suggestions and visibility of soon‑to‑expire items. 
Pharmacy ERP systems are designed to manage inventory, stock rotation, and compliance with healthcare regulations.  

Retail and POS operations 

For pharmacies with retail sections, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central connects POS sales to stock and finance. Teams can manage promotions, pricing, OTC products, cosmetic lines and accessories with consistent data across all locations. A combined dispensing and retail platform helps pharmacies deliver faster service and clearer retail performance insight.  

Insurance, billing and claims 

Insurance billing is a major part of pharmacy operations. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central helps organise claim submissions, payment tracking and reconciliation so finance teams have clear data for audit and cashflow planning. Retail pharmacy software supports insurance billing and regulatory compliance, which complements Business Central’s financial capabilities.  

Multi‑site and franchise management 

Chain pharmacies can use Business Central to centralise product files, pricing, purchasing, HR records, accounting and reporting. Regional managers gain a consolidated view of performance, while store teams work with localised data. A pharmacy chain migrating from legacy systems to Business Central gained stronger reporting and operational control across 65+ stores.  

Why pharmacies choose Dynamics 365 Business Central

Stock and expiry‑risk reduction 

Monitor real‑time stock across locations, enforce FEFO (first‑expiry‑first‑out) rotation and reduce expired write‑offs. Business Central’s lot and expiry visibility supports compliance and cost savings. Pharmacy ERP tools help manage expiry, compliance and product freshness.  

Improved prescription‑to‑cash cycle 

Connect dispensing data with financials so claims, payments and adjustments flow into accounting accurately. This reduces manual reconciliation and shortens the payment cycle. 
Insurance billing automation is a core feature of pharmacy operations systems.  

Multi‑channel pharmacy operations 

Support walk‑in, online and delivery services with unified inventory, customer history, stock availability and order tracking. ERP for pharmacies supports end‑to‑end management across dispensing, sales and digital channels. 

Centralised purchasing and cost optimisation  

Chains can standardise purchasing across locations, improve negotiating power with suppliers and ensure consistent pricing and margins. Pharmacy chains using Business Central improved control across subsidiaries and purchasing processes. 

Audit readiness and regulatory reporting 

Maintain accurate logs of transactions, controlled drug records, prescription adjustments, insurance claims and patient interactions. Compliance‑ready record keeping is a key benefit of pharmacy ERP platforms.

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The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

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Download our report

The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

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Strengthen your pharmacy operations with an ERP built for accuracy and compliance 

Pharmacies need systems that support safe dispensing, accurate stock control and dependable financial management. Business Central brings retail, dispensing‑related processes, stock and finance together so teams can work confidently and deliver consistent patient care. To learn more about Business Central for pharmacies, or to book an assessment, get in touch using the short form below.  

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Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for pharmacies?

It is an ERP system that helps pharmacies manage finance, stock, POS, dispensing‑related processes and compliance in one connected platform.

Can Business Central support prescription dispensing?

Yes. It integrates with pharmacy dispensing systems and stores the financial, stock and reporting data that sits around the clinical workflow.

Does Business Central help manage controlled drugs and compliance?

Business Central supports accurate record keeping, audit trails, approvals and traceability, which can help with regulatory and controlled drug compliance.

Is Business Central suitable for pharmacy chains?

Yes. Business Central supports multi‑site stock visibility, centralised purchasing, unified pricing and consolidated financial reporting.

How does Business Central help with retail sales in pharmacies?

The system connects POS with stock and finance, allowing pharmacies to manage OTC products, promotions and pricing in one place.

Can Business Central help with insurance billing?

Yes. When integrated with dispensing and claims systems, Business Central improves visibility of claims, payments and reconciliations.

Does the system track expiry dates and batches?

Yes. Business Central provides lot and expiry tracking to reduce waste and maintain product safety.

Can pharmacies use Business Central for online orders?

Yes. Online pharmacy orders can connect to stock, pricing and fulfilment workflows in Business Central.

Is Business Central cloud‑based and secure enough for pharmacy data?

Business Central is delivered via Microsoft’s secure cloud platform with role‑based access and compliance‑ready controls.

How long does it take for pharmacies to see value?

Pharmacies often benefit quickly once stock, POS, dispensing‑linked data and financial information are centralised, reducing manual work and improving accuracy.