It has come to our attention that there has been a recent announcement made by a software integration partner regarding the introduction of a new integration fee to access existing third-party platforms. We want to clarify upfront that Z Software is not introducing a new integration fee on pharmacy accounts.

Over the past few years, the Z Software integration ecosystem has continued to grow, with more than 30 third-party software solutions connecting with our products to provide additional services to pharmacies.

As the ecosystem has grown, so has the ongoing investment required to support it. Every integration relies on platform infrastructure, technical support, compatibility testing, security oversight and ongoing maintenance to ensure it continues to operate reliably as Z Software and partner solutions evolve.

Although commercial and technical integration arrangements are already used elsewhere across the pharmacy software industry, Z Software has, until now, largely absorbed the costs of supporting third-party integrations.

We are introducing a formal and sustainable model under which commercial organisations integrating their products with Z Software are required to enter into an agreement with us and contribute towards the cost of supporting those integrations.

Z Software has long been and continues to be a supporter of a strong, open ecosystem that ensures pharmacies retain control and choice when it comes to selecting the solutions and partners that best meet their needs.

Z Software has engaged with many third-party vendors over the last 12 months, including MedAdvisor, to openly discuss and share plans for formalising how vendors integrate with Z Software products under the Z Software Partner Program, with a consistent focus on security, transparency and ongoing support.

The program applies to all participating vendors, including those using existing integration methods. Over time, vendors will transition to CAPI, our new Integration Platform, providing a more scalable, secure and standardised way to connect while giving pharmacies greater visibility and control over vendor access.

Under the Partner Program, participating vendors are required to make a commercial contribution towards the infrastructure, security, support and ongoing operation of the integrations their products rely on. This is a common commercial model across the software industry and helps ensure integrations remain secure, reliable and appropriately supported as the ecosystem grows.

The Partner Program is a commercial arrangement between Z Software and participating third-party software vendors. The integration fee is charged to the vendor - not directly to pharmacies by Z Software.

Each vendor independently determines how it prices and packages its products. If a vendor chooses to change the amount it charges a pharmacy, that is a commercial decision made by that vendor. Any questions about charges appearing on a third-party vendor’s account or invoice should be directed to that vendor.

Our goal is to support a healthy and sustainable integration ecosystem:

• Pharmacies gain access to a broad range of connected solutions.
• Software partners have a secure, reliable and supported platform on which to provide their services.
• Z Software can continue investing in the technology and infrastructure underpinning these integrations.

We remain committed to investing in the Z Software platform and delivering products, services and innovations that help pharmacies succeed.

If a third-party vendor changes the price it charges your pharmacy, questions about that change should be directed to the vendor.

Z Software is formalising how participating vendors integrate with our products, and this includes a commercial arrangement. The commercial and technical arrangement is between Z Software and participating software vendors, to support the infrastructure, security, support and ongoing operation of the integrations their products rely on.

The Z Software Partner Program formalises how third-party vendors integrate with our products, with a focus on security and giving pharmacies greater visibility and control over the data vendors can access.

The program includes the planned transition of vendors to CAPI, our new integration platform, which will provide pharmacies with greater visibility and control over the data vendors can access. It also establishes a sustainable model in which vendors contribute to the ongoing operation and support of the integrations their products rely on.

This is not a new initiative. Z Software has been developing the program and consulting with third-party vendors for almost 12 months.

Z Software will continue to work with endorsed solutions to ensure continuity of service, security, and innovation for pharmacies.

Z Software has been working with third-party vendors for almost 12 months, and the transition to the Partner Program and CAPI will be managed directly with them.