FAQs

Technically, DispensingPlatform (DP) is a bespoke cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), GDPR-compliant software package. The site automates the more challenging aspects of dispensing (orders, record-keeping, payments, labels, stock control, batch tracking, etc.) to free up your time and ensure accuracy. Herbal medicine has different formats and traditions, and DP supports clinic and third-party settings, liquids or solids, and any assortment of ratios. The Chinese medicine version gives access to a database of over 80 classic formulas and herbal information in addition to the standard 'formula builder'.

The DispensingPlatform software is designed for clinics with one or more practitioners who dispense herbal medicine directly to their patients, and large retail dispensaries or clinic groups that fulfil multiple practitioners’ herbal orders. The software can manages solids (raw herbs, powders or FCG) or liquid tinctures and calculate via ratios. Herbalists practice in a range of styles, and our intuitive frameworks match them.

The three-month Personal site trial is free! After that, we make a charge; the prices page shows the fees. There are low entry points, so you only "pay more when you're making more" to make things fair and help herbalism grow. The package also includes security, hosting and internet servers.

We're currently making a video of the Personal/Business site, and a brochure in the Features tab explains how the site dashboard functions. To see the Admin side of the Enterprise site, please contact us, and we'll arrange an online meeting to show you around.

Thankfully, the site is gremlin-free! If a problem arises, contact us via the Dashboard or team@dispensingplatform.com. The Enterprise site has a bespoke Audit Log that tracks their clients' use of the site. This makes it easy for retail dispensaries to quickly identify and resolve problems should they arise. If that's not enough, we're on hand to resolve problems and handle server updates.

You don't need to worry about updates, as our engineers manage them all. Most of the site software is bespoke, thoroughly tested and very robust.

Just contact us, and we'll quickly set up your free Personal site. Once you're in, you can personalise your Dashboard, add your inventory and start writing prescriptions.

To create a Business site, we need to link your domain to a new WordPress site, install our software, and share access with you via Cloudflare. We then integrate your email and your Stripe payment account so clients can be contacted and pay for their orders. Testing the system (email, payment links, herbal inventory, etc.) to make sure everything works. Your platform then stores your formulas, enables remote orders, takes payments and removes an array of time-consuming and tedious tasks for you!

Branding Business and Enterprise sites involves two possible routes:   Business users can opt for the free option, which is to adapt the DP clinic template yourself. You'll have access to the WordPress Pages, Posts, FAQs and Media, which gives you complete control of the site front. We have two templates; DP Clinic site – Dispensing Platform is the TCM one.   Alternatively, we can replicate your current site onto the front of the DP site, which will save you hosting costs in the long run. You'll still have access to WordPress Pages, Posts, FAQs and Media so you can adjust and grow things whenever you want.   Enterprise sites are more complex, and we'll need to be involved in the setup and testing. We need to charge for the time spent coding, but we keep costs to a minimum and will always provide a quote to avoid nasty surprises.

That's entirely your choice! If you choose to upgrade to Business, we'll need a domain name (it's usually easier and cheaper if we source one) and an email address. Online payment processing requires a Stripe account (it's simple for you to set up). If your existing site is on WordPress, we can make that the front of your DP one (saving you hosting fees), or you can edit the DP Clinic template to make it yours by adding pictures, text and blogs. All remarkably simple and civilised!

Setup times vary, depending on client needs and their alignment for the setup. Personal sites are usually ready in a day or two. For Business and Enterprise sites, having a domain, a working email, and a payment link are the key issues. Reach out and ask, and we'll give you an answer as quickly as possible.

There's a software licence agreement that allows you to use the software while safeguarding the owner’s (our) rights (don't copy, alter or misuse the software, etc., and payment terms).