Opening an online store for pharmacy operations is not a simple development project – it is about customer trust, strict requirements and smart technical choices. Codaone’s implementations bring everything a pharmacy needs, with each solution tailored to the situation. For example, authentication, product information management and information security are built seamlessly into an online service that is both easy to use and compliant with legislation.
Although online shopping has grown in Finland across all industries, online shopping in the pharmacy sector has not yet been fully utilized. Legislation permits it, the technology is ready, and customers increasingly expect the pharmacy to be where they are – online.
Many Swedish and German players have already built online shopping as the most important growth platform for their pharmacy business. In Finland, however, the potential is still almost untouched. Now is the opportunity to get ahead, while competition is still moderate and customer trust is easy to win.
Why now?
- Consumer behavior has changed permanently
- Digital prescription services are already part of everyday life
- Pharmacy chains are looking for new service models
- Legislation allows and supports supervised activities
- Technology is no longer a bottleneck
Codaone is involved in building the pharmacy of the future – not just technically, but also from a business perspective. We understand that it’s not just about code, but about trust, medication safety and customer experience. That’s why we build solutions in collaboration with pharmacies, listening, documenting and responding.
In the pharmacy’s online store, transactions often involve sensitive information. If the order concerns prescription drugs, age-controlled products or personal products, the customer must identify themselves securely. In practice, this means strong identification, for example via the Suomi.fi service, and an encrypted connection (HTTPS).
- Data is transmitted over an encrypted connection
- Personal information and payment details remain protected
- The customer knows that they are transacting confidentially and securely
Security doesn’t end with authentication. The systems behind an online store are responsible for things like inventory synchronization and reimbursement logic. These need to operate in real time so that the product range and order path reflect actual availability.
- Prescription and inventory information is up to date
- Reimbursements are calculated correctly
- Operational reliability is built on integrations
Information on pharmacy products often comes from databases maintained by authorities or industry associations. It is important that information such as active ingredients, possible side effects and price are regularly updated in the online store.
- The source can be, for example, the Finnish Pharmacists’ Association’s Tuubi.
- Updates are often published twice a month
- The Magento store receives the data automatically
As the product catalog expands, managing information about individual products can no longer be done in a spreadsheet. A PIM (Product Information Management) system, such as Akeneo, meets this need.
- Brings together descriptions, images, categorizations and technical data
- Publishes information to multiple channels from one place
- Connects to Magento via REST API
This means that, for example, a new product release or mass update is handled centrally without errors.
The pharmacy online store operates under regulation. GDPR, Class A data security requirements, cookie management, auditing capabilities, and user rights management are not optional.
- GDPR-compliant customer register
- Cookie management and consents
- Permission allocation and audit trail
Information security is not a separate area, but rather a structural part of the online service.
Implementing an online pharmacy requires a combination of: knowledge of intermediary systems, understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and e-commerce business expertise. Codaone has been involved in implementing Finland’s first Magento-based online pharmacies.
- Understanding the interfaces with the Kanta Prescription Centre and Kela
- UX testing using feedback from pharmacy events and test groups
- Technical and operational cooperation with pharmacies
Pharmacy systems cannot be fully tested in isolation. For example, prescriptions and Kela reimbursements often need to be tested directly in production. This requires the partner to be prepared for quick fixes.
- Partial live testing necessary
- Respond to disruptions without delay
- Ready-made operating model for failure situations
Codaone specializes in Magento online stores, and we have also been involved in building the first pharmacy online stores in Finland. For us, Magento is not just a technical platform – but a flexible and robust foundation on which we can build an online service that takes into account the specific characteristics of a pharmacy.
Our pharmacy customers choose us when they need:
- Understanding of pharmacy regulation and system environment
- Technical expertise that extends from architecture to usability
- A partner who manages integrations, maintenance and continuous development
- A mindset where an online store is not a one-off project – but part of the pharmacy’s service
If you want to build an online pharmacy service that can withstand time, regulation, and customer expectations – let’s discuss further.
